Get Ready With Us – Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival

For us Australians, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is just around the corner and here at The Modern Day Living, we cannot wait. What are we excited about you might ask? The fashion on the field of course! The Spring Racing Carnival brings Australia’s top socialists and everyday Aussies together for a week of on-trend, summery and refined outfits that are curated weeks in advance. This carnival will showcase some of the best outfits of the year and with that in mind, it can be a rather stressful period whilst you plan what you’re going to wear.

With limited attendance numbers this year, we will also see a rise in events held away from the racetrack so we have decided to bring you our top choices for both the track and your private event ahead of the Spring Racing Carnival.

Penfolds Victoria Derby Day – October 30th
Derby Day would have to be our favourite race day on the calendar as the theme is black and white. This is the first day of the carnival and therefore the highest anticipated day. Typically, on Derby day the sophisticated silhouettes will come out and we cannot wait to see what trends hit the track this year.

Our picks:
For attending the race day: The Canvas Raffia Midi Dress in White by Manning Cartell
This is the perfect Derby Day dress. Bright white and a classy silhouette that will sculpt and flatter your female form. Keep it all white with a white floral fascinator or add some depth and opt for black accessories.

For your private event: The Doreen Dress in Cloud by Steele
We love this choice as it keeps your outfit casual yet still cute and within the black and white guidelines! Our tip? If your private event includes headwear as a requirement, opt for a more statement black fascinator/headband to bring your outfit to life more.

Lexus Melbourne Cup Day – November 2nd
The main event of the carnival, Melbourne Cup Day is where the dress code hits another level of formality but allows colour to bring the spring vibes into the race day. For this day, we recommend avoiding mini lengthed dresses and opting for something slightly more sophisticated.

Our picks:
For attending the race day: Benson Dress in Peach by Acler
The Benson Dress is the perfect Melbourne Cup day outfit. A subtle peach to celebrate the spring season, yet with a consciously designed with thin rouleau straps and a plunging V-neckline which falls into a draped asymmetrical hem.

For your private event: The Candice Midi Dress in Velma Floral Blue by Faithfull The Brand
Keeping the formality of the event day with a midi length, the Candice dress also features a spring print and adjustable straps which falls into a floaty midi length skirt with a ruffle hem detail.

Kennedy Oaks Day – November 4th
Oaks Day is fondly known as “Ladies Day” therefore, we recommend celebrating this day with soft prints and feminine colours and designs. Ladies day you’re able to play with the silhouette of your dress and rock some brighter colours.

Our picks:
For attending the race day: Soiree Long Sleeve Backless Gown in Hot Pink by L’IDEE
We absolutely love this option for Oaks Day as it is feminine with the hot pink colour and a flattering silhouette with unexpected back cut out and full-length sleeves, catering for any typical Melbourne weather change.

For your private event: Rosanna Strappy Maxi Dress in Wine by Suboo
Keeping with the feminine colour theme, the Rosanna dress is a great option for your private event! The statement bandeau bodice and cross over adjustable rouleau neck-straps will keep you comfortable yet fashionable.

Mackinnon Stakes Day – November 6th
The final event of the Flemington Spring Racing Carnival is Stakes day, which is fondly known as family day! This is the event day where you can expect more attendees of all ages including children and teenagers. As a result of this, Stakes Day would be the most casual day on the calendar when it comes to planning your outfits. Whilst still respecting the dress code, you’re able to tone down the formality of your outfit and make it more playful.

Our picks:
For attending the race day: Amelia Dress in Apricot by Acler
In line with the playful vibe, we absolutely love the Acler Amelia dress! Featuring a print colour, a plunging V-neckline, long balloon sleeves and a panel at the wait to subtly cinch, which falls into a tiered gathered skirt – you cannot go wrong with this style for family day!

For your private event: Holi Mini in Fete Gingham by One Fell Swoop
Contrary to One Fell Swoop’s signature silk design, this Holi Mini boasts a more relaxed vibe with the gingham material, one-shoulder design and slightly flared mini skirt providing a charmingly feminine silhouette. Perfect for a casual Stakes Day BBQ!