flagshipSun 4 Oct 2026
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
ParisLongchamp, Paris
Parisian Chic – refined and elegant, hats encouraged
You are invited · Tue 3 Nov 2026
Lexus Melbourne Cup
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia
flagshipHats required
Embrace colour and carnival spirit with vivid tones, daring prints, and statement hats reflecting carnival atmosphere
Theme colours
- vivid tones
- bright colors
what to wear
The dress code
- Dress standard
- Black Tie / Morning Dress
- Millinery
- required
- Season
- Spring
- Official flower
- Yellow Rose
- Prize money
- $8,660,000
Women
The pinnacle of Australian racing fashion. Elegant cocktail or formal day wear with statement millinery.
Required
- Cocktail dress or formal day wear
- Fascinator or hat (Members Enclosure)
- Enclosed shoes
Encouraged
- Bold millinery statement
- Australian designers
- Sophisticated colour palette
Leave at home
- Denim
- Thongs/flip-flops
- Activewear
- Fancy dress
- Beach wear
Men
Formal racing attire. Suit and tie required in Members areas.
Required
- Tailored suit (Members)
- Collared shirt
- Tie (Members)
- Enclosed leather shoes
Encouraged
- Pocket square
- Quality accessories
- Classic colour palette
Leave at home
- Denim
- Thongs
- Shorts
- Casual footwear
- Fancy dress
Formal enclosures
Men: Bold, colourful suits; statement prints (checks, plaids); vibrant ties and pocket squares. Women: Eye-catching, extravagant headpieces—the centrepiece of the outfit.
General admission
Vivid tones, daring prints, statement hats, sleek tailoring in brights, feminine florals bursting with energy
Styling notes
Day to embrace colour and carnival spirit with sleek tailoring in brights and feminine florals bursting with energy
Weather
Spring racing season - temperatures 15-22°C. Layers recommended as Melbourne weather is unpredictable. Sun protection essential.
History
The Race That Stops a Nation, first run Thursday 7th November 1861, 165th of series in 2026. Fashions on the Field has been a highlight since 1962.
Enclosures
- General Admission
- Reserved Seating
- Reserved Tables on the Front Lawn
- Members Enclosure
- The Birdcage
Fashions on the Field
- Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award
- Best Suited Daily
- Best Dressed
Part of
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Sat 10 Oct 2026 to Sat 7 Nov 2026 · Flemington & Caulfield
The world's greatest racing carnival—$25+ million in prize money, four days at Flemington, and the race that stops a nation. Historic 2026: Cox Plate moves to Flemington.
Derby Day: Black and white monochrome—the most formal day. Melbourne Cup: Bold colour and carnival spirit—make your sartorial mark. Oaks Day: Feminine elegance, pastels, florals. Stakes Day: Relaxed garden party.
Fabrics: All styles from structured formal to relaxed garden party depending on day
- Black and White
- Bold Colour
- Feminine Elegance
- Garden Party
Check the official details before you go: vrc.com.au ↗
for the day
Shop the look
Wendy Scully Millinery
Pink Pastel Texture Fabric Bandeau Headband
$410
Millinery By Mel
MBM5308
$265
Hello Curve
Meryl Plus Size Black Gold Midi Cocktail Dress
$329
Hello Curve
Elyn Plus Size Teal Off Shoulder Cocktail Dress
$269
Blue Bungalow
Alcatraz Beige Leather Slingback Mule
$129.95
Alias Mae
Parlez Black Leather
$229.95
Samantha Rose
Avera Bag
$75
Samantha Rose
Aloria Bag
$79
Also on the day
save the date
Coming up
majorSat 10 Oct 2026
Caulfield Guineas Day
Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
Melbourne spring carnival begins. Sophisticated spring elegance with statement millinery.
flagshipSat 17 Oct 2026
Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Day
Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
Major Group 1 day leading into Melbourne Cup Carnival. Spring elegance with sophisticated millinery.
