THE focus will be on class, quirkiness and conservative dress when men and women take to the stage in the racing fashion stakes.
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While some women head straight for designer labels in preparation for Spring carnivals, many are taking a step back in time for a more vintage look.
With Melbourne Cup race meets set to take place across the region on Tuesday, the search for a quirky design has kept one Corowa boutique on the ball.
Miss Madeleine millinery and vintage owner Dyonne Rhodes said the demand for her 1950s and 60s vintage dresses had spiked since the start of September.
“I think the demand has come because more often people are after a one-off hat and a one-off dress,’ she said.
“For fashions on the field, judges prefer something with a bit of a sleeve.
“The good thing about vintage is it is to the knee or below, which seems to be very on trend at the moment.
“My advice is don't have a busy dress and a busy hat.
“Having your hair tied back is a good idea otherwise it can become tied in with your hat.”
Ms Rhodes said many of the serious fashion contenders begin planning their look from the start of September.
She said people still tend to go for black, but pastel colours and bright prints have also been popular.
“Women are going for structured head pieces, the traditional hat hasn’t really come back in yet,” Ms Rhodes said.
“People are still wearing little boater style hats and lace crowns.”
All the action from Flemington will be brought to punters throughout the region next week including at Corowa, Wangaratta and Albury.
The event will be the Wangaratta Turf Club's first race meet since last December following track upgrades.
More than $270,000 in funding from the state government and the Victorian Racing Industry fund was spent on resurfacing the track.
Racing Victoria executive general manager for infrastructure and club support Jamie McGuiness said an inspection following Wednesday's jump outs had determined the venue was in good condition to welcome back racing.
“The track has had two sets of jump outs in the last two weeks and the feedback we received was positive,” he said.
“It’s terrific that racing can return to Wangaratta on Melbourne Cup Day and the club and North East racing participants are looking forward to a great day.”
The Melbourne Cup carnival kicks-off with all black Derby Day on Saturday.
Ladies are expected to frock-up for a girls’ day out on Thursday for Oaks Day charity events.
