The MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL

Held over four days, champion-grade racing starts from the Penfolds Victoria Derby Day – the first big race day of the Flemington Festival and the first day Melbourne Cup fashion comes to life. On the second day, things start to heat up. Tuesday is Melbourne Cup Race day and where all serious punters come to life. Following the big day is Oaks Day, featuring the 30th anniversary of the Kennedy Oaks Club. Prepare for long lunches and spectacular entertainment. The carnival then wraps up with the TAB Champions Stakes Day. A family day with live entertainment right next to all the racing action.

Men’s fashion at the Melbourne cup has unequivocally evolved since the very race held in 1861. Then, ‘The Age’ newspaper noted, “in the crowd, the men were wearing cabbage-tree hats and sporting bushy beards; settlers in moleskins, or leggings and boots; and diggers from Ballarat who stood out in their red shirts”.

Clearly, Fashions on the Field in its literal sense have come a long way since 19th-century style. Yet still retaining class and personality, men now boast tidy tailored suits, distinct colours, crisp shirts, ties and textures. We might even spot a cabbage-tree hat or two on stage this year.

From the minute Melbourne cup tickets go on sale, you should be thinking about your winning outfit. Not sure where to start? Wondering what to wear to these spectactular events? Here’s our guide to men’s Melbourne Cup fashion.

DERBY DAY

The hotly-anticipated first day of the carnival and, naturally, the day that sets the tone for the week. A day rich in glamorous history, elegance and prestige. For Derby Day, choose monochrome suits, perfectly fitting, and suit separates to match.

Start with a button-up men’s Oxford Shirt, and pair with some well-fitting pants. Our Motion 2 Custom Fit Pants are perfect for a day on the move thanks to their cotton stretch blend fabric. Finish with men’s leather boots, a sophisticated tie, a leather belt, and a beautifully tailored jacket.

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

Melbourne Cup Day is for the guy who’s there for all the racing action. Who focuses on the lead-up form of the horses and those hoping for a payoff. Styling choices can come from more daring separates and block colours. Experiment with classic form and combinations of prints and patterns.

Start with a lightly patterned shirt like our Ocean Grove Sports Fit Shirt to set the tone of your outfit. From here, you can play with texture and complimenting tones to finish, with a light-coloured Cascades Jacket, some Darfield Derby Leather shoes and tailored pants.

OAKS DAY

Otherwise known as Ladies’ Day, Oaks Day is the day for emphasising soft, muted colours and embracing the nostalgic side of men’s fashion. Subtle femininity can be discovered in our Coromandel Sports Fit Shirts in pastel tones with a cool-coloured jacket. Keep it light with some boat shoes and top it off with an unstructured blazer.

STAKES DAY

The last day of the Cup Carnival and the perfect opportunity to showcase flair and individuality. Stakes day is for long lunches, family entertainment and casual betting. Prioritise comfort with a Coromandel men’s linen shirt or Gunn Polo, some lightweight chinos, and an unstructured blazer.