New Zealand · 6 outfits
What to wear to Champions Day / The Ned Prix de Fashion, Ellerslie
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
Cuvee, Top Deck, The Closer, Silks and Moet Lounge
Women
The dress code
Ellerslie on Champions Day (also Boxing Day and Melbourne Cup Day): in Cuvee, Top Deck, The Closer and Silks, 'Strictly no shorts, jeans, singlets, jandals, sports shoes or collarless shirts such as t-shirts.' Moet Lounge: the same ban at every event. Winning Post and Ascot Stand: suits, ties and headpieces 'common and encouraged' on major days; no running shorts, singlets, jandals or collarless shirts. General Admission: no code, tidy and presentable. The Ned Prix de Fashion final is judged on the runway.
Outfit 1
Finalist standard
- Dresses
- tailored midi dress, altered to fit exactly
- Headwear
- blocked hat
- Shoes
- heeled pumps
- Bags
- structured bag
Why it passes. No shorts, jeans, jandals or sports shoes anywhere in it; the 2026 winner had a bought dress cut down two sizes and a collar added.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. 2026 Supreme Winner Claudia Campbell wore a Monika Neuhauser hat.
Outfit 2
Summer suit
Why it passes. Tailored trousers are fine; only shorts and jeans are barred.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. A Trelise Cooper or RUBY piece with a Monika Neuhauser toque.
Outfit 3
Print dress and boater
- Dresses
- print midi dress
- Headwear
- straw boater
- Shoes
- wedges
- Accessories
- sunglasses
Why it passes. Meets the smart standard; Neuhauser's advice is that a brimmed straw is close to essential on sunny days.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. Augustine race-day dress; Mi Piaci shoes.
Common mistakes
- Jeans, even smart ones, in Cuvee on Champions Day
- Sports shoes or jandals
- Assuming the general-admission 'no code' applies in hospitality
Men
The dress code
Ellerslie on Champions Day (also Boxing Day and Melbourne Cup Day): in Cuvee, Top Deck, The Closer and Silks, 'Strictly no shorts, jeans, singlets, jandals, sports shoes or collarless shirts such as t-shirts.' Moet Lounge: the same ban at every event. Winning Post and Ascot Stand: suits, ties and headpieces 'common and encouraged' on major days; no running shorts, singlets, jandals or collarless shirts. General Admission: no code, tidy and presentable. The Ned Prix de Fashion final is judged on the runway.
Outfit 1
Suit and tie
- Suiting
- lightweight suit in cool wool or linen
- Accessories
- collared shirt, tie, pocket square
- Shoes
- leather dress shoes
Why it passes. Collared shirt, long trousers and leather shoes clear every ban; suits and ties are 'encouraged' on major days.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. 3 Wise Men sponsors Ellerslie's menswear award and advises linen, cotton and cool wool.
Outfit 2
Blazer, open collar
- Suiting
- unconstructed blazer with tailored trousers
- Accessories
- patterned collared shirt
- Shoes
- loafers
Why it passes. Still a collared shirt and no jeans, shorts or sports shoes.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. Crane Brothers or Working Style for the jacket.
Outfit 3
Hat finish
Why it passes. Adds sun cover without breaking any rule.
On the day. Auckland in early March: about 15-24 C, humid, strong sun and passing showers; lawns in The Ned Fashion Garden.
What regulars wear. Hills Hats of Wellington makes the Panama Viva picked for the races.
Common mistakes
- T-shirt under a blazer (collarless shirts are banned)
- Dress shorts on Champions Day in Cuvee
- Clean sneakers, which are still 'sports shoes'
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: aucklandracing.co.nz