The Spring Racing Edit 2025
The spring racing season is just around the corner, and you may wonder – whatever will I wear? So many spring racing days come means many different types of dress codes to decode (and so much fun to be had!). Your spring racing calendar will be filled from the Caufield Cup Day to the race that stops the nation – the Melbourne Cup. You may be off to the races and cheering trackside or you could be needing a look for your race day lunch at work or you could be having a champagne toast at home. Whatever the occasion is we all know that one thing is for sure – you need race day dresses, fascinators and accessories galore! It’s time to refresh your wardrobe to ensure your best-dressed status won’t be a photo finish.
With ever evolving trends it can sometimes be nerve wracking to know what each dress code means. We have put together a spring racing guide for every notable race day. From jewellery - bold styles to floaty floral prints, you have so many options for race day, and it is important to be prepared in advance so you can feel confident and look stunning on the day. It’s always a bonus to have a bit of fun styling yourself for a race day with the right dress and accessories.
What should I wear to the Melbourne Cup in 2025?
The Melbourne Cup is one of the key race days during the Spring Racing Carnival, it is often dubbed as the "race that stops the nation." Therefore, it is important that your Melbourne Cup outfit reflects this, and that it also follows the strict Melbourne Cup dress code.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup outfits trends include bold colours, statement silhouettes and chic headpieces. In addition to the fashion trends, it is also important to consider your true personal style when selecting your outfit for this day.
Can I wear a black dress to the spring races?
Yes, you can definitely wear a black dress to the spring races. The best spring race to wear a black dress to would be Derby Day, as the dress code for this race day is strictly black and white. Although a black dress would also be a suitable choice for many of the other race days. For any race day, other than Derby Day, your black dress can be styled with floral, pastel and brightly coloured accessories, such as bold and colourful earrings or pastel toned headpieces.
How formal should my outfit be for the spring races?
Spring racing fashion is defined by elevated elegance, therefore your outfit should be polished and sophisticated. Your outfit also needs to follow the dress code of each spring race day. The dress code for the races is considered to be formal daywear, therefore it is best to steer away from ball gowns and full length dresses and instead choose a cocktail, midi or maxi style.
Caulfield Cup
Although the Caulfield Cup has no strict dress code on race day, many attendees opt for bold fashion statements. Colour blocking is a common trend, as is wearing matching sets. When choosing a stylish outfit for the Spring Carnival, go with strong colours that demand attention. Caulfield Cup dresses are all about the colour – think of it as the colourful Caulfield Cup. Jewel tones and matching earrings, technicolour combos and eye-catching numbers paired with equally vivid fascinators, make for the perfect Caulfield cup look.
Derby Day
One of the most glamorous and chic days in spring racing fashion. Derby Day calls for a strict black and white dress code. Think black or white dresses for Derby Day (or a mix of black and white for an eye-catching contrasting look). A little black dress or a little white dress would fit the brief perfectly. There’s nothing quite as chic as pearls and a red lip to compliment your monochrome race day outfit. Pair these styles with the perfect set of silver or gold bangles to add a bit of glamour to your look.
Melbourne Cup
For the Melbourne Cup, it's time to leave the monotone colour behind and dive into a world of vibrant hues and dramatic silhouettes. This is your moment to shine and truly embrace your statement look! Think bold, eye-catching colours, oversized hats, and statement accessories to create a look that's impossible to ignore. When selecting a race dress look towards floral embroidered dresses with floaty skirts or a sapphire midi length dress that makes a statement.
Oaks Day
Oaks Day is all about femininity, florals and flirty frills. Ladies’ day on the field calls for an elegant and sophisticated formal look. The Oaks Day dress code allows you to embrace your ultra-feminine side with pastels like fairy tale pinks and sky-blue hues. Frills and ruffles and floral print dresses alike make for a flirty and fabulous ladies day look for the upcoming race season. Take advantage of the opportunity and lean into your floral-patterned dreams and lace desires.
Stakes Day
The family day of the race season – the Stakes Day is a more relaxed dress code with racegoers being allowed to wear outfits that are more dressed down and bring a bit more of their style to the track. Stakes Day is a family day and although there is still a dress code to adhere to, you can be a little more comfortable here with minimalist looks when it comes to Stakes Day dresses and accessories. Choose a chiffon jumpsuit or dress, which can easily be styled down for a chic and sophisticated race day look.
You will always look your best in Montique! For more fashion tips or information on our dresses and products, contact us at customerservice@intermoda.com.au to be in touch with our customer service team, or shop our new arrivals now!
Updated on 25/08/2025
