Ladies who love the races know spring isn’t the only season to be excited about. Racing events take place in autumn too, and the season is kind of perfect for it, fashion wise! Autumn weather tends to be mild, with crisp, sunny days, and cool nights. Where race events in spring can be hot, in autumn, there’s no worries about sweating off your make-up or getting clammy in your dress. So you can wear some very slick and stylish pieces, without the springtime flourishes.
The autumn colour palette is also undeniably beautiful, with earthy neutral tones and rich jewel colours matching well with the colours in the natural landscape. Burnt orange, burgundy, deep plum, navy and forest green all look stunning under the autumn light, and they tend to work with a range of skin tones.
All up, autumn is a great fashion season, and dressing for the races gives us a great opportunity to really dress up before winter arrives.
Autumn & Spring Racewear — What’s the Difference?
Most racewear imagery we see features the spring racing carnival, where pastels, bold bright colours, florals, and embellished statement pieces are popular. By contrast, autumn racewear fashions are a little more considered and restrained.
Autumn race outfits feature tailored dresses or separates, and focus on deeper and richer colours. Fabrics are less floaty than they were in spring, with autumn race dresses often featuring satin blends, textured fabrics, longer sleeves, and deeper tones. This all serves to create a slightly more mature look, in keeping with the changing of the seasons.
What’s similar? In both spring and autumn, dresses are the frontrunners when it comes to raceday attire for women. A polished dress that flatters your shape, plus thoughtful accessorising, will always go down well at the race track.
Autumn Dresses for the Races
Dresses are par for the course at the races, and in autumn, a polished racing outfit is expected at most racing venues. We’re talking refined hemlines, cocktail styling, and coordinated accessories. Here are local guides:
Melbourne: Traditional racewear standards apply at Flemington’s Australian Cup Carnival. In Members’ areas, it gets more specific, with a tailored outfit or elegant dress, headpiece or hat, and polished footwear being expected. (Watch the race at home if you want to wear casual wear or denim.)
Sydney: At Royal Randwick, member’s enclosures ask for special event wear, such as cocktail or race day dresses, refined straps, hemlines and footwear. Hats aren’t obligatory, but are welcome.
Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide: Relaxed-but-polished wear is expected at events in these cities. Members’ areas generally require dresses or coordinated outfits with neat footwear. General Admission allows stylish smart-casual attire. Hats are popular.
Hobart, Canberra, Darwin: Women tend to wear smart separates or more casual autumn dresses. Member areas still ask for a polished outfit (sneakers and ripped denim are forbidden), however all up, it’s relaxed.
Which Autumn Dresses to Pick for the Weather
Like spring, autumn can be a little unpredictable (particularly in Melbourne). It’s important to be prepared by checking average temperatures in your location. Choose a dress in a fabric that will keep you warm enough, and bring layers if necessary.
How to be prepped for the autumn racing weather?
- In locations where it’s likely to be cold, consider long sleeve autumn dresses, as they’ll keep your arms warm.
- Choose dense fabrics rather than ultra lightweight or sheer fabrics.
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Bring outerwear! A cropped jacket, lightweight coat or tailored blazer will all look polished whilst keeping you warm. And if the temperature heats up, you can always cloak them!
Remember to be mindful when choosing your layers, and ensure your outerwear doesn’t overwhelm your dress.
(Note, knitwear is generally avoided at the races, however if it’s very structured, it can work. An elegant shawl or wrap can look perfect over an autumn cocktail dress, for example.) - When choosing footwear, remember you’re at the races. You don’t want your heels sinking into the turf if it’s wet. Opt for wedges or closed-toe heels rather than stilettos.
- A chic umbrella is a great idea at the races, particularly if rain is forecast.
Autumn Race Day Dresses - Colours to Consider
Rich and deep colours are embraced in autumn race day dresses. Look out for solid colour dresses or print dresses that include the following hues:
- Chocolate brown
- Burgundy
- Deep plum
- Forest green
- Olive
- Emerald green
- Midnight blue
- Navy
- Burnt orange
- Mustard.
Monochrome (black or white) or duochrome (black and white combined) are also stylish colour choices for the autumn races. In fact, these shades are staple on Day 1 of Sydney’s Star Championships at Royal Randwick.
Print or solid colour? Both are great. Botanical print dresses with moody florals or leafy patterns in jewel tones will stand out in autumn. Solid-coloured dresses will offer a streamlined look.
Don’t forget, metallic elements will complement the above-mentioned autumn colours, so look out for dresses with a glittery thread!
Dress Styles you can Count on for Autumn Races
Thanks to cool temperatures, there’s plenty of range when it comes to what autumn dresses will suit the race day event. The following dresses will all be acceptable in the member’s areas, as well as in more casual race day settings.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses accentuate your silhouette and look feminine and stylish. Many are adjustable, so you can feel extra comfortable on race day. Look out for wrap dresses in soft, draped fabrics. Style with earrings, a structured clutch, and a hat if you’re in the mood.
Botanical Print Dresses
Plant-inspired prints can look gorgeous in autumn, particularly if they include colours that match the season. Pair your botanical print dress with neutral-coloured heels and gold accessories.
Autumn Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dresses are a race day favourite in autumn. Consider longer sleeves, deep colours and textured fabrics. Pair with a tailored blazer for a polished ensemble.
Maxi Dresses
Long dresses are inherently elegant at the races, and the bonus is that they keep your legs warm! Look for flowing silhouettes in rich tones or subtle prints. Style with high heels or heeled boots. Add a shapely coat if the forecast predicts a cool change.
Midi Autumn Dresses
A perennial favourite for the races, midi dresses strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. They aren’t too short, so fit in with dress codes, and yet their hem is high enough for you to easily kick up your heels. Wear with closed toe heels, strappy wedges, or even ankle boots.
Short Dresses
Shorter hemlines are still viable, particularly in Brisbane’s warmer climate, but autumn styling may call for long sleeves or heavier fabrics to offset the short dress length.
Styling Tips for Autumn Racing
Race day dressing is about more than the dress.
- Research the dress code! There’s nothing worse than being turned away for wearing the wrong thing.
- Bring layers!
- Choose footwear that can handle the turf (avoid stilettos).
- Be intentional with accessory choices. A headpiece or hat will always fit in at the racetrack. Gloves and umbrellas might be needed too. And when it comes to jewellery, ensure the metals you choose work well with the colour of your dress, and with the season.
- Opt for makeup that complements your autumn racing dress. Soft matte finishes, berry lips, and warm-toned eyeshadows should work.
- Don’t forget your essentials: You’ll need your phone, bank card, lipstick, compact, sunglasses and umbrella. Make sure your bag can handle it.
- Stay with your friends!
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You’ll be at the races for hours. Eat well, stay hydrated, and go easy on the bubbly!
Shop Autumn Dresses Australia at Femme Connection
Searching, ‘autumn races dresses in Australia’? We have plenty in Femme Connection’s online store. Whether you’re after a sleek cocktail dress, a flattering midi dress or a flowing maxi dress, we have plenty of options in a range of colours, prints and sizes. With free shipping within Australia for purchases $75 and over, and an easy returns process, shopping for autumn race dresses is easy with Femme!