Spring Racing Fashion on the Fields

The Spring Racing season is already underway, and it's only seven weeks until the 'race that stops the nation' - the Melbourne Cup. If you're heading trackside, or even just having a sporty celebration at work, here's what to expect from the 2018 Spring Racing Fashion on the Fields.

This year's top forecast is that it's all about the soft feminine blush. Dusky pinks, soft mauves, neutrals and light terracottas are predicted to be all the rage, with a strong leaning towards Boho fascinators and accessories.

If you're sticking to one colour add drama in the cut. Asymmetric hemlines teamed with dropped shoulder styling, or a short hem with classy long sleeves should see you comfortably placed in the winner's circle. Add sparkle with a crystal headband or hair clip and choose long earrings for exposed shoulders, or dainty drops for a high neckline. If you can throw in a feminine vintage twist to your gown, all the better!

Image from the XXXX Bunbury Cup, 2018, see source here.

If you're more of a country girl, go Boho! We predict there'll be lots of flowers worn with long hair this year in a feminine – yet fun loving – bohemian style. Think long flowing fabrics, split hems, dramatic sleeves or dainty straps, and natural make-up for a soft glowing complexion.

If bright and bold is your thing, prints are always popular at the races. Be bold and dramatic, loud and colourful, but whatever your style be sure to follow a few simple etiquette rules:

Don't expose too much flesh. It's classier to cover your midriff, and if you have a short hemline balance it with a high neckline and sleeves, and vice verse.
No 'active wear'. Save the Lorna Jane and trainers for coffee dates with your gal pals.
Keep it classy. Whether you pay top dollar for your outfit or score a fantastic buy from an op-shop, DON'T go in anything with designer rips or tears, or anything that a regular mum would choose to wear for the school drop-off.
Not really an etiquette dictate, but useful to remember: stilettos sink in grass! Choose shoes with a wedge heel or high heels that have a broader surface area to make walking easier.

When accessorising the top tip is to choose a clutch with a shoulder or wrist strap so you can keep your hands free to hold your drink and betting slips, and make sure it's big enough to comfortably accommodate your phone, lippy, and all your winnings!

Jewellery is a must, but decide in advance what's going to be the hero of your outfit – is it your fascinator or headpiece, something dramatic about your gown, or your bling that you want to stand out for?

If your bling is your hero – and you don't have pierced ears – we have the clip-on earrings to help you complete your look.

Check out our quirky and fun range for floral fabrics and sequins or hand-made fantasy, fairy tale and novelty styles.
For bold prints and monochrome, see our retro range of lacquered black, white and red clip-on earrings to make your outfit pop.
If you have exposed shoulders and a plunging neckline, see our dramatic Long Chandelier Clip Earrings or Tassel and Fringe Clip Earring range, or go really bold with a pair of giant Clip-On Hoops.
For classic and vintage styling, elegant soft blush gowns, and high necklines, take a look at our Dainty Clip-On Earrings range or Button Clip-On Earrings for something to suit.
Or choose something from our range of Clip-On Earring Necklace Sets.

If you have pierced ears you'll find a range of beautiful post and hook earrings and necklace sets here.

So now you have your outfit sorted, here's the calendar of Spring Racing events to make sure you have plenty of opportunity to show off your Fashion on the Fields.

Caulfield Cup – Saturday October 21: Recommended fashions; bright bold colours.
AAMI Victoria Derby Day – Saturday November 4: Tradition dictates monochrome!
Emirates Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday November 7: Be you in the styling of your choice (but don't break the etiquette rules!) and don't forget the fascinator.
Emirates Stakes Day – Saturday November 11: Keep it classy for this family favourite race day. Feminine or boho are the winning looks here.
Crown Oaks Day – Thursday November 9: It's Ladies Day, so be a lady, not a tramp! Feminine florals or elegant vintage styling are the order of the day.