The Melbourne Cup is the apex of the Australian social calendar, where you show off your dresses at the track, host a posh watch party with friends and family, or use it as an opportunity to show your fashionista side for the week. And yes, you get to watch some racing, too.
For those of us who will be stuck at the office for the days surrounding race day (we can’t all go to the Members Enclosure, right?), it doesn’t mean we have to stick to the boring drab we always wear to the rate race.
These inspired styles for the office will remain business-appropriate, yet will allow you to show off your sense of individuality, create something just that little bit different, and make you feel like a million dollars.
The Melbourne Cup, More Than a Race
For those in Australia, the idea that the Melbourne Cup is just a race is simply preposterous. It’s the race that stops a nation, an Australian highlight, and it’s even a public holiday in Victoria.
This year, Australians all have 5 November 2024, circled, marked, and underlined on their calendar. It’s the date of the first Tuesday of that month when the Melbourne Cup reaches its apex.
The dream is, of course, to be there in person, at Flemington racecourse, witnessing which horse and jockey will etch their names in racing folklore.
Yet even if you plan to sneakily watch proceedings from the office, or perhaps if you’re lucky, a ‘special meeting’ where everyone crowds around a laptop to enjoy the race, there’s no reason to stick to office casual:
Put Denim Back in the Closet (and other ‘rules’)
First, a few ground rules; you can veer a little away from them, but if you want to stick to Melbourne Race Day attire, keep reading.
Yes, you’re not in the Members Enclosure, but please, keep a sense of decorum (we’re only being slightly serious, here!).
First, no denim. That would instantly get you a perma-ban at the races, so it’s a definite no-no.
Second, no midriff. You may have a toned stomach resembling one of the American Gladiators, but this is not where you want to show it off.
Next, no rips or tears. Yes, that includes any of the ‘trendy’ items that make you pay more for them doing you the favour of destroying your clothes.
Fourth, just avoid anything casual. Even if your office does not have strict rules, leave the athleisure at home.
The Fun Stuff: Your Dress
Most ladies will wear a dress but don’t prevent this trend from wearing a pantsuit if that’s what you prefer. The key is colour + sophistication.
To follow tradition, pick a dress that does not go above the knee. Between the knee and ankle is what you’re aiming for, depending on the style you want to go for.
Opt for a dress that is not strapless, and does not show too much skin. Luckily, Melbourne Cup traditions tend to work well in office attire, as you do not want to do this at work, anyway!
Finally, colour. This is where you want to think carefully. Go by what would be accepted in your office, because a full-on splash of vibrancy may be a little too much. Details also work, even with a monochrome dress, you can add some colour to stand out.
Follow the Themes
What we really love about the Melbourne Cup is that each day of the festival has a distinct theme. For example, if you’re attending Everest at Randwick, it’s all about blue hues.
At Caulfield, you push the boundaries with something a little more bold. Think statements, use your imagination and go a little wild.
If you don’t want to be too ‘out there’, pick colourful items of jewellery, a vibrant scarf, or shoes that offer a little more colour than the rest of your outfit. For a dark dress, you can really go wild with your footwear, as pretty much any colour will match.
Derby Day guests will be head to toe in black and white, which happens to be a theme that can integrate very well with your office wear. We recommend a stylish but subdued outfit with a beautiful accessory purse and shoes.
Family Day Also Works!
We don’t all have the money, time, or dress choices to fit exactly within the parameters of the Members Enclosure. Our final piece of advice is to not let fashion get to you.
For those of you who want to go a little more casual, remember that Family Day is also a ‘thing’ at the Melbourne Cup. That’s the most relaxed day of the events, with many people keeping things very simple.
For Stakes Day (aka Family Day), you can go for a simple dress, basic accessories, and just use your imagination with a small detail.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just a little something to make you feel like you’re part of the race proceedings. Because you are, even if you’re watching on an iPad from your office!
