Spring Racing Outfits – What you need to know when planning your outfits

Don'ts

1. Don't have more than 1 hero piece in the chosen outfit.
2. Don't feel you have to wear a suit or a dress. Separates (a blazer with chinos or a skirt and tops) are great because you can get more wear out of them after the Carnival.
3. Don't feel like you have to match all your accessories in the same colour (e.g. a yellow tie worn with a yellow pocket square or shoes, hairpiece and bag in the same colour).  Mix complementary colours into your outfits instead.

Dos

1. Do follow the dress code set for the particular racing days, especially on the following race days:

• • Derby Day - stick to monochrome. Take your stunning black and white outfit out (all white, all black or a mix).  Gentlemen can get away with a charcoal/grey suit.
  • Melbourne Cup Day - Go bold and be extravagant! You'll see the most striking headpieces on Cup Day.
  • Oaks Day -  Feminine colours and patterns.
  • Stakes Day - go for a more relaxed look when you plan your outfit.

1. Do inject your personality into the outfit. For men, accessories like pocket squares, ties and cufflinks are some of the easiest ways to do this.
2. Do pay attention to the shoes you wear. They need to be comfortable enough to be worn for the whole day. Gentlemen, polish your shoes, check that there are no scuff marks on them and do you need to replace your shoelaces?
3. Do have a hero piece (your headwear, dress, tie or shirt) that you build the outfit around.
4. Follow Styling by Lumiere on Instagram or Facebook for the latest spring fashion trends for some inspiration.
5. Do have fun planning your outfits.
6. Do consult Styling by Lumiere to get the best advice on the outfit that makes you feel amazing and comfortable on the day.

You can also read the dress guidelines set by the Victorian Racing Club.