Giddy up! For the first time since 2019, Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is back in full swing this year and undoubtedly, much of the focus will be firmly on the fashion trends making a statement trackside.
Highly acclaimed for her couture hats, luxe headbands and headwear, award winning Melbourne milliner Felicity Northeast says it’s out with the drab and in with the fab for 2022.
From classically iconic 1950 pillbox styles to timeless My Fair Lady-esque wide brim hats to sleek streetwear styles, fashion enthusiasts will have fun creating new and unique looks to reflect their individual personality.
And since it’s been a while between drinks, let’s pop the cork on some style inspo for each of the big four Flemington race days.
Derby Day – Saturday, 29 October
Ensconced in its own sophisticated tradition, Derby Day is historically known for showcasing mastery in monochrome when it comes to fashions on field – it’s black and white’s time to shine.
While a more classic look is generally embraced on Derby Day (think wider brimmed hats and neat berets), Felicity also suggests fashionistas mix stripes with polka dots or boldly combine a range of textures throughout their outfit to help modernise the look.
And if black and white is too much of a contrast for you, go for softer shades like cream, grey and silver to subdue the effect.
Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday, 1 November
As the crown jewel of the Spring Racing Carnival, Melbourne Cup Day is all about bringing the wow factor to your fashion choices; it’s the day to experiment with striking palettes, prints, fabrics and textures.
Felicity says in addition to splashes of hot pinks, greens, yellows and blues, clashing colours will also be a stand out trend this year, bucking preconceived notions of what works and what doesn’t.
Bigger is also better when it comes to the jaw dropping, show stopping millinery pieces making their mark on Cup Day so don’t be shy to put on a show and make a statement.
Oaks Day – Thursday, 3 November
It’s hard not to love Ladies’ Day fashion at Flemington with Oaks Day paying homage to floaty, feminine florals in softer, more muted tones.
Moving away from the brasher boldness of Melbourne Cup attire, the outfits on Oaks Day steer decidedly towards a palette of plush pastels and thoughtfully nuanced neutrals with accents of mellow metallics to complete the look.
Felicity encourages donning a hat, fascinator or headband trimmed with floaty feathers, fresh or silk flowers and versatile veiling as the cherry on top of this trend.
Stakes Day – Saturday, 5 November
After a week of high fashion (and even higher heels for some), Stakes Day trots in with its more relaxed, laid back and casual vibe.
Today’s the day to de-stress your feet and go for a flatter style of shoe or simply swap the stilettos for a stacked heel or wedge.
As for your choice of millinery, Felicity says you can’t go wrong with finding a fedora, boater or headband that compliments your look.
Not sure which style will suit your face shape, style and outfit best?
Felicity is the only milliner in Australia offering access to AR filter technology as a fashion tool, made possible through funds granted by Creative Victoria, the government body that champions the creative industry, while the AR video development was funded by a grant received from Regional Arts Victoria.
Working closely with the team at Ignition Immersive and using a variety of face shapes, ethnicities and ages, Felicity’s newly launched Instagram filter helps take the guesswork out of choosing millinery pieces for each individual customer.
If you’re keen to see how this AR filter works, check out this quick video introducing the technology.
