Hold onto your hats: Top Cup fashions

BY ASHLEY DYER

This season. trends are straight from the track: hoofs, heels, and hats. The Spring carnival isn’t always about what’s racing on the track but who’s leading the pack with the newest spring trends. Dresses lined with lace in feminine neutrals coupled with unique 1950s accessories are making a comeback.

This year is about the modest lady. More is less. So accentuate your curves with a classic swing dress, or mix it up with frilled top and pencil skirt. Think 50s-style knee-length hems, the classic black dress,  and fitted waists. But don’t think that your outfit has to be boring! There are still loads of popular colours and floral prints this season.

When it comes to shoes, dress for the occasion. Ladies, listen up! If it’s a cold rainy day don’t wear your new 10-inch stilettos. They may make your legs look slimmer and longer, but they’ll do you no favours on the grass. A sensible heel or wedge is a good choice if the track is dead.

You can’t go to the Melbourne Cup without some sort of flower, fascinator veil, or hair piece. It’s all about the accessorising feathers. Netting, hats, and jewels are also popular. But for something distinctive, contemplate making your own head adornment using mixed materials such as feathers and beads. It will be individual and also kind on your wallet.

One important note is to not go over top with makeup. If you have bright lips don’t overdo it with smoky eyes – it’s one or the other. Remember to balance your hat with your make up. Use similar tones but in lighter shades and you will have heads turning.

For those who are moving to the dark side and braving a fake tan, remember not to go too many shades too dark as you may end up looking like an oompa loompa. If you’re doing a home job, rule number one is to exfoliate and moisturise 12 hours beforehand for a natural-looking tan.

Keep accessories to a minimum if you’re going big with the dress. Big this season are nude colours: whether in a clutch purse or a neutral pair of heels, they match everything and are a must-have in the wardrobe.  

Fashion doesn’t stop with the ladies. Gentlemen: send your suits to the drycleaners, because this year it is strictly tailored trends. For the typical bloke who is struggling with what to wear, you can’t go wrong with a traditional black suit and open-collar shirt. Stay clear from multicoloured suits – leave the colours to the ladies. For all those metro-sexual men, grey and navy suits are popular, with fitted jackets and leather dress shoes. If you need to funk it up with some colour, scarves and specs are the equivalent of your fascinator.

Now everyone is dressed and looking gorgeous, it’s important to maintain the class, by going slow on the champagne and beer. Bosses won’t be fooled by a sickly hangover over call on post-Cup Wednesday.