Most years I attend the Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne, and this week will see my first event for the year at the Turnbull Stakes Day on Sunday.
I am quite traditionalist in my racing attire, this is what I normally wear:
Knee length dress
Some sort of jacket that can be easily removed but compliments the outfit if its cold
Gloves
Hat
Sunglasses
Heels
Small bag
Complimentary jewellery
The outfit featured in this post is from about 2 years on Derby Day when it is traditional to wear black and white. I’m not really sure what I’ll wear this coming weekend, I think it’s really important to dress for the weather so it could be anything at this stage!
The races are a unique experience and a chance to dress in a classic, lady-like style if only for once a year. I find it kind of baffling when you see some people dressed up like they’re going clubbing, but then the race courses don’t enforce a dress code so I suppose you could argue that anything goes. I can assure you that you will never see me in sequins, a mini skirt, anything strapless or a fake tan.
If you know of any lovely vintage finds or millinery around Melbourne or beyond send suggestions my way please!
25 comments
There is a great milinary shop called the very very strict school of milinary and she makes custom made hats and facinators. She is very affordable and has made mine on several occasions. She is located in Hampton so check it out xx
I actually have to present this to my students and check out what exactly they think concerning this.
Your outfit looks stunning, I agree with you about some girls choice of outfits, they look outrageous.
I found some great headwear at an online store, Hair Accessories Direct, maybe you could check them out.
Have a great day
Ok I am terrified, I have never been before and this coming Saturday is my first time. What should I wear? How much should I spend?
Hi, do you have any advice for Stakes Day….it will be my first day at melbourne races.
Oh I LOVELOVELOVE this outfit !!!!
I think its the time of year for a great hat and everything else almost seems secondary these days , of course classic good taste styling is always in 🙂
oh maybe i can meet u by accident one day :p
i got your coat. great outfit
i love the dress; it looks so soft and comfy. and ur makeup compliments ur look too…gorgeous!
Couldn’t agree more on the dressing etiquette, Lady M!
Check this out for super sweet head pieces for the races: http://www.hummingbirdroad.com.au
Hello LM,
Love your work!
so sad I won’t be at the races this year!
Looking forward to seeing your outfit/s.
My mum makes amazing hats & fascinators.
I threw together this blog last year as a tiny sampler of her amazing work. So handy to know a milliner come racing season!
http://tessaspeller.blogspot.com/
Love the fascinator.. I’ve been searching for 4 years for the ‘perfect’ derby hat.. SO HARD to find one.
Long time no see, no hear My Lady M !
I wan’t you to know that reading your blog always takes mind off my busy & very crazy life.I also wan’t you to know that I’m actually entering my first fashion compettion at the racers this year, for Melbourne cup day.I’m going vintage all the way, & my sister will be my model.I am so excited I’m Hoping the judges will be pleased with what I have to offer. The hair peices I’ve designed, I’m sure will turn a few heads, I would Love your opinion I will send you a sketch of my design fingers crossed & wish me Luck Lady M !!!
Nothing but Love from Sister Sydney !!!
Would love a ‘what to wear to a… summer BBQ’ type post… there are so many BBQ functions over summer it’d be great to see what your hot tips are 🙂 xx
Agree absolutely – and love the gloves. I am sure you know of the fabulous Guava Jelly – I have numerous wonderful necklaces and handbags from that treasure of a shop in Richmond.
Gorgeous! Exactly how the dress code for races should be. Love the last pic. Perfect!
It’s meant to be 24 on Sunday so a lovely dress is in order I think! x
Devine, I agree with your dress code
Sleekit x
OH and if you’re looking for vintage millinery/clutches etc you seriously could not go past http://www.lindavydra.blogspot.com/
Very cute and unique items, would be perfect for the Spring Racing Carnival 🙂
Beautiful outfit… very elegant! I also agree re the atrocious dressing of some ‘ladies’! The gloves and jacket are my favourites in this outfit! I have never worn gloves to the races but perhaps I shall be on the lookout for some to wear at this year’s events! x
Where is your jacket from Lady Melbourne? You look timeless.
Love the gloves as a finishing touch. Just gorgeous!
Couldn’t agree with you more on dress standards (or lack thereof) for race days! Show them how it’s done! Beautiful. x
You look stunning I love your headpiece, looks like a wonderful day in melbourne xoxo