5 top Melbourne Cup style tips:

Not everyone works somewhere where they can actually stop and watch the ‘race that stops a nation’. For example, if you work in a hospital, at a school, in public transport or at a restaurant or bar – that will presumably do very good business on Melbourne Cup Day – you’re too busy working.

But increasingly, many people are either going to Melbourne for the big race themselves; or attending another race meeting elsewhere in Australia; taking the afternoon off for an organised function; or taking part in the ubiquitous Melbourne Cup office party.

So for those who are able to enjoy the day, the big question is: what to wear?

We’ve looked around at some of the advice on offer and come up with our very own list of the top 5 Melbourne Cup style tips. We can't promise you'll look just like Bollywood superstar, Aishwarya Rai, in the main picture - but we think she looks gorgeous, as do the winners/runners-up from Fashions in the Field (below) from two years ago.

1.  Keep it classy

Regardless of where you spend Melbourne Cup, no-one wants to see you carrying your stilettos, your fascinator dangling from the side of your head, or wondering whether you’re wearing a dress or you’ve lost the skirt to go with your top.

2.  It has to be a dress – but forget black

So many us don’t wear dresses much. It’s jeans, tailored pants, leggings, cargos, crops, shorts and skirts – but not many dresses. It’s Spring, you’re wearing it (mostly) in the day time, it’s a happy occasion – so make it a dress with gorgeous colour, but also something you know you will wear again. 

3.  You have to have headwear

You can’t do anything on Melbourne Cup Day without something on your head. Try a hat, fascinator or headpiece. If you choose something which is a bit challenging to put on, make an appointment with your favourite hairdresser and they can help you place it after a shampoo and blow-dry!

4.  Accessorise and mix-and-match

Make sure you’ve got a nice bag – hopefully, one to keep all your winnings in but, in reality, a clutch is probably all you need. It doesn’t have to match your shoes or your headwear but make sure it all fits together nicely colour-wise.

5.  It’s a marathon, not a sprint

Remember, Melbourne Cup Day can be a long day and there are two things that need to go the distance: your shoes and your make-up. Make sure your make-up is long-lasting and requires only minimal touch-up. And, as we mentioned earlier, the shoes-in-your-hands look simply isn’t a good one. Wear shoes that you’ve worn before, that you know you’ll wear again (even if just for special occasions) and which won’t let you or your feet down!