This question has come in a few times and funnily enough, I just styled a shot for a newspaper using Coco Lee clothes to illustrate. With Spring Carnival, it's all about light frocks and open shoes, but Autumn is a little different.
This is what I styled from Coco Lee for the cover of MX (that's my Uncle Charlie's racehorse, Strawberry Fields btw. Isn't she a beauty!):
Hat: The Hatmaker in Double Bay, Sydney - this is a veritable playground for those who can afford his incredible, one-off creations. www.hatmaker.com.au
Dress: by Bracewell, onsale now for $140 on Coco Lee, normally $285. Click Shop on the menu bar.
Necklace: by Peter Lang. I heart this black flower necklace, it's such a great "3D" piece which is a huge trend all over the red carpet. Now $75.00 on Coco Lee, it normallly retails for $175.
Clutch: by Sambag, I love this so much I bought one for me and wore it to a friend's wedding on Saturday! It's currently $180 on Coco Lee normally $400. It's not tiny as other clutches so fits more than a credit card. You're at the races so long you'll need things to touch up with! Blotting papers, lipgloss, flat shoes for later ...
Hosiery: Leona Edmiston polka dot patterned, sheer stockings. Perfect to keep you warm if it gets cool. We'll be selling these soon on Coco Lee.
Gloves: Vintage. These are actually my own sheer, spotted wrist gloves which are SO big this season and look fab at the races. Also good to keep you warm with.
Shoes: By Sambag, now $138 on Coco Lee, they retail for $220 instore. A great heel that isn't crippllngly high, 'cause by the end of the day you usually want to kill someone for making you wear massive shoes.
Other racing dress tips:
* Nude is big this season, but make sure it flatters you.
* Try a wedge. They don't sink into grass.
* Keep your dress above the knee. Cocktail length is perfect for the races.
* Have fun with a hat, gloves, hosiery - what better time to play dressups?
* If cold, carry a fake fur stole to throw over your shoulders.
* Don't wear a dress that will fly in the wind. There's nothing worse than trying to not to flash while your out-of-control dress ruins your day.
* Bring makeup to touch up - you'll be there for a while.
* Don't get too messy, pace yourself. No matter how well dressed you are, that can all disappear if you're drooling barefoot and drunken at the end of the day.
* Remember it's the races, not a nightclub. Don't wear a dress that's better suited to the dancefloor. Keep the sequins at home unless they're subtle, and ditch your mini dress. The races are all about dressing with distinction. Think old-school 50's style rather than the trashy 80's.