It’s the season of frosted flutes and outrageous wagers, but before you loosen your tie at this year’s spring carnival, you best nail the high-stakes dress code.
You’ve marked your calendar and identified a couple of ‘sure things’, but we’re betting a fashion form guide hasn’t figured in your pre-race day plans. Fear not. With the help of model and former League star Kris Smith, style expert Elliott Garnaut breaks down Australia’s Spring Carnival sartorial rules and what’s trending this racing season.
What to wear to Derby Day
Spring is in full swing, but for the first day of Cup Week, colour should be kept in your closet. It’s the strictest day on the calendar, so give a nod to tradition with a sharp monochromatic number. While black can look a little morbid, “add more dimension to a standard black suit with a knitted tie or French cuff shirt,” advises Garnaut. “These are subtle elements that will take your look from office to trackside very quickly.” For the man that favours a bold palette? “Don’t be afraid to play with shades.”
Wolf Kanat jacket $349, pants $149, MJ Bale shirt $110, Blaq tie $40, Jeff Banks pocket square $30
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What to wear pre Cup Week
In the lead-up to Cup Week, at events like the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, sartorial standards are a little less rigid. “The traditional dress codes aren’t enforced for these events, so this is your chance to push the boundaries,” says Garnaut. “Ties are optional and a matching suit and open-collared shirt will complement the setting well.” The best place to invest your money (besides the track)? “A comfortable shoe.” You can thank us later.
Van Heusen jacket $199, tie $40, Gibson chino $129, MJ Bale shirt $110, Jeff Banks pocket square $30, Aquila shoes $249
What to wear to Stakes Day
The last day on the racing calendar, Stakes Day is the perfect excuse to flaunt the latest in trackside trends. The season favourite? Camel. While it might seem out of place among seasoned thoroughbreds like navy and charcoal, “Camel is huge this season,” says Garnaut. Opt for utilitarian colours in a linen or cotton suit, he adds. And for the man who likes to gamble? Go 50 shades of camel.
MJ Bale shirt $90, tie $110, Rodd & Gunn jacket $400, Gibson chinos $129, Jeff Banks pocket square $30
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What to wear to Melbourne Cup
It’s the race that stops a nation, but it’s also your best opportunity to break the rules rather than the bank. Perhaps we’re being overly optimistic, but when it comes to suiting up for the Cup, stylistically at least, this is your chance to go for broke. “It’s the day that you’ll see some of the most outrageous looks, where you can have fun and experiment with colour, cut and shape,” advises Garnaut. “It’s also the day that the fashion police are their most forgiving.” Good luck. We’ll spot you.
Gibson jacket $375, tie $49, trousers $129, MJ Bale shirt $90, Van Heusen pocket square $40
What to wear to Oaks Day
Complement the woman on your arm by adding some feminine flair on Oaks Day, also known as Ladies Day. “Real men wear pink, so incorporate a subtle element from women’s wear into your look,” advises Garnaut. “Think summer garden party and keep it light, fresh and fun with soft muted colours or florals.” Remember, if in doubt, think pink. And before you ask, leave the fascinator at home.
MJ Bale shirt $49, tie $80, Pierre Cardin jacket $255, Gibson trousers $129, Jeff Banks pocket square $30, Aquila shoes $249
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