Melbourne Cup Outfits For Ladies: The 15 Most Amazing Tips

By Miruna Dulcea Mar 23, 2024

The Melbourne Cup, renowned as the race that stops a nation, isn't just about the horses - it's also a fashion event. You need to dress up and if you don't know what to wear, we can help you!

Your Melbourne Cup outfit should exude elegance, sophistication, and a touch of personal style.

Let's dive into some outfit recommendations to ensure you stand out!

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Mind the theme

To showcase the finest spring fashion, you need to be aware of the four Melbourne Cup days, because each of them requires a different type of outfit.

Experts recommend neutral colors on Derby Day, going big and bold on Melbourne Cup Day, switching to florals, pastels, and lace for Oaks Day, and relaxed outfits for Steaks Day.

Statement headpieces

No Melbourne Cup outfit is complete without a head-turning headpiece.

Opt for a statement headband adorned with flowers or embellishments to add a touch of glamour to your look. Choose a headpiece that complements your outfit while making a bold statement.

Let yourself be inspired by our selection of sustainable hair accessories.

Hats

For a more traditional approach, a classic hat is always a winner.

Think wide-brimmed hats adorned with stylish details can help you make a fashion statement.

Black and white hats are particularly popular choices, as they effortlessly capture the spirit of the event while adding a timeless appeal to your ensemble.

Discover the best affordable and sustainable hats and beanies.

Cocktail dresses

Regarding Melbourne Cup fashion, a chic cocktail dress is a staple choice.

Opt for classic black and white pieces for a sophisticated look that never goes out of style. Alternatively, throw on a vibrant color if you want all eyes to be on you.

The best cocktail dresses are affordable, fashionable, and ethically made from sustainable materials.

Click here to discover our recommendations.

Black and white outfits

The black and white combination is a classic and timeless choice that will never go out of style.

If you love dressing elegantly in versatile clothing items, a black-and-white mix is the way to go!

Romantic fashion style

Embrace the romantic fashion style with feminine silhouettes, delicate lace details, or flowy fabrics that exude grace and charm.

Puff sleeves, bows, sweetheart necklines, embellished dresses, delicate prints, and lightweight materials that give the impression of floating and flowing are some of your best choices.

If you want to transform your wardrobe and give your outfits a feminine and delicate touch, we've got you covered! Here are our 20 best tips for a great romantic fashion-style wardrobe.

Smart-casual attire

Mix style and comfort to obtain a beautiful smart-casual outfit. You can choose a cute combination with a shirt, or a beautiful dress.

Here are the 20 best sexy casual summer dresses.

Tailored pants

For those looking for an alternative to dresses, tailored pants offer a modern yet polished look.

Choose tailored pants in elegant fabrics and pair them with a cute blouse or shirt and a matching blazer or structured top for a chic ensemble that commands attention.

Take a look at the 15 best affordable and recycled pants you will love.

Bold colors

Bold colors are a great way to stand out and showcase your sense of fashion. You can craft beautiful and vibrant ensembles that will not go unnoticed.

For more shopping inspiration take a look at the best slow fashion brands.

Coordinated sets

Coordinated sets are a very safe choice that can help you obtain an elegant and put-together outfit.

They come with many advantages, one of them being the fact that you can wear the pieces separately in many combinations.

Moreover, if you choose to wear a coordinated set, your outfit will be ready in no time!

Midi dresses

You can't go wrong with a midi dress!

Midi dresses strike the perfect balance between sophistication and style, making them an ideal choice for the Melbourne Cup.

Opt for midi dresses in classic black and white hues or embrace bold floral prints for a touch of whimsy. Choose styles that cinch at the waist and feature feminine details such as ruffles or pleats for a flattering silhouette.

Moreover, midi dresses are incredibly versatile and you will be able to enjoy yours on many other occasions. This makes midi dresses a great investment in your wardrobe in the long term.

Learn how to style a midi dress from our article.

Jewelry

Accessorize your Melbourne Cup outfit with statement jewelry to add a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Opt for bold earrings, statement necklaces, or embellished bracelets that complement your chosen ensemble. Choose jewelry pieces that reflect your style and add a touch of sparkle to your look.

Thankfully, you can now buy gorgeous accessories from sustainable brands that work under the highest social and environmental standards.

Discover the 10 best ethical jewelry brands using recycled materials.

Skirts

Skirts are a versatile and elegant option for Melbourne Cup attire.

Opt for skirts in classic black and white or embrace bold prints and vibrant colors for a more eye-catching look. Pair your flowy skirt with a fitted top or blouse for a chic and feminine ensemble that exudes sophistication and style.

Take a peek at the 15 best affordable and sustainable midi skirts.

Shoes

We can't talk about the gorgeous Melbourne Cup outfits for ladies without mentioning footwear!

Your shoes or sandals should be both elegant and comfortable. In terms of fashion, heels are ideal! However, you must be very careful to avoid discomfort and accidents.

Choose heels you can walk in - go for block heels that provide more stability. If you don't feel comfortable wearing heels, ballet flats are another cute option.

If you are interested in cruelty-free shoes, check out the 30 best ethical and vegan shoe companies.

Statement sleeves

Even if you are wearing a simple outfit, cute details such as sleeves can help you elevate your style.

A gorgeous dress with bell sleeves will help you look elegantly and stand out from the crowd.

Here are the best summer organic cotton dresses in 2024.

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About the Author: Miruna Dulcea

Miruna Dulcea has a science degree in Physics. She enjoys learning foreign languages and has so far lived and worked in four countries across Europe. Apart from her interest in science, she has a passion for fragrance and loves animals and art in all forms. - "Writing is a binder that breaks physical, temporal, and cultural boundaries and connects people everywhere, and that is the powerful fuel that motivates me to express myself with this form of communication. It is about both learning and sharing."