Tag Archives: melbourne cup

27th October 2016

Melbourne Cup

The Race that stops a nation…

What will you be doing this year for the Melbourne Cup? I hope that you will be somewhere sparkly, having fun and drinking champagne!!

I will be at the GPO in Martin Place handing out 200 or so yellow rose buttonholes! So wish me luck ok?

Anyway, I was thinking that I should probably do a little guide on what flowers and colours are appropriate for each race day. So here you are… a few race tips to share on the day!

Saturday 20/10/16 – Derby Day

Flower: Cornflower

Corn Flower
Corn Flower

What to Wear: Black and White (monochrome)

Darby Day Fashion
Darby Day Fashion

Darby Day is the most traditional day for the Carnival so timeless and elegant is the look to go for this year. Go for a well tailored LBD, elegant headpiece – boaters are very much in fashion this year – and avoid mid-drifts! White on white is a fantastic way to stand out in a sea of black, teamed with black accessories such as clutch or heels.

For the boys, a well tailored suit furnished with shiny stand-out cufflinks or pocket handkerchief is the way to go. And make sure to polish those shoes – high sheen, thank you!

How to combine your florals and fashion? Boys a simple Cornflower boutonniere will suffice, especially since we are going for the conservative look. And ladies, why not a chain of cornflowers around your boater? Or a simple cluster to one side would also fit the bill. Simple. Elegant.

Tuesday 1/11/16 – Melbourne Cup Day

Flower: Yellow Rose

Melbourne Cup Flower
Yellow Rose

What to Wear: Colour, Colour, Colour

Melbourne Cup Fashion
Fun Bright Colours

The main thing here is to have fun! Melbourne Cup is the day to be fashion forward and really show your style. Bold prints and statement headpieces are the way to go. This year fascinators are out – leave the feathers at home and opt for strong couture pieces in metallic.

Boys colour is key for you too. Try teaming one colour on your pants and another for your jacket. Too bold for you? Then simply go for bright slimline shirts and ties, handkerchiefs and even socks!!

However, a word to the wise, have your fun, but keep it elegant… knee length please. And… avoid black!

How to combine your florals and fashion? Ladies why not weave yourself a way out headband with bold yellow roses, teamed with hot pink orchids and perhaps some sea-green hydrangea for fullness. Think OTT headpieces on the catwalk. Boys, a yellow rose boutonniere with unusual foliage such as a begonia leaf?

Thursday 3/11/16 – Oaks Day

Flower: Pink Rose

Oaks Day Flower
Pink Rose

What to Wear: Ladies Day

Feminine Florals
Oaks Day Fashion

Soft, elegant and floral is what this day is all about. Avoid black and striking colours and sorbet tutu-fruti is a no go zone. Ladies opt for feminine pinks and neutrals with soft and floaty lines. Headpieces are perfectly suited to floral halos or delicate lace and jewelled headbands.

Gents try a pale grey suit with a pastel pink or blue shirt to keep your style soft, yet fashion forward.

How to combine your florals and fashion? Today is the day to get your floral on. If there is any day that you should invest in a floral piece, today is the day. Ladies try a small cap covered in the most delicate white and pink roses – David Austens would be the perfect combination. Ruffle upon ruffle of glorious delicate rose petals – heaven! Or a large floppy hat with a cluster of pinks, whites and even an antique coloured Julia rose would be gorgeous, with a nude velvet ribbon – so elegant, so feminine!

Gents, why not a delicate pastel pink rose with a few feathery grass heads tucked in. Soft, yet unusual and outdoorsy.

Saturday 5/11/16 – Stakes Day

Flower: Red Rose

Red Rose
Red Rose

What to Wear: Family Day – Casual

Straw Boater and Relaxed Linen Dress
Straw Boater and Relaxed Linen Dress

Stakes Day is more a casual affair and the key here is to be comfortably elegant, if there is such a thing whilst chasing the kids around!! Think relaxed tailoring and straw hats or accessories. Wedges are an ideal footwear choice as they are both comfortable and prevent you from sinking your heels into the grass. Soft linens and loose skirts would be ideal for Stakes Day.

Gents could opt for navy jackets and tan pants as opposed to a formal suit, but still have fun with a bold coloured shirt.

How to combine your florals and fashion? Why not try a beautiful modern corsage pinned to your favourite linen lapel? Reds and hot pinks always look stunning together and a lovely hot pink phalaenopsis orchid combined with a red tea rose would be a gorgeous combination. Or pin this to your floppy straw hat if you feel so inclined.

Gents could try the same – although opt for a smaller version.