While tradition is a big part of the Spring Racing Carnival, it doesn’t mean you have to be boring—you can always mix things up a little. Unexpected details, unique embellishments and cleverly coordinated options allow you to stick to key race day dress codes while adding your own twist.

Let MIMCO stylists Chantelle and Poppy show you how to make this season’s most in-demand trends your own.

DERBY DAY − SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 
Key trends & key pieces

Poppy: Derby Day’s traditional dress code calls for classic pieces—but the MIMCO woman comes to us for a fresh take on them. Layering gold jewellery is key this season; to turn heads on race day, style our Lotus Headpiece and matching statement earrings. And a bright red, orange or pink lip is the perfect way to off-set your monochrome Derby Day look.

Poppy’s Derby Day pick: The Electra Boater. I love that you can style the ribbon at the front for added drama or at the back—under your ponytail or low bun—to highlight your statement earring.

Manning Cartell dress from David Jones

Ellery jacket from David Jones.
Aje Dress from David Jones

MELBOURNE CUP DAY − TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 
Key trends & key pieces

Chantelle: Melbourne Cup is your opportunity to go bold with unexpected colour combinations, but don’t be afraid to work in a little black. Bright hues are key, however it’s not so much about what you wear, it’s how you wear them that’s important. Choose bold apparel, a pop-colour accessory or go all-out and colour block it all together.

Chantelle’s Cup Day Pick: I love the accents of colour in our Adella Crown and would suggest pairing it back with our Ripple Clutch in tangerine, or some bold blue tones. Orange is a great spring tone, perfect for standing out. Our Jacuzzi Sunglasses are also a favourite; they’re edgy, lady-like and on-trend all at the same time.

Rebecca Valance Dress from David Jones

Both: Nicola Finetti dress from Myer

Rachel Gilbert dress from David Jones

OAKS DAY − THURSDAY 8 November 
Key TRENDS & KEY PIECES

Poppy: Oaks Day is about expressing your personality as much as it is about femininity. Delicate fabric is the perfect counterpart to our Santana collection, which puts a modern twist on the pastels and florals that are synonymous with Ladies Day.

Poppy’s Top Oaks Day Pick: I love the Hyades Hat in Natural. You can build on this more neutral palette with soft caramel tones in your accessories and shoes.

Acler dress from Myer

Top & Skirt from Witchery

Bec & Bridge Dress from David jones.
Thurley Dress

STAKES DAY − 10 NOVEMBER
Key trends & key pieces

Chantelle: Last but not least, Stakes Day is the day to have a bit of fun; there’s not as many guidelines, which means you can swap out your key accessories. Wear a flatter shoe (my pick is definitely the Perplex Mid Heel) a playful headpiece and apparel (polka dots are big this season!).

Chantelle’s Stakes Day pick: It’s hard to choose between our Arcade Headband and Laelia Headband in marshmallow—pink and red is still a major colour combo this spring.

Georgia Alice dress from Myer

Camilla and Marc dress from David Jones

Camilla and Marc dress from David Jones