Spring Racing: The Rules

I'm never one to pass up an opportunity for cocktails and canapés before midday and take it as my duty to attend the races for this very reason. For the most part, the races give my champagne-hazed eyes a feast of elegant fashions to lust over. But all it takes is a quick glance to my left and I see drunken girls falling over with their platform stilettos in one hand and a can of UDL in the other. 

I'm happy to be called a snob in this case as I'm a big believer that Spring Racing needs to go back to being an elegant-only affair. We very rarely get to dress as ladylike as we should these days, so why not embrace the few chances we can to dress like a Princess out at Ascot?

Here's a few tips to stop you from becoming a middle class bogan at the races:

1) Save your bets for the track 
If you don't think your feet can handle a day in stilettos then don't risk it. My biggest races pet hate is women, unable to bear the pain of their shoes, having to take them off by midday. There's a simple solution to this one - stick to wedges, chunky heels or even flats. A cute pair of ballet flats look much better than muddy bare feet and your beautiful heels accessorising your hand. If you've bought new shoes, wear them in for a couple of days prior. The other bonus about sticking clear of stilettos is you won't spend the whole day being sucked into the grass.

2) Channel your inner Princess Kate
Flemington, much to many girls surprise, isn't actually a King St nightclub. Races are held during the day with most people heading home by about 4-5pm. Yes it's a place to dress up but it's still during the daytime - dress accordingly. Think ladylike not lady of the night.

3) Watch a race
As much as I love going to the races for the fashion aspect, I also love going for the racing. You might actually be surprised at how enjoyable it is to get involved in the competition on the race track and not just the one going on at the Fashions on the Field tent. I'm no expert (insiders tip: I usually just pick the one with the best name) but it's still fun to get into the spirit of what the day is really all about. 

Photo taken Oaks Day 2012, courtesy of Yellowglen House

4) Think vintage *and not just with your wine
I have featured current season items in this Spring Racing edit so that they are readily available to purchase for you. However, with thousands attending each day of the Spring Carnival, it can be nice to wear something that's come tucked away from the back of your wardrobe or the back of an op-shop so that your outfit has a touch of unique to it. Wearing the latest trends is great, but also look for quirky headpieces on Etsy and dresses from overseas so you'll be unlikely to run into someone in the same outfit as you.