What do you wear to Spring Racing? Dressing up well for Melbourne Cup Day, Derby Day, Oaks Day and all the other events of the Carnival is both an art form and a skill. How do you express yourself through clothing and ensure you’re following the rules? Master the basics.

Knowing what you can wear will help you narrow down your list, based on the theme or dress code of the event and venue you’re going to. This also allows you to have a little bit more room to play and explore. This helps you answer the questions: Can I add more to the look? Should I pare it down?

Here is the anatomy of a Spring Racing outfit.

The dress

When planning outfits, the dress tends to come first. It’s the piece with which you’d want to build your look. A good rule of thumb when picking a dress is thinking of the races as a semi-formal occasion (they are!). So this takes denim out of the equation. An easy way to go about it is if you can’t wear it to a wedding, you probably can’t wear it to the races either.

While mid-riffs were a big no-no at these occasions for decades, we’ve seen a few venues that have become lax with this rule. To be on the safe side, we do think you can try to avoid them still.

What if you’re not really a dress person? You can definitely wear a jumpsuit or a suit. Semi-formal coordinates and other two-piece sets are welcome too.

READ MORE: Race Day Fashion Mistakes To Avoid

The shoes

To go with the semi-formal vibe, pick a dressy pair. While we caution against wearing stilettos, sometimes the outfit just calls for it. You can still wear sky-high, pointy heels but you may want to put on heel protectors so you can move freely. Pairs in suede, silk and satin can easily get water stains or any stain in general and are hard to clean though, so you may want to refrain from them.

The bag

FORD MILLINERY "MOULIN" bag in white, "AYN" earrings, "CLAUDIA" sunglasses

Cute little purses are, well, cute, but they often don’t have space for what you need. Make sure you choose a clutch that can carry your essentials — phone, cards, lipstick or a small bottle of perfume. We’re all about style and pieces that look like art, but we also think that you can marry style with functionality. So go for a bag that doesn’t only look good but is actually a bag (not a display)!

The headwear

You’ve probably already heard it, but it begs repeating: Headwear is what turns any special occasion look into a specifically race-ready look. Yes, you can have the prettiest dress or snazziest suit, but without headwear — whether that’s a headpiece, hat, fascinator or a headband — it’s just a pretty dress or a snazzy suit, it’s not racewear. Headwear is synonymous with racing fashion!

The best part? With modern headwear, you can explore more style options. If you’re not a fan of more traditional styles, you can opt for something that’s sleeker and can be worn at other special occasions too.

Our top tip? Don’t scrimp on quality! Aside from unique and original designs, a well-made piece of headwear is crafted to not only stay in place but actually stay comfortably on your noggin’ while you’re having fun all day!

The accessories

This is where you can practice editing or go even bolder than you intended.

Accessories truly uplift an outfit, but with the wrong style or number, they could also break an otherwise great ensemble. If you’re wearing a headband, for instance, would it look better with a pair of chandelier earrings or something more subdued? Would you pair a wide-brimmed hat with a stud? Should you add a necklace to your look? Should you add sunglasses into the mix? These are just a few of the questions you should ask before taking the plunge. 

The end goal is to strike a balance with the pieces you’re adding to (or subtracting from) your style equation.

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Once you’ve zeroed in on these basics, it will be easier to find the perfect combination for the best Spring Racing outfit. If you’re still in doubt, just make sure you remember to #WearWhatYouLove! Comfort is key when attending events like the races. On top of the pieces feeling and fitting just right, make sure that they also look and feel like you!