Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup Day 2008

Tips for Race Day from Di Cant for www.istylefashion.com.au

Look your best by the track or at your Melbourne Cup luncheon with style tips from Brisbane fashionista Di Cant.

Styling tips

The race day dress. This should not be a flimsy, little, short sheer party frock. Race wear is a certain look - it’s not about cocktails

Do you choose a hat or head piece for Melbourne Cup fashions? It does depend on the weather on the day but I always think something sassy can look pretty, sexy or elegant.

Flowers are the hottest thing this summer so why not invest in an exquisite flower or gorgeous cluster of flowers and have them arranged in your hair if you don’t want to wear a hat.

Wear gorgeous shoes. If brand new, try them out before the day.

Carry a smaller hand bag. A large clutch looks great but can be hard to handle. The bag should be smaller than a fashion day bag. A handle bag or shoulder strap bag is ideal, but what is great is a clutch bag. It’s hot fashion but does takes up a hand to hold it all afternoon as it can’t be stuck up under arm. A pretty snake skin or a bright colour can just add that wow factor.

Gloves? Only if relevant to the outfit.

Consider the weather and the venue for the race party you are attending. Should it turn cooler or rainy on the day, have the flexibility of a light coat or jacket.

Hosiery is not essential for Melbourne Cup in Brisbane if it is a hot day - though sometimes they can add finesse to a suit, especially with black seams at the back. Wolford do the best of these.

Style mistakes

I don’t understand girls buying a cheap feather piece and just sticking it in their hair. And avoid big black lampshade style hats which totally block out the face, particularly if you are short. It can give a mushroom look and be top heavy.

Fashions on the Field

Tips to back a winner

Style guru Di Cant chats with Brisbane’s fashion elite to bring you the ultimate Fashions on the Field style guide.

Tip from Di Cant

If you’re entering Fashions on the Field remember the rules for the winter race day do not necessarily apply (hosiery, covered arms and winter style hat or head gear). But what does matter more than anything is that the outfit suits the lady wearing it and that her grooming is 110% perfect!

The essentials elements - beautiful hair, well-fitted outfit, hat or hair piece, gorgeous shoes and bag, jewellery, big smile, great deportment and photographs well. Remember, too much alcohol and falling off high heels is not a good look for young or mature ladies.

Tip from Paul Hunt, fashion designer. Wear a 50's silhouette dress with waist definition and a huge flower at the shoulder or waist and don’t bother with a hat - sunglasses can be added.

Tip from Amber Long, Jean Brown.

Headwear is essential when considering any race wear look. This season the world's foremost milliner, Philip Treacy offered avant garde pieces in a sublime range of colours from magenta through to more neutral metallic shades. This season it is all about big accessories, so try balancing architectural style heels with a softer floral silk dress for a more contemporary look.

Tip from Pia du Pradal, fashion designer. Utilising the Safari theme of her current collection, Pia recommends her animal print dress and jacket with a huge natural straw hat and natural gladiator sandal and bag.

Tip from Dale Olsson, The Hat Box. Two strong looks for this season are big hats and flowers. The big picture hat is extravagant and glamorous. Or wear head bands or small hat shapes with wonderful silk hand made flowers with veiling worn over the eyes - very coquetish and alluring. This style can also work well for all day at the races and on to dinner after (to avoid having to reveal hat hair).

Whatever you chose to wear, wear it well. Back a winner this year for the Melbourne Cup - certainly a fashion winner with Di’s style tips.