With racing season already under way, fascinator fanatics have been forced to rethink their ensembles with fashion police cracking down on dress regulations at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
MORE: Shop Our Spring Racing Edit
No midriff and no cutouts are just a couple of the new rules that will be enforced on women entering the Member’s Grandstand and enclosure.
Victorian Racing Club acting services general manager Penny Tripp argues it is about keeping the races classy and in line with strict members dress regulations.
“While cropped tops are in fashion this season they do not meet Members’ enclosure regulations,’’ she said.
Here are just some of the don’t’s included in the Victorian Racing Members Style Guide:
- No jumpsuits… I’m sorry what?! A full-length jumpsuit is one of the most lady-like garments in modern-day fashion. Designers such as Zimmerman and Bec and Bridge currently have a number of them in this season’s collection and they are to die for!
- No shorts. Ok, look this is a tricky one considering it can be done so right but also so, so wrong. A tailored pair of white shorts screams spring, and would look amazing on a great pair of legs frolicking around the Birdcage. But the chances of race goers pulling this trend off is highly unlikely.
- No midriff. This just breaks my heart. Remember those high-waisted, knee-length, pleated skirts Carrie Bradshaw wore with a cropped top? Remember thinking to yourself ‘one day, one day I will wear something like this’ and you were forever waiting for the right occasion… THE SPRING RACING CARNIVAL WAS THE RIGHT OCCASION! But alas, this has also been taken from us. The worst part of this rule is that you have to turn down every cute twin-set outfit you see on the rack, because they are everywhere and you are forbidden!
- No leggings worn as pants – well that rule should apply to everyday life, am I right?
- No parkers, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Drizabone jackets – which basically means your only option is that $400 coat from Alannah Hill. I suggest, you grin and bear the cold.
I understand the concept of dressing for an occasion, however I would not be arguing the point if I didn’t think displaying minimal midriff couldn’t be done in an acceptable and lady-like manner.
Despite this, 2014 racing trends are still just amazing as ever. Lace cat ears, little school-boy straw sun hats and side clutches are some of this year’s cutest accessories.
Monochrome, or on the contrary, bright, bold and beautiful prints are both a classic race favorite.
So, frock up, get the champagne ready and get ready for fashion and fun…I also think there may be a horse race or two.
PS. A lady, never takes her shoes off regardless of the circumstances.
