There’s one more event left in the Melbourne Cup Carnival, but by Stakes Day, fashion has run its course. With the announcement of the Fashions on the Field winners on Oaks Day, statement gowns and bedazzled suits are packed away for another season.
Looking back at Derby Day, Cup Day and Oaks Day a shift in racewear could be felt, spreading from the Birdcage, along the rails to the members stand.
This aesthetic adjustment was mostly positive, although there were still some clowns. It’s called a carnival for a reason.
The Spring Carnival 2025 Fashion Wrap.Credit: Justin McManus, Penny Stephens, Simon Schluter
Here are the winning trends, and looks to be put out to pasture until 2026.
What’s in: Less is more
In the age of social media, the content creators, WAGS and wannabes once chose clickbait clothing with crass cut-outs, flashes of flesh and an excess of accessories.
Some of this season’s most successful looks were noticeable for their restrained silhouettes and simplicity.
On Oaks Day, Demi Brereton, daughter of former equestrian coach for Hong Kong and Fashions on the Field alumni, Debbie, and former top jockey Danny, stood out for all the right reasons in a simple polka dot dress.
The mini-dress moment from fast-fashion chain Forever New demonstrated that style can come at an accessible price.
Demi Brereton in Forever New outside the Mumm marquee on Oaks Day.Credit: Justin McManus
Sylvia Jeffreys in Rebecca Vallance on Oaks Day.Credit: Justin McManus
Sarah Stephens and Nonny Naitanui in Aje at the Melbourne Cup.Credit: Eddie Jim
On Cup Day, models Sarah Stephens and Nonny Naitanui also followed the advice of Coco Chanel by taking one thing off when they left their dressing suites in spring dresses from Aje.
Nine presenter Sylvia Jeffreys offered a more elevated approach to the pared-back formula in flattering and fancy-free Rebecca Vallance dresses for each race day.
What’s out: Runaway brides
The first tentative steps towards the long march down the aisle for many Melbourne couples were taken after brushing shoulders (and more) at Flemington Racecourse. This year some women – a few with rings already on their fingers – were keen to drive the message home in ornate dresses fit for a wedding.
Rebecca Judd in impeccably crafted white J’Aton Couture on Derby Day.Credit: Getty Images
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne in Vivienna Lorikeet.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS
Without a flotilla of fussing bridesmaids, fitted white-lace creations ran the risk of spills from caviar and champagne and beers and buckets of hot chips in the madding crowd.
Derby Day’s white code makes it easy to veer towards bridal wear, but next year resist the allure of couture creations by saying “I don’t”.
What’s in: Blokes Day
Men have finally gotten in touch with their fashion feelings at Flemington Racecourse.
Garish bucks’ party suits have mostly been replaced by outfits demonstrating a keen eye for details, such as statement ties, matching pocketbooks and hats ranging from the bucket and pencil brim that put green TAB caps to shame.
Joshua Kempen takes off his tie but keeps it tonal in Emporio Armani.Credit: Justin McManus
Sydney stylist Donny Galella on Oaks Day.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS
Kris Smith in a Boss suit and Serena Lindeman hat on Cup Day.Credit: Eddie Jim
Model-turned-musician Joshua Kempen, from the band Pamela, with fellow model Sarah Ellen, summed up the fresh approach.
“I feel comfortable,” Kempen said after stuffing his tie in his pocket and undoing the button of his Emporio Armani shirt. “I like to express myself through fashion.”
What’s out: The Clone Wars
It’s no longer enough to wear the unofficial uniform of private school boys whose blazers no longer fit them. A plain dark suit, R.M. Williams boots, white or pale-blue shirt and striped tie (modern mullet optional) no longer cuts it.
Fashion fortunes favour the brave so escape your cowardly lion, put down the stubby and add some personal touches, a pocket handkerchief, patterned tie or straw fedora. And please stop telling people what school you went to in the first five minutes of conversation.
A sea of young men waiting to find their fashion footing at Flemington Racecourse on Cup Day.Credit: Getty Images
Friends Luke, Simon and Scott ignore understatement, choosing fun over fashion and dressing up for the Melbourne Cup.Credit: Justin McManus
It almost makes you wish for more of those bucks’ party suits. Almost.
What’s in: Tonal dressing
The Melbourne Cup is usually a day of festive colour, but at this year’s carnival the fashions mostly fell flat. Blame it on the wet weather and grey skies, where even an outbreak of bold red outfits failed to pack any heat.
Melbourne content creator and podcaster Rozalia Russian on Oaks Day in J’Aton Couture.Credit: Justin McManus
Model Jordan Simek in Forever New at the Melbourne Cup.Credit: Simon Schluter
Subdued pastels and nudes soothed the eyes, allowing the details of dressmakers such as Steven Khalil, J’Aton Couture and Mariam Seddiq to stand out.
Bright, bold bursts of colour felt more at home on the jockeys.
What’s out: Loud prints
Big and bold floral prints, once a Spring Carnival staple, can go on the compost. Anything that resembled the 2023 TikTok Tomato Girl Summer trend seemed overripe and in that awkward place between last season and vintage.
Loud florals were perfect for dancing in the Mumm marquee but were out of tune with the season’s trends.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS
Lana Wilkinson’s muted florals were in tune with international fashion weeks. The dress from bridal expert Maelle threatened to go over the top but held its ground on Oaks Day.Credit: PENNY STEPHENS
Washed-out florals, reminiscent of Sandy Liang’s New York Fashion Week show or Chloe’s energetic ’80s florals from Paris Fashion Week are your best bet if you’re already in training for the next Spring Carnival.
Honourable mentions: This was a standout year for millinery, with fascinators and headbands almost outnumbered by wide-brimmed hats. Statement scarves were welcome additions to the 2025 lineup.
Dishonourable mentions: There was a smattering of belly-baring evening gowns that were confronting sights before midday. Follow the advice of drag queens and save directional dresses and make-up for moonlight.
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our
Most Viewed in Lifestyle
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
