Last Updated on February 1, 2024
The season of frivolity is in the air in Australia as Spring marches along and brings with it a suite of horse racing events. It all kicks off with the Caulfield Cup in mid October before ramping up with a series of fun race events throughout November. Wondering what to wear to the races this year? Keep reading for our top tips.Â
Table of Contents
What to wear to the races in 2022?Â
When it comes to race day fashion, the dress code is formal. For gentleman, that means a suit and for women you’re best to wear a dress or formal pantsuit or skirt. Some ideas include:Â
- Knee-length to full-length semi formal dress (avoid full evening wear)
- Bold colours or patterns
- Black and white only on Derby Day
- Soft, feminine colours and materials for Oaks Day
- Comfortable formal shoes – you’ll be standing up for most of the day
- Headwear- fascinator or a hatÂ
What not to wear to the races?Â
- Denim
- Runners/sneakers
- Tracksuit pantsÂ
- The wrong colour – several race events have a black and white dress codeÂ
- Ripped jeans/pants
- No thongs
5 Favourite Race Day Accessories in 2022
The standout elements to any race day outfits are undoubtedly your accessories! Race day fashion is centered especially on headwear- whether you choose to wear a hat or a fasciator, or keep it simple with a headband. Here our our 5 must-wear accessories in 2022.Â
1. FascinatorsÂ
There’s no better time to reach for your fascinator than during the Spring racing carnival in Australia. It’s a season of dressing up, bubbles, sport and mingling with old and new friends. Make sure you have the perfect accessory to finish your races day outfit with an Olga Berg headpiece. Choose from stunning pearl encrusted headbands, showstopping blush fascinators, red millinery, feather headpieces and so much more.
2. WristletÂ
A wristlet is the perfect style clutch to wear to the races as it allows you to go hands-free, but keep your essentials handy. Sometimes all you need is a stylish minimal bag to go almost entirely hands-free and just store your absolute essentials. A wristlet is a great option if you want to just take your phone and some cash to the races and don’t want to be weighed down with a proper evening bag or clutch. As the name suggests, it slides onto your wrist so you can keep your valuables close to hand.
3. Broad brimmed hatÂ
The races are an outdoor event, so sun safety is important! Keep yourself protected with a stylish broad brimmed hat and tick off your headpiece and sun safety in one-go. Dating back to the 1800s, wearing a sun hat to the races is a long held tradition still in practice today. Besides being worn to protect against the sun, the upper class would wear a hat to show off their personal style. Take a leaf out of their book and do the same!
4. Statement jewelleryÂ
Depending on your headpiece, you can go all out with a beautiful big necklace, or choose some special earrings to complete your look. The key is to balance your jewellery against your chosen headpiece so nothing seems to OTT. If you’re opting for a more pared back fascinator, then why not draw attention to your neckline with a stunning bold necklace? Or opt for simple diamond studs if you’re wearing a big and bold fascinator!Â
5. SunglassesÂ
The races are outdoors meaning you’ll be in the sun all day. Besides wearing a stylish broad-brimmed hat, don’t forget to pack your best sunglasses. From oversized sunnies to cat-eye shaped ones, these can transform your race day outfit too.Â
Ready to choose your race day look? Make sure to double-check which event you’re going to and whether or not there are any dress codes on the day so no faux pas are made!