Spring racing has launched and now is the time to start planning your outfits. Here is a rundown on this year’s spring racing fashion competitions.
Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field
The Victorian Racing Club (VRC) has announced that their Fashions on the Field competition is going global this year being open to everyone, everywhere. Categories remain the same Best Dressed and Best Suited Awards.
The digital competition has already closed but racegoers are able to enter in-person at Flemington across the first three days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Best Dressed is defined as a well-considered special occasion race day outfit, but not a suit.
Best Suited is defined as, a set of outer clothes made of the same or co-ordinated fabric and designed to be worn together, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a jacket and skirt. Jumpsuits and or playsuits will not be considered in this category.
Outfits must also showcase millinery and complementary accessories (ties, pocket squares, jewellery, shoes, bag, gloves – as preferred) – borrowing from current fashion trends to reflect the entrants own individual style and appropriateness for a day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
| Penfolds Victoria Derby Day Saturday 4 November 2023 | Black and white |
| Lexus Melbourne Cup Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Bright and bold |
| Kennedy Oaks Day Thursday 9 November 2023 | Feminine (florals, pastels, lace) |
| TAB Champions Stakes Day Saturday 11 November 2023 | Relaxed, easy and breezy |
For more info and an interesting history of the competition head to the official FOTF website here.
Spring Style Stakes
The Australian Turf Club (ATC) returns this season with its Fashion Stakes competition. The competitions run on:
- TAB Everest Day – Saturday 14 October at Royal Randwick
- James Squire Golden Eagle Day – Saturday 4 November at Rosehill Gardens
How to enter:
- Create your finest Spring look, complete with shoes, headwear and accessories. Your outfit should reference current trends and racing dress codes, while expressing individual style, sophistication and creativity.
- Head to the track to enter the competition in person at the Pamper Pavilion, or scan the QR codes around the course to upload a pic from anywhere trackside. You must be on track to enter the competition and entries close at 2pm on the day.
| TAB Everest Day Saturday 14 October 2023 | A touch of blue |
| Spring Wild Card Day Saturday 21 October 2023 | Bright and bold |
| Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day Saturday 28 October 2023 | Spring Pastels |
| James Squire Golden Eagle Day Saturday 4 November 2023 | Gold embellishments |
| The Big Dance on Cup Day Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Embrace bold colour |
| Five Diamonds Ladies Day Saturday 11 November 2023 | A touch of pink |
For more info head to the ATC website here.
Check out my spring racing millinery collection here to compliment and complete your outfit.
Feature photo sourced from National Museum of Australia.