Heading to one of the Spring Racing Carnival events for the first time or are you trying to level up your look from last year? It’s one thing to know what to put together, and another to know what doesn’t belong in your ensemble. 

Race days are great avenues for dressing up, but they also offer a lot of chances for blunders — from style-related to comfort-related issues. Make sure you’re not caught making any kind of slips so you can enjoy all the fun the season has to offer. Here are race day fashion mistakes to avoid. 

Planning your outfit without knowing the dress code

In other cases, we’d encourage you to stand out and not care about what you’re wearing — all for the love of self-expression through style. For races, though, it’s best to follow the rules. And not just because they’re good guidelines to have but more so because they must be followed. There had been cases where a guest was not allowed to join the festivities because they didn’t follow the club’s dress code. 

Think of the theme for different race days, too! Melbourne Cup is always big, bright and bold, while Derby Day is the chicest with its black and white dress code. Everest Day in Sydney has a touch of blue, while Oaks Day in Melbourne invites you to go ultra-feminine.

Pro tip: Instead of seeing dress codes as limitations, take them as challenges to practice your creativity. They’re an opportunity to think within limits but still trying to colour outside the lines in your own way. 

READ MORE: Royal Randwick Dress Code

Wearing denim

Dress codes in some race clubs have changed a bit in the past couple of years, in an effort to attract more of the younger crowd. While in the past, cut-outs and outfits that revealed a little bit too much of the skin were a no-no, they’ve started to become more accepted now. The key is to keep it classy.

Despite this, there’s one thing that’s still not allowed trackside: denim. Race days are more formal occasions, hence needing more formal wear. Ditch the denim just for the day! 

Pro tip: Think of it as an excuse to play dress up and embrace the fanciness of the occasion!

Wearing stilettos 

There’s grass track-side! You wouldn’t want heels digging through dirt while you’re trying to have a good time with family or friends. So ditch the stilettos and opt for something that offers the height or silhouette you want and the stability you need. Wedges are great options. So are block heels!

Pro tip: If you’re set on wearing stilettos, buy a pair of stoppers. These will help stop the feeling of sinking in dirt or grass.

Not wearing a hat or a headpiece

The races truly are the only events (aside from weddings, maybe) where you’re encouraged to style up from top to bottom. So, yes, definitely wear a hat or headpiece. Headwear makes your outfit not only infinitely more aesthetically pleasing but also more race-day-appropriate. The best part? There’s a style that’s just for you — from headpieces and embellished headbands to fascinators to wide-brimmed hats.

Pro tip: Go for designer headwear. There is an evident difference between slow and handcrafted and mass-produced pieces. Pick a style you’ll love to wear again and again!

Check out our collection here.

Wearing something you’re not 100% confident in

All these said, the most important thing is to stay true to your persona. style — yes, while following the dress codes. That’s the surest way to have fun on race day! You won’t feel the need to pull down your shirt or cover up or check your dress every now and again and just stay focused on having the time of your life.

Pro tip: Got a dress you love and it fits the dress code? Don’t be scared to re-wear it! Jazz it up with accessories and you’ll look and feel like a million bucks.