Spring Racing Carnival has a strict dress code, and all racegoers must dress in traditional attire. Conservative and smart, the dress code is in-keeping with the longstanding heritage of the iconic racing event. Learn more about the Melbourne Cup Carnival Dress Code and how to dress for Spring Racing season below.
Need to Know: Spring Racing Carnival Dress Code Rules
Traditional and polished, the VRC dress code for the Spring Racing Carnival is strict, and there are certain rules all guests are expected to adhere to. Generally, women are expected to wear structured dresses with longer hemlines that fall to just above the knee, and men are expected to wear suits and tailored pieces. Read on to discover what NOT to wear:
Women
No denim – this includes shorts, jackets and jeans
No bare midriffs – this includes cut-out dresses
No untailored pants – this also includes leather pants and leggings
No shorts
No ripped or torn clothing – even if the rips are intentional
No playsuits
No tracksuit tops or casual jackets
No sneakers, thongs, gumboots or casual shoes
No strapless dresses
No dresses or skirts above the knee
Traditionally all women must wear a hat or headpiece but this is also not strictly followed.
Men
No denim – this includes shorts, jackets and jeans
No untailored pants, including leather pants and leggings
No shorts
No torn or ripped clothing
No casual jackets, like tracksuit jackets or bomber jackets
No sneakers, thongs, gumboots or other casual shoe
No shirts without collars
No jumpers or sweaters without a tailored jacket over the top
No cravats
No brightly coloured suits
No caps or beanies
Need to Know: Flemington Racecourse Dress Code By Area
Different areas of Flemington Racecourse have slight variances in dress code regulations, for example, the Melbourne Cup dress code for general admission will differ to the Stakes Day members dress code. Read on to find out more about Flemington dress codes below.
General Admission
There is no real dress code for general admission, however, guests are expected to wear appropriate attire and dress traditionally during Spring Carnival.
The Birdcage and VRC Member Areas Dress Code
Also applies to Members Car Parks and Dining, Enclosures and Corporate Hospitality areas.
Men
Men are required to wear:
A suit with tailored slacks or tailored chinos
Sports coat or blazer
A tie
Dress shoes (polished)
Women
Women are expected NOT to wear:
Short jumpsuits or playsuits
Clothes that show off the midriff area
Shorts
Visitors from overseas are invited to wear the formal national dress of their home country.
Children
Young children must be dressed neatly and always be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 12 and over must adhere to the above guidelines for men and women.
Owner and Trainers Areas
Owners and Trainers are encouraged to dress smartly and keep inline with traditional dress code, however, the dress code within these areas is smart casual. Items that are NOT acceptable are:
T-shirts
Singlets
Torn or ripped clothing
Tracksuit pants
Scruffs
Slippers or dilapidated footwear
Spring Racing Carnival Dress Code For Every Event
Derby Day Dress Code
Official Flower: Cornflower
Derby Day is the first event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and kicks off Spring Carnival season. The dress code is black and white, and guests are expected to dress accordingly.
Melbourne Cup Dress Code
Official Flower: Yellow Rose
High-fashion and show-stopping, the dress code at Melbourne Cup is traditional and glamorous. The race day is the biggest in the Spring Racing season, and racegoers dress to impress. Usual Spring Racing dress codes apply here, but there is some room for experimentation with your race day outfit.
Oaks Day Dress Code
Official Flower: Pink Rose
Also known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day dress code rules are feminine and romantic. Although still traditional in style, most racegoers at Oaks Day opt for floral, pastel designs. At Oaks Day, the mens dress code is still strict, but lighter, neutral suits and pastel shirts are acceptable.
Caulfield Cup Dress Code
Official Flower: White Rose
Caulfield Cup is the first race day of the Spring Racing Carnival marks the start of the Spring Racing Carnival. There is no strict dress code for the event, but bright colours are usually popular on the day.
Stakes Day Dress Code
Official Flower: Red Rose
The least formal day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Stakes Day dress code is slightly more relaxed. This means higher hemlines for ladies and looser fit clothing all around, although a certain level of traditional dressing is expected. Stakes Day is the last race day in the Spring Racing calendar and is a great day out for all of the family.
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