We are gallivanting ahead to one of the most fun and frivolous times of year; Spring Racing Carnival! Heels to the ready, fascinators out, if you like getting dressed up, then this is a month long event you’ll want to attend. Keep reading for our top tips on what to wear this year so you can dress to impress.
The 2026 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival kicks off with Derby Day on 31 October this year and is followed by a week of partying to Saturday, 7 November, 2026.. Each event is slightly different and some come with specific dress codes, so you should make sure to pay attention to the rules, if any, to avoid wearing red on a black and white themed day!
It all kicks off at the Melbourne Racing Carnival with Derby Day. This is one of the most popular carnival events as it kicks off the whole party. It’s also the event with the strictest dress code- so ladies and gentlemen, make sure to take heed. The order of the day is only black and white, and you’ll stick out like a sore thumb in any other colour. Here’s some ideas for what to wear:
Irena Sinamay Fascinator
Black fascinators are an essential for any Derby Day outfit in 2026, and add Blair Waldorf fashion style to your outfit. We particularly love this stunning Irena Sinamay headpiece as it’s not too OTT and therefore easy to wear with anything. It features pleated, circular motifs artfully arranged on two narrow headbands, and is both elegant and regal in style.
The main event of the Spring Racing Season is undoubtedly the Melbourne Cup. Touted as the ‘race that stops the Nation’, all eyes are on the fashion carpet before and after the race. The dress code is loose, however, you will of course need to be in formal wear if you’re in the VIP or bird cage areas. Here’s the bag we’re taking to this year’s Cup:
Gigi Rose Gold Handle Bag
Melbourne Cup is the perfect excuse to get really dressed up! We think adding a cute mesh bag is a surefire way to up the glam on the biggest race day of the year. This one is vintage inspired, and a glam take on a framed clutch. Can be held as a top handle or folded over and worn as a crossbody bag.
Also known as ‘ladies day’, this is probably our personal favourite race day event. Why? Because it’s all about us! Get your girlfriends together, and kick up a storm at the Oaks Day event in your finest. There’s no official dress code here, so you can really let your creativity shine. We like the idea of something ultra feminine like:
Roberta Lace Headband
Florals are our order of the day! What’s better than just florals however, is the addition of lace with this gorgeous flower headband. In a sultry red, this adds a gorgeous floral note to your race day looks. Featuring a garland of guipure lace flowers, attached to a thin ribbon wrapped headband, for perfect positioning everytime.
Also known as ‘Family Day’, this is the most relaxed of all the race day events. By no means does that mean jeans and a t-shirt, but it does mean you can get away without full formal attire in the public arena. Our style note for Stakes Day? A big pretty wide brim hat.
Anika Boater Hat
Keep things casual with a gorgeous wide brimmed hat. We like this one with white or black lace wrapped around and matching pearls for real race day glam. Sun smart check, style check!
Looking for more advice on race day fashion? Take a read of this article on Melbourne Cup Fashion now and prepare to get your glam on!
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