Steeped in tradition, the spring races welcome women and men alike to put on their finest and get on down to the racetrack. There’s always a lot of spirit and energy in the air on the day, but let’s remember that half the fun is in planning that race day outfit!
That’s where Femme Connection can help you. We have a huge range of stylish spring racing dresses for you to choose from for your event. Whether it be a feminine floral maxi dress, a chic cocktail dress, or black or white midi dress for Derby Day, we offer versatile designs and a large range of sizes so that you can feel comfortable and look fabulous at the track!
In this guide to Spring Carnival fashion 2025, we’ll run through what garments generally work well for race day events, what the dress codes are for particular racecourses, and what you should avoid wearing during the carnival. Let’s get into it!
Spring Racing Carnival Garments for Women - The Categories
There’s no one garment that’s acceptable at the spring races. That would be dull! Dresses, skirts and tops and pant/top combinations all pass, however without a doubt, dresses are the most popular option.
Let’s run through all the garments that are fit for raceday wear. Note, whether it’s a skirt, dress, or trousers, the expectation is that your outfit looks clean, polished, and ideally, stylish! You’re also expected to abide by dress codes for particular race day events. We’ll run through those a bit later.
Dresses
Dresses are an elegant choice for raceday, provided you stick with some fundamental dress expectations for Australian racetracks. These include:
Dress length: Racetracks tend to require that dresses are knee-length or longer, especially in members’ sections. This means knee-length, midi and maxi dresses are all great options for the races! Whilst you won’t be turned away from the racetrack for wearing something shorter, it’s possible your dress might be frowned upon in members’ zones.
Dress fit: There’s a preference for high-end style at the races. Elegant, tailored dresses that lean towards ‘modest’ rather than dresses that flaunt the flesh are encouraged. This means avoiding very revealing dresses that resemble nightclub outfits. Also avoid anything with a low-cut or plunging neckline, any dress that shows your midriff or is revealing or sheer (a sheer overlay is fine), and avoid stretchy, bodycon styles.
Style: At the races, you don’t need to worry too much about what the current trends are. Spring racing fashion is a little more timeless, so you can opt for something ‘vintage’ if you like, or try out that type of sleeve that maybe isn’t 100% on trend. What matters more is that your dress looks elegant as a whole, and that the fit flatters you. If needed, have your dress adjusted so that it fits you perfectly, or else opt for a dress fabric with a little stretch included, or a wrap style that you can adjust for comfort.
In terms of an overall spring race style, ensembles that are appropriate to the event (check dress codes) and that look polished are favoured. This means ensuring all components of your spring races outfit look tidy and streamlined if your dress is tailored or a cocktail dress. For more flowy styles, try to ensure that the colour scheme works well together.
Formality: A race-day dress should look “event-ready” — closer to wedding guest attire than casual weekend wear. A general rule would be, if you would wear it to a cocktail wedding or a formal garden party in spring/summer, then it’s likely race-appropriate.
Whilst there are some great spring casual dresses for sale in Australia, they likely won’t be appropriate for the spring races! So keep those casual sundresses and linen dresses aside for spring brunches and barbeques instead.
Also, if you want to enter members’ areas, avoid wearing novelty hats and any clothing with slogans that could be deemed ‘offensive’.
Fabric: If you want to play it safe, opt for fabrics with a structured and/or polished look and feel. Satin, linen blends, lace, crepe, and even polyester can all work well. Leave aside jersey, denim, athleisure materials, and anything ripped or distressed.
Footwear: Clean and elegant heels or flats. (No scuffed shoes, no runners, no thongs.)
Colour, Prints & Themes: Given it’s spring, opting to a lighter and brighter colour palette is a great idea for most race days (except Derby Day, which demands black and white only). That means floral dresses are certainly in, and on Melbourne Cup Day, bold and bright colours are encouraged.
Members’ Enclosure Specifics: Higher standards apply — modest cuts, tailored finishes, and neatly coordinated looks are usually required. No shorts, denim, activewear, or anything that could be deemed ‘casual’. See our section on Spring Racing Dress Codes below.
Key dress choices for the spring races: Midi dresses, maxi dresses, structured cocktail dresses, floral dresses
Mix and Match Sets
If you plan to wear separates, like a blouse with skirt, or a shirt with pants, there are some simple rules to follow.
Formality: Like with dresses, your separate pieces should be of a level that you would wear to a wedding. This means your items are clean, polished, and stylish.
Tops:
Blouses work well in race day outfits, but you want a blouse that’s a little bit above the ordinary. Think pussy-bow collars, balloon sleeves and frills. Flowy, printed blouses in floral prints are also a classic choice.
Shirts are also a viable option. You can opt for a bold coloured shirt for Melbourne Cup Day, or a black or white shirt for Derby Day. When choosing a shirt, make sure it is well-ironed and crisp in appearance, especially if you are wanting a structured look. A more relaxed-fit shirt will suit Stakes Day.
Pants:
Structured trousers are a quality option for the races. They look sophisticated with blouses and shirts. Again, for best results, all components of this combination should appear ironed and polished.
Linen pants can be a comfortable and breathable option for more relaxed raceday occasions. Opt for linen of a reasonable density, so that your pants can’t be seen through. Pair with a blouse or shirt, and of course a raceday headpiece, et voilà!
Keeping out that spring chill!
A classic spring racing image we see on TV is punters soaking wet in their fancy dresses and suits. Yes, it’s spring! It rains! So we need to be prepared for all the elements. Additional layers are a must, even if it’s just something you keep in your handbag. Look out for the following outerwear items to accompany your spring racing ensemble, and always check the weather reports!
Blazers: Tailored blazers can be key items in raceday outfits. They have the magical ability of making you look like you put in a lot of effort, even if you didn’t. Find a blazer in a colour that works well with your outfit. White, cream and navy work well with a lot of women’s dress prints, and black or white are definite contenders if you’re dressing for Derby Day.
Lightweight cardigans and waterfall styles: A lightweight cardigan can be a good option to wear or have in your handbag when you attend the races. It often gets chilly, so that extra layer can prove essential. Waterfall style cardigans can offer a soft and feminine tone to your outfit. Also remember to opt for light, spring colours that work in with your chosen outfit (or black/white on Derby Day).
Knitwear
We don’t normally associate knitwear with spring racing attire, however certain knit tops may be useful layering pieces in your ensemble, especially if you have gone with a mix and match set. When choosing knitwear, avoid chunky and heavy knit styles. Opt instead for more delicate knit tops or jumpers, or jumpers with subtle textures in their knit, then for additional structure, consider layering with a blazer.
Structured, lightweight coats: Rain and wind are common attendees at spring racing events, especially in Melbourne, so a coat may be required on the day. If possible, opt for a lightweight, structured coat in a colour that suits your outfit. Avoid heavy fabrics, unless you know it’s going to be ultra chilly. (Polyester coats can offer plenty of warmth whilst remaining lightweight.)
Styling for Specific Racing Days
Different racing events have their own unique requirements when it comes to how to dress. Let’s run through the major events. (Always check the racetrack website for specific dress codes for the venue you’re attending. We’ve included a list of links below.)
Melbourne Cup Day: Creative and Bold
Vibrant prints and colours reign supreme on Melbourne Cup day, so go bold and experimental if you like! Your headpiece is everything, so take care when working it in with your ensemble. Remember, you don’t have to buy a hat. If you’ve got the skills, make your own!
Derby Day: Monochrome/Duochrome
Wear white, black, or a mix of both.
Oaks Day: Feminine flourishes
Ladies’ day is all about romantic and feminine ensembles. Floral prints are popular, as are flowy dresses with embellishments like ruffles, frills and lace.
Stakes Day: Relaxed style
This day (considered family day) is a little more laid back when it comes to style expectations. You still want to look racetrack appropriate, but you can opt for more comfortable styles, such as soft linen pants, jumpsuits, breathable and relaxed tops, and more straightforward spring dresses.
Key Spring Racing Styling Tips for Women
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Fabric first: When choosing a garment, remember it is spring. You need lightweight fabrics that are ideally breathable. Linen, cotton, viscose are all very breathable. Polyester dresses are also a viable option, as they can be super lightweight. You might just want to choose a sleeveless version if you’re worried about underarm perspiration.
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Print harmony: If choosing bold prints, balance with neutral layering pieces (e.g., solid tops with printed midi skirts).
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Get the size right: Whether it’s a dress, pair of pants or skirt, your garments are always best if they are in the right size! Oversized or undersized dresses just won’t do you justice, plus, you may feel uncomfortable.
- Mix occasionwear with separates: Need some help for what on the day? Why not explore our Wear-to-Work and Occasionwear collections and mix and match some pieces? These collections include feminine dresses as well as more structured pieces, most of which will be appropriate to wear to racing events.
Spring Racing Dress Codes
Certain codes apply when it comes to dressing for spring racing events. We’ve provided a link to the popular racetrack dress codes below. Though many of the tracks have similar requirements, it’s worth checking with the venue you are attending, just to make sure you’re following the rules.
Australian Racecourse Dress Codes:
Caulfield Racecourse, Sandown Racecourse, Mornington Racecourse (VIC)
Moonee Valley Racecourse (VIC)
Royal Randwick Racecourse (NSW)
Ascot Racecourse & Belmont Park Racecourse (WA)
Brisbane Racing Club (Eagle Farm & Doomben) (QLD)
Cluden Park (Townsville) (QLD)
Spring Dresses Australia at Femme Connection
Looking for just the right outfit for a spring racing event? Femme Connection has you sorted with an array of gorgeous women’s dresses in designs that will suit any spring racing occasion. Whether you are a ‘spring’ chicken looking for your first ever raceday outfit, or you’re seeking out spring carnival dresses for over 50s, we have it all, including long sleeve, modest dresses, and a wide range of special occasion dresses, floral dresses, cocktail dresses, and black and white pieces from our Wear-To-Work range that will fit in nicely on Derby Day. With a range of prints, styles, fabrics and sizes available, Femme Connection can be your first (and likely last) stop on your journey to buying that perfect spring carnival outfit!