Bright and breezy way to go

Advice on Cup Day fashion

BRIGHT colours, spring florals and a matching fascinator are a sure bet for fashionable punters on Melbourne Cup day.

Leanne Todd returns to the Cairns Jockey Club as a judge next week after being named Lady of The Day in Fashions on the Field last year.

The Amazing Fashion and Beauty Boutique owner has shared her tips for the race that stops the nation.

“Ladies, lots of colour, spring colours and florals with racewear-appropriate hemlines,” she said.

“I personally like to see class at the track, so leave your clubbing outfit at home.

“Bare feet is a look we should never see at the track but it is acceptable to put on your ballet flats should you suffer from blisters or pain. Every woman needs a spare pair (ballet flats) in their clutch bag.”

Ms Todd said male entrants in recent FOTF had taken it up a notch and she looked forward to seeing more suits teamed with seasonal hats, such as fashionable straw boaters and fedoras.

“Being spring it is a little more relaxed and, due to our Far North Queensland weather, we are more accepting of short suits, not just the traditional long pants,” she said.

Ms Todd’s advice for men and women entering FOTF on Tuesday was to dress to the season without overdoing it.

“I am not a fan of seeing black at the track or darker winter colours during spring carnival, however, if you are more comfortable in black, match it back with some beautiful spring colours or ontrend metallics in your headpiece and accessories,” she said.

“We like to see that you have taken the time to think about your outfit and put it together well. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a big budget.”

The Melbourne Cup day meeting at Cannon Park will feature five local races from 12.55pm with gates opening at 11am.

CJC general manager John Cameron said ticket sales were significantly up on last year.

“It will be a good little race day. We’ve already sold out two cocktail parties and the lunch, where we will seat about 250, has only about 10 tickets left,” he said. “It’s good to have five races locally on such a day and we expect to have over 1000 people there.

“Melbourne Cup is special, no matter where they are, and what’s great to see is everyone, not just at the racecourse, but at other functions as well.

“One thing the jockey club has is live racing, that’s what makes it a little more unique.”

Visit www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au.