September 26th, 2018

MELBOURNE CUP FASHION 2018

Spring Carnival is just around the corner and while racing enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the final line up for the ‘Race that stops the nation’, there is also a lot of excitement about the Melbourne Cup fashions!  Each year the fashion stakes are higher with more men and women turning up to the event in more original and creative outfits.  Even those without fashion finesse will find themselves taking a covet peek at the unique and elaborate styles, colours and creations designed or pieced together for Melbourne Cup Day 2018. 

Melbourne Cup Day fashion has always been about style and glamour. In July 1962, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) introduced ‘Fashions, Flowers and Favourites’ to attract more women to the male dominated racecourse. The competition was launched originally with the aim of finding the smartest dressed woman at the Carnival.  This fashion competition now includes not only the best dressed women, but also the men, and also children’s fashion!  Fashions on the Field were covered extensively by the press and its popularity grew quickly, establishing itself as Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event, attracting media and celebrity attention from around the world.  

If you are starting to plan your 2018 Melbourne Cup Day outfit, it’s important to respect the tradition by dressing smartly and appropriately for the occasion.  Melbourne Cup Race day etiquette is about being elegant, so your outfit should always be at or below knee length and shouldn’t show too much skin.  It’s a good idea to start planning your outfit early and invest in the best quality of dress you can afford.  If you need to stick to a budget, invest in a classic timeless piece that works with a few looks in your wardrobe so you can get maximum wear throughout the year or years to come.   Once you have the perfect dress, you can work on matching your shoes, headpiece and accessories.   

When it comes to the 2018 Melbourne Cup Fashion season for women, it’s all about bold colour, statement prints with a focus on the hat or the headpiece. Think bright hues, neon, fuchsia and hot pink, cobalt and navy blues, emerald greens and head turning reds.  Headpiece wise, the trend this year is to move away from the classic fascinator.  Choose a hat or headpiece that compliments you and your outfit such as  a metallic or lace crown or a headpiece made of fresh flowers.  Be confident with your look and wear something that you know you will look fabulous in but it’s important to not go too over the top if you don’t think you can pull off the look.  For men, a classic suit is a must, experiment with colours and textures and stay away from black or navy suits.  Instead opt for a lighter coloured suit coupled with pastels which will ensure you make an impact on the day.

In 2018 Myer Fashions on the field competition will enter the digital age with a photo-based competition for interstate contestants in October.  This is set to reinvigorate the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field, broadening the scope for entrants across Australia with the purpose of continuing the celebration of fashion and racing.  The winners from each of state will receive a 10-day trip of a life time to the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival to compete on stage in the Myer Fashions on the Field National Final on Kennedy Oaks Day.
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If you can’t make it to Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day and are looking for the perfect venue with Melbourne Cup 2018 packages in Sydney for your office to celebrate the excitement of the cup, then Q Station has you covered with a six course degustation Melbourne Cup Day lunch package in Manly  on the edge of the Sydney  Harbour at the Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar.  The event runs from 12-4pm and here you can enjoy the exquisite  menu while watching the day’s festivities.  Drinks can be purchased at the bar and you can continue the celebrations at the Engine Room Bar after lunch.  Even if you don’t back the winner on the day you still have the chance to win amazing lucky door prizes which include overnight accommodation, restaurant vouchers and more!   A complimentary shuttle bus service will provide transport to Manly between 4pm – 6pm, or alternatively guests can catch the Sydney Harbour EcoHopper from Quarantine Wharf at 4:20pm, arriving to Manly Wharf at 4:26pm. See the ferry timetable here