The spring edit: this season’s must-wear trends

Layer

Melbourne is famous for its unpredictable weather, so layering is key to managing race-day style. Think outside the dress box, and look for organza blouses, silk skirts, or a sleek jumpsuit with a cropped jacket. Coordinates are ideal because they can be styled in fresh, unexpected ways that evolve throughout the day.

Colour

Colour-blocking and contrast continue to shine. Try bold hues and unexpected pairings, such as sunset orange with blush, pistachio with lemon, and cobalt with cream. Klein Blue, fuchsia, tomato red and citrus yellow are all having a moment on the international runways, with butter yellow shaping up as the standout shade of the Carnival – though a creamy white is worth saving for Derby Day. For those wanting to play with pattern, try a print or a trending polka dot. Whether bold and oversized or dainty and delicate, polka dots add a fun twist.

Silhouettes

Strong shapes and ultra-feminine details – sculptural sleeves, cinched waists, sheer panels, and bows – are leading the way. Movement is everywhere too, with fringe, feathers, florals and frothy organza layers creating tactile effects on the runway, while corsages and satin rosettes bring an unabashed prettiness to the season. For men, expressive tailoring continues to make its mark: think patterned shirts, coloured linen blazers, and playful pocket squares.

Millinery

From sculptural hats and veiled percher styles to embellished headbands and silk scarves, this is the moment to experiment. Wide brims are trending, along with beadwork, diamantes and antique brooches worked into the headpiece itself, and florals and folded rosettes borrowed straight from the couture runways. Pillbox hats in neutral shades offer an elegant entry point for the millinery-shy.

Footwear

Embrace block heels, mules, kitten heels, and chic flats. For men, smart loafers or brogues in textured suede or polished leather make a statement. A tip: go for thicker heels if the turf is damp, and reserve satin or suede shoes for dry days.

Accessories

Accessories complete the picture – whether it’s a playful clutch, pearl drop earrings, or a statement brooch. A vintage brooch or a puffy flower corsage pinned to a lapel is an easy, affordable way to bring couture-season whimsy into a race-day look without an haute couture budget. Subtle matching with a partner, perhaps a shared colour scheme or a mirrored detail, can look polished and intentional.