Spring is almost here! The flowers are blooming and so will you.

The most awaited Spring Racing Carnival 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s a must to embrace fashion and glamour. First-timer or not, you deserve to look fabulous, baby!

Need help to bring your fashion game on point trackside? Here are THREE reminders, TWO styles you can go for, and ONE essential you wouldn’ want to miss!

Three Reminders for Spring Racing Carnival

Double check the important details

Before finalising that stunning outfit for Spring Racing Carnival 2024, you have to know the themes, dress codes, and dates for important races.

Themes may not be hard rules, but they provide a great opportunity for you to get fun and creative. May it be big and bold for Melbourne Cup Day or floral fascination for Oaks Day, glam it up with the race’s theme accordingly!

FORD MILLINERY friend Bree Stewart wearing “AKIRA” in light blue

Meanwhile, dress codes are a must-remember. Most, if not all, locations have dress codes for guests. Double check the location to know the yays or nays for the event you’re attending. We encourage you to stay true to your style but also to follow the necessary rules.

For instance, some require closed-toe shoes, while others prohibit cut-outs. The jury on cut-outs are yet to be finalised, but many were seen wearing dresses that bear them in Everest 2023 at the Australian Turf Club.

Midi dresses are known as the most appropriate type for the occasion, but you may wear mini dresses, too, if allowed and styled appealingly.

The Golden Eagle or Melbourne Cup often have more relaxed dressing rules. Some may not be as strict anymore, but there have been instances where guests were asked to change (or sadly leave the venue) because their outfit did not fit the rules.

And, of course, take note of the dates! Make sure to mark your calendars for spring races you’ll attend. You wouldn’t want to miss them, right? Here’s a list of the upcoming races and events to guide you.

FORD MILLINERY Friend Tammy wearing "PALOMA" in pink

Prepare in order to avoid last-minute delays

As they say: preparation is the key to success! Fashion and preparation go hand-in-hand. This may sound intimidating to our procrastinator friends, but nothing beats being fully-prepared. This way, you can avoid the stress and hassle of last-minute problems, especially with your race day outfit. Plan carefully, and style fashionably.

Don’t leave your headwear to the last minute! Once you’ve zeroed in on your dress, make sure you have your headwear sorted too. Not sure which one to pick? Take advantage of our FREE styling service. Our team of expert stylists, led by our Creative Director, renowned headwear designer Chantelle Ford, will give you three personalised picks for your outfit!

GET STYLED HERE

Wear what you love 

FORD MILLINERY Friend Nikki Phillips wearing "BLACK WIDOW" in lavender

Yes, we will never get tired of our mantra: Wear what you love! Feeling bold? Feminine? Feisty? Go for it! Show it with your outfit and pair it with stunning hats or headbands. After all, the Spring Racing Carnival is definitely the season to glam it up with all you got. Let your personality shine through your style, but dress responsibly. As mentioned earlier, be mindful of the rules and dress codes!

Two Spring Racing Carnival Styles

Style is subjective, and we think it’s entirely up to your hands. We do not want to impose — after all, we love to see you comfortable and confident in what you wear. But, if you need a hand, we gotcha! Here are two styles in terms of colour that you can pull off:

Monochromatic mood

FORD MILLINERY Friend Micah Gianelli wearing "ANNIE" in hot pink

Monochrome outfits are definitely a banger. This type of style means working on a single colour (but not necessarily shade) to form a captivating fit. Easy to put together? Check! Effortlessly stylish? Check!

Having the same colour palette isn’t always a limitation. It can actually be an opportunity to explore. Be creative with different hues or tones, textures, and accessories. To add flair to your look, you can don a headband, hat or headpiece whose colour goes well with your entire outfit. Imagine: a light pink dress, blush pink heels, and a hot pink straw hat as a final touch! Indeed, with monochrome outfits, simplicity meets beauty and elegance.

Pop it off with a pop of colour

FORD MILLINERY Friend Celine McSweeney wearing "AKIRA" in orange

Colour makes any outfit feel more alive. Studies show that colour boosts confidence and happiness. You can feel that rush of dopamine or happiness through dopamine dressing in spring racing!

Start by using headwear — they’re the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your outfit. Hats, headbands, headpieces, you name it! Spring Racing Carnival is the best time to rock headwear and be a headturner. Wearing a cute white dress? Why not make it more exciting with a bright orange headband? Unless the theme is strictly black and white, try adding a dash of vibrant hues to glam up your overall look!

One Spring Racing Carnival Essential

Headwear! They’re the star of the show (or your outfit) and your trusty stylish companion.

There’s no better avenue to wear stunning hats, headpieces, and headbands than racing events. In fact, racing events are among the few occasions that encourage you to rock headwear. So, grab this year’s Spring Racing Carnival as a splendid opportunity to style up — now is the time to be styled from head to toe (literally)!

Here are some bestsellers and favourites among our collection that you might want to try:

Floral Fascination

Want to fascinate with florals? Try “FRIDA” (add to cart here), “LENA” (add to cart here), or “AKIRA” (add to cart here)! These headbands are fabulous picks for VRC Oaks Day on 7 November 2024. You can pair these headpieces with pastel or floral outfits for a more dainty, ethereal vibe.

Viva le veil

Elegant. Classy. Sexy. Nothing can go wrong with lace. “SYD” (add to cart here), “CAMILLA” (add to cart here), and “EZRA” (add to cart here) will surely make you a stunner. They’re perfect for the ladies — especially on Sofitel Girls' Day Out (Melbourne) on 16 September 2024 and Five Diamond Ladies Day (Sydney) on 9 November 2024. Satin dresses or suits with these headwear are a good choice, giving you that powerful yet feminine look.

Big & Bold

Now THAT’s a headturner! Go big and bold with these stunning picks: “THUMPER” (add to cart here), “MELODY” (add to cart here), and “QUEENIE” (add to cart here). These will surely grab the compliments on Melbourne Cup Day, 5 November 2024. You can pair them with brightly coloured outfits to create a statement!

Excited for Spring Racing Carnival 2024? So are we! Check out our website for more fashionable headbands, hats, headpieces, and other headwear so you can slay your outfit with style (we know you will). Enjoy the races!