The 2014 Australian Spring Racing Carnival is close with the main race days starting in just under four weeks. For many, especially in Melbourne that means working out the outfit for the one or various racing events you’re attending.
This post was so much fun putting together and took hours as I found so many wonderful pieces to use. However as usual I had to stop or it would end up becoming a mini book. I don’t follow trends on a normal day, and the racing carnival is no exception. In fact this is one occasion I encourage people to step outside their comfort zone, go a little bold, even for just one day.
Some people will spend months organising their outfits and headwear. Â Many others will leave it until now when the spring fashions are all out. There is still plenty of time to organise your outfit/s. I haven’t placed head-wear with all the outfits as not everyone will wear them or you may have your own special one that may work perfectly with some of these looks I’ve put together. For some of the items, I have placed links in there for you click away and purchase. Â For other items, don’t hesitate to email me and I will give you the details on where to purchase them or something similar, remembering that it is more about the complete look. If some items are not within your budget, similar can be found to suit your budget on the websites mentioned at the bottom of this post.
Black and White: Derby Day
Although this is Balmain 2015 spring, it is a look that rocks for Derby day. Wide pants and jacket in contrasting fabrics work beautifully together. You can replicate this look by visiting websites such as Polyvore and Matches where you’ll find a great selection of black and white jacket and pants.
I call this the 1970’s Riviera on the racetrack.  Stand out in this fabulous Rachel Zoe jumpsuit.  I am huge fan of jumpsuits this season. Tee it up with a big cuff, patterned shoes and an Italian straw wide brim hat. Oh so chic and stylish.
Yes the tulle maxi skirt will look fantastic out at the races this year. Worn with a tuxedo style fitted jacket and you will be a winner. I hope to see more women wearing the maxi this year. Â Add a touch of gold to break all that black, again only subtle. This fabulous maxi is from Alberta Ferretti.
Here I’m inspired by 1950’s. Wear black and white floral printed A-line dress or polka dot dress for some fun. These two styles are flattering and feminine. A sculptured antique gold and white headpiece works perfectly with these dresses. From Myer. I couldn’t resist by adding some red with the accessories. It is subtle without taking away from the all black & white derby day tradition. A line dress by Thornton Bregazzi.
Colour: For the Other Race Days
 Go romantic and daring with a maxi dress covered in florals. Loving this white Dolce and Gabbana dress.
Keeping on the theme of romantic and roses, the scooped neck style and length of these Vivien Westwood dresses are flattering and elegant. Add bold accessories and shoes for extra colour. A large silk rose in your hair would finish the whole outfit off nicely. These dresses and others similar are found on matchesfashion.com.
The ‘let’s party’ look. Vibrant red tulle skirt with polka dot fitted jacket is just so much fun. Tee it up with floral shoes and bold accessories. With the hat, go wild and wonderful. Tulle skirt can be found on www.chicwish.com The Emanuel Ungaro jacket or similar can be found on polyvore. Earrings by Peter Lang.
Midi skirts are a fabulous race day outfit, giving that fun girly feel. Wear it with a smart tailored jacket and the usual bright bling. These gorgeous butterfly and scenic print skirts can be found on www.chicwish.com. Jacket from Ginger and Smart.
If you’re not an A-line, midi or maxi kind of gal, then a lace or floral pencil skirt is certainly another elegant option. I continue to push prints rather than plain for the spring carnival festival. This NO. 21 vibrant yellow lace skirt  with butterflies is a favourite of mine from bagheeraboutique.  Go right ahead and add an equally vibrant fuchsia wrap top and floral shoes. Otherwise a stunning floral skirt and wrap black top works just as well.  Large stone and crystal choker from SoniaMdesigns gives an edge to these outfits.
Wide legged pants are a nice change to wearing dresses or skirts and more of a statement than narrow pants.  Jazz it up by draping a flamboyant feather and beaded cape by SoniaMdesigns around your shoulders over a simple silk camisole or bustier. These divine Antonio Berardi silk pale pink pants in second photo are found on polyvore.
Wearing the Maxi dress to the races takes some courage as not many women wear them. There are no rules to say why not. I say be different and go the full length dress. Especially this stunning Altuzarra dress made for Target. It can found on net-a-porter for just over AU$100. WOW. Again add bright accessories to break the black and a large brim hat to complement this look.
My final collage is again a magnificent maxi dress. Designer Peter Pilotto has created many colourful pieces ideal for the racing carnival and this maxi is one of them. This can be found along with many other of his dresses on polyvore. Â Again drape something theatrical like a bright feather cape from SoniaMdesigns and chunky necklace to make this outfit a complete stand out.
As I said earlier in the post, I could have kept going on for pages with many racing carnival outfits. I hope you have found some inspiration for your race-wear from these outfits. Or even for other fun events coming up.
Most of the items were sourced from polyvore, matchesfashion, net-a-porter and chicwish where it caters for all price budgets. Shoes and handbags were sourced from mytheresa, midas, ninewest, mimco and polyvore. Accessories by peter lang, soniamdesigns, polyvore. If some items you loved are not within your budget, similar can be found on these websites. Plus other boutiques such as Cue, Portmans, Forever New, Zara, Ginger and Smart, Scanlan and Theodore, Alannah Hill, Â and department stores David Jones and Myer.
For any item in particular that you wish to know where it was sourced from, please do not hesitate to contact me on stylebygessica@gmail.com
A REMINDER OF TWO SPRING PROMOTIONS: Offer only during the months of  October and November.
- Book a corporate styling workshop in your office with your colleagues (Melbourne only), you receive a complementary two-hour personal styling session with me. Â Please email me for further details and receive a quote for your workshop.
and
- Book yourself in for a wardrobe update, shopping trip, refer me to someone else, or purchase a gift voucher: you receive a gorgeous pair of flower and Swarovski crystal drop earrings (valued at $50), or two bracelets of your choice (6mm semi precious and/or 6mm Swarovski neon bead with or without tassel valued at $65) from the talented accessories designer SoniaM Designs. Colours of your choice. Go to her website to view her stunning range.
Please email me at stylebygessica@gmail.com with any questions on these promotions and to book me in.
Enjoy the spirit of the Spring Racing Carnival
Gessica
