Fashion is Child’s Play at Stakes Day

FORGET the bling and designer bags, the best accessory for Stakes Day is a mini-me.

The final day of Flemington’s big week is dubbed family day and is a little more relaxed than the rest of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

A free entertainment precinct for families – The Zone – will host special guests including Johnny Ruffo (Home & Away), Nick Jnr’s Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.

The Fashions on the Field is also designed for minors with junior and senior categories for girls and boys, and a family category

The prizes include business class airfares to Dubai, TVs, luggage and bowling vouchers.

When it comes to curating outfits for your offspring Melbourne stylist Kim Kennedy encourages parents to focus on clothes that are comfortable and age appropriate.

“It’s really important to remember that you’re dressing a child, not a mini-adult,” she said.

“Choose clothes that your kids can move easily in and remember to check the weather.

“I know models are happy to shiver through a cold day at the races, but children will be miserable and won’t enjoy the day.”

Layering outfits with singlets and stockings helps keep little ones warm without sacrificing style, she said.

Kennedy recommends packing a complete outfit change and plenty of snacks and drinks for children taking in the Fashions on the Field competition.

“If you are planning on presenting your child for the fashions then you want them to look clean and polished.

“That can be tricky to achieve if they’ve been wearing the outfit since they left home. It’s also not much fun for them after they have competed if they can’t run around and have a bit of fun because you’re worried about them ruining their expensive clothes.

“These types of competitions can also involve a lot of waiting around, it can take up to three hours from the first heat to the finals, so it’s not a bad idea to have something for your child to eat and drink.”

For those determined to dress their child in designer duds, there are plenty of labels with junior ranges, she said.

Ted Baker’s range of junior frocks mirrors the fabrics used in the women’s designs in age appropriate styles.

“The shoulders are covered and there are no cut-outs,” Kennedy said.

A full dress rehearsal at home before the big day helps children understand what to expect and gives advance notice of any potential problems.

If Little Johnny is going to refuse to wear that super-cute boater it’s better to find out before you’re on stage.

Roping in some friends and family to act as a cheer squad in the crowd can also help to calm little nerves.

Seeing a familiar face is often all it takes to bring on the smiles, and melt the hearts of the judges.

Fashion Stakes Heat up at Oaks Day

OAKS Day is all about the ladies, both on and off the track. The racing highlight is the Group One Crown Oaks – a classic for three-year-old fillies over 2500m with a $1 million purse. The competition is just as fierce in the style stakes with Melbourne’s best dressed eyeing a National Fashions on the Field title and more than $90,000 in prizes.

The Myer Fashions on the Field at Flemington is Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event.

The competition was first staged in 1962 in a bid to attract more women to the races, with the object of ‘finding the smartest dressed women at the Carnival within economic restraints’. There were initially three categories for ladies – for outfits that had cost £30 and under, £50 and over, and a category for Most Elegant Hat.

Today the competition includes race wear categories for women and men and an invitation only millinery section.

State finals are held across the country with the winner of each winning a trip to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and the chance to take part in the national final at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day.

The Victorian State final is a showdown of the daily winners of the Women’s Race Wear competitions at Flemington on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day and Crown Oaks Day.

The winner goes onto compete against State finalists from SA, NSW, WA, Tasmania and Queensland, for the coveted national title and prizes including an $83,000 Lexus RC 200t F Sport and a $6000 Myer shopping spree.

Gunita Kenina, 28, will be there on Thursday in the hope of taking her Derby Day Fashions on the Field win to the next level.

The South Yarra resident is a newcomer to racing, having just arrived in Australia from Latvia in February.

She attended Derby Day in a lace dress by local label Vezzano Couture.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to afford a designer piece,” Kenina said.

“ I called my mum in Latvia earlier and she has never seen and experienced anything like this and she just said I would look good in a paper bag. I’m sure my mum would be so proud when she finds out I won,” she said.

You don’t have to don a label to impress the judges.

Emily Hunter took out the 2015 national final in a dress her mother made from Italian fabric, a $3 clutch and earrings she borrowed from her sister.

But dressing for the weather is important, and finding out who the judges are and researching their personal style can also help get you over the line.

Head wear that complements the outfit is also essential, so splurge on a visit to a good milliner.

Oaks Day style is all about elegant glamour, whether you’re a contestant or a spectator. Floral prints, soft pastels, lace detailing and even ruffles will be popular this year. The versatile boater is also a standout.

It’s not as expensive as highly structured millinery that has been all the rage for the past few years, and it lends itself to reinvention.

The ribbon that wraps around the hat can be colour coordinated with colourful heels or accessories, and a jaunty feather can be added for extra flair.

It’s All About Park Life On Cup Day

The pouts and poses will be just as important as the hats and heels on Tuesday.

Race goers will be using social media rather than a stylist to elevate their look and the Victorian Racing Club is doing all it can to encourage the trend.

Its clotheshorse for this year’s Myer Fashions on the Field is Stephanie Smith, described by the club as a Melbourne “IT girl” and “Instagram-famous model”.

Quite a departure from the 2015 Fashions on the Field ambassador Georgia Connolly who competed as an equestrian eventer, or 2013’s ambassador Rebecca Bramich who had studied a Senior Horsemasters Course.

The VRC says Smith suits Flemington’s new precinct – The Park.

Created with the 18-35 age group in mind The Park includes a supersized Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure, live entertainment, restaurant pop-ups and four bars.

It carries the tagline “Eat Drink Dress-Up and Dance” and is located on the hill adjacent to the train station.

Purists will no doubt be offended that the only horses park visitors are likely to see will be ones on the vintage carousel within the precinct.

Despite these changes the VRC has not loosened the reins on its dress code.

Race goers will be expected to follow the rules, which include no crop-tops, no cutouts, obligatory ties and socks for the men.

Smith says while outfits needed to be classic and polished, it was possible to achieve that with a modern look.

“A lot of people assume race wear is just about girly dresses in classic shapes, but these days it’s a lot more than that,” she said on her Myer blog.

“Pants are a great option for the races – I love a chic cigarette leg trouser paired with a fitted blazer or a beautiful palazzo pant worn with a delicate lace top.

“The options are endless, so don’t feel confined to only dresses.”

Smith also encouraged race goers to embrace their inner rainbow for the running of the Melbourne Cup.

“If there was ever a time to wear colour, it’s at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. I always love wearing red, as it’s a simple way to really make a statement with your look.”

“If wearing a solid block colour is a little too much for you, try adding coloured accessories to a neutral dress.”

Ladies hoping to emulate Smith’s style, which has garnered her one million Instagram followers, should look to her favourite labels, which include Asilio, By Johnny and Misha Collection.

Last year’s celebrities certainly got the memo with all the big names choosing bold colours for the race that stops a nation.

Jennifer Hawkins was almost blinding in neon yellow, Megan Gale turned heads in a vibrant green lace mini dress and Emma Freedman stood out in a red tuxedo suit.

But Ashley Hart outdid them all in an eclectic skirt and blouse combination that mixed stripes, Scottish tartan and Indian inspired prints in red, blue green and yellow.

She topped it off with giant pom pom earrings and a husband dressed in a three-piece suit with each element created from a different fabric.

Of course creating the perfect kaleidoscope is no use if you can’t share it online, so remember to charge your phone before you leave home.

If your battery doesn’t go the distance, Flemington has eight free recharge stations in the public area.

They are suitable for Apple and Android devices and some cameras.

At the Races: Staying Stylish in Rain, Hail or Shine

There’s no such thing as a sure bet when it comes to Melbourne weather. And that old saying “Don’t like the weather? Just wait five minutes”, was most likely coined in spring. The only way to counter the sports capital’s unpredictable climate is to be prepared for anything….and pack an umbrella!

Layer upon layer

Staying stylish trackside can be problematic, but Melbourne Cup Week fashion just takes some planning. Most race days start early and finish late so a jacket or light- weight coat will offset a cool morning- at either end of the adventure. Borrowing your partner’s suit jacket when the weather heads south is a no-no, so plan to take your own option. Keep proportions in mind when adding a coat to ensure the whole look is consistent. You don’t want that extra layer to look like an after thought. Mid-length skirts or dresses with a pencil skirt look best with a short tailored coat or jacket. If you’re wearing a full skirt look for a short coat or jacket with a defined waist. And a tuxedo blazer will take your jumpsuit to the next level.

In the trenches

A trench is the perfect option and is always in style. There are myriad colours and cuts in stores at the moment, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something to suit your style and budget. Just watch the length. If it finishes above the knee, your skirt should be longer than the coat to avoid looking like you have nothing on underneath! The downside to a trench is that it covers most of your outfit, which isn’t ideal if you keep it on all day. Consider wearing it open with the belt tied loosely behind your back, or replace the belt with a scarf that ties in colours from your headpiece

Here comes the sun

What do you do with those extra layers when the sun makes an appearance? Flemington has free cloakrooms available for all racegoers throughout Cup Week. They are located in both the members and public areas. If you forget to collect your items at the end of the meeting, they will be held for 30 days and can be picked up on other race days, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Hold on to your hats

Unless you want to spend the day chasing your hat, spend some time making sure it is secure before you leave home. Quality pieces generally have built in anchors, such as combs, fascinator clips, elastics and even Velcro strips. Look for these additions when buying your headwear and figure out how they work before the wind picks up. A simple up do provides more options for attaching your headpiece and is easier to control on the day. Finish the hairstyle with a dry spray wax (before adding the hat!) to protect against wind and rain and slip some bobby pins into your bag for emergency adjustments.

Keep it clean

A beautiful pair of satin or fabric pumps won’t look so pretty when they have been trudging through mud. Leather is much easier to clean and can even be spruced up trackside with a baby wipe. No matter the forecast, always apply a water proofing spray at least 24 hours ahead of time. It will protect against grass stains on neutral coloured shoes and spilled beverages.

Always wear sunscreen

Never skip this step of your preparation. You can still get burnt on a cloudy day. Use an SPF moisturiser on your face neck and ears and a quality, lightweight sunscreen for your legs, arms and shoulders. Melt proof make up and waterproof mascara is also a good idea.

Deciphering Melbourne Cup Week Dress Codes

WITH 30 Group One races held across Melbourne and Sydney during the Spring Racing Carnival there are plenty of chances to frock up. But most fashionistas save their A-game for Flemington’s big four – Derby, Melbourne Cup, Oaks and Stakes. Each of the days has its own traditions and expressing them through fashion is all part of the fun.

Derby Day – make it monochrome

The Derby is the oldest classic race on the Victorian calendar – it was first contested in 1855, six years before the Melbourne Cup. Black and white reigns supreme and this is not the time to break with tradition. That doesn’t mean you can’t embrace modern trends. Pair a classic white lace dress with black headpiece, shoes and box clutch. Or adopt a minimalist look with an asymmetrical neckline. A bold one-shoulder dress in black or white works well with a wide brimmed hat and metallic accessories. There’s not a lot of wriggle room for the blokes. Black suit, white shirt, black tie (no bow) white pocket chief and black shoes is the uniform. A grey or charcoal suit would also pass but keep any other colour for later in the week. The perfect finishing touch is a blue cornflower in the lapel – the day’s signature flower.

Melbourne Cup – go big or go home

This is the race that stops a nation so there’s no room for wallflowers. Today is the day to bring the colour, the brighter and bolder the better. Vibrant pinks and reds are popular this season and prints also play well. Forget the fascinator and don a hat or dramatic headpiece instead. Opt for a piece that matches the colour of your outfit or something metallic. Men are also encouraged to flex their fashion muscle. While elegance is always the goal, there is no real dress code on this day, so now is the time to debut that royal blue suit or slip a loud checked shirt under a grey suit. Add a yellow rose and you’re good to go.

Oaks Day – pretty and polished

It’s called Ladies Day so you need to dress like one. Romantic florals, pastel pleats and delicate lace are the order of the day. A mid-length embroidered lace dress over a nude slip that finishes above the knee is on trend, while maintaining the feminine brief. Complete your Oaks Day look with a floral crown created from fresh blooms or simple headbands. The gents should follow the ladies’ lead with florals and pastels which work well with the day’s signature flower – the pink rose. Accessorise with a pocket square and tie with hints of florals, stripes, plaid or spots.

Stakes Day – let the offspring shine

The final day of Cup Week at Flemington is the most relaxed of the four meetings. Classic chic is the perfect look to bring to the garden party atmosphere. Children (suitably dressed of course!) are also encouraged, with the event also focussing on family. Women, especially those chasing after offspring, can achieve that relaxed glamour with a casual pants suit or a pair of culottes teamed with bodysuit and capelet. There’s also a more casual approach to millinery with raffia straw boaters and wide-brimmed hats. Dads can leave the suit in the cupboard for Monday and wear a navy sports blazer instead – which contrasts beautifully with the day’s signature red rose – and tan pants. They can still have some fun with colour by adding a bold shirt and tie. It’s also the day to make a statement with a fedora.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Race Wear – Dressing to Impress

Men weren’t invited to enter Fashions on the Field competitions until the early 2000s. Despite being so late to the party, they’re catching up fast and embracing the opportunity to have a flutter with fashion. Many race wear “rules” apply to both sexes with a day at track calling for elegant and classic looks. But you can still pay homage to the race day traditions without sacrificing your own comfort and identity.

Suit yourself

The best tip when selecting a suit is to find one that fits really well and complements your colouring. The weather is warming up, so think about lighter and softer fabrics and colours, such as pale blue, grey and beige. If you want to embrace a bold colour opt for a cobalt blue or navy and accessories with cherry reds, peachy ambers or grass greens. The races are also a great time to wear something you wouldn’t in the boardroom. Try loud windowpane checks or a double breasted style.

Separating the men from the boys

If a suit isn’t part of your work uniform, separates are a better investment. A smart sports coat and pair of chinos can be elevated to race day attire by adding a sharp shirt and quirky bow tie. You’ll get a lot more wear out of them post spring carnival, and probably feel more comfortable on the day.

Mix and match

There is a lot of heritage and tradition associated with race wear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with your look. A tie is a great way to up the ante without going too far out of your comfort zone. It can be used to introduce an unexpected pop of colour, such as pairing a solid pastel tie with a shirt in a dark check, or clashing a bold striped tie with a check suit. Don’t forget about texture either. A knitted tie adds an extra element of interest.

It’s hip to be square

This year the blokes who really want to up their game will be adding a pocket square to their ensemble. That final flourish should contrast with the jacket and complement – not replicate – the tie. The basic rule of thumb is to pair a patterned pocket square with a plain suit, and a solid one with a checked jacket. When you’re shopping for a pocket square remember that only a tiny portion will be seen. Think about how it will look when it’s in your pocket.

Once you’ve made your selection, it’s time to learn how to fold it. You won’t need a degree in origami, a quick search on Google will reveal all. The “puff fold” is popular and relatively easy to pull off. Just lay the square flat, pinch it in the middle, let the fabric fall naturally and then stuff it in your pocket.

Do’s and don’ts

Even if all you do when planning your outfit is follow these basic rules you’ll be on a winner.

  • Don’t use a tiepin that is wider than your tie
  • Do consider a visit to the tailor to ensure your suit fits perfectly
  • Don’t fasten the bottom button of your jacket or waistcoat
  • Do show a little shirt beneath your suit cuff
  • Do wear cufflinks, this isn’t just another day at the office
  • Do wear socks; this is not the time to flash the mankles
  • Don’t wear runners, no matter how cool they look with your suit