FASHION THAT STOPS A NATION

IT’S getting bright out. Kick your black office frock to the curb and embrace bold colours and vibrant patterns.

For Melbourne Cup day on Tuesday, retail giants, David Jones and Myer agree on one thing: eye-popping prints are perfect for career girls heading out to lunches around the city.

Myer has invested heavily in classic dresses, lightweight headbands, fascinators and crowns that give corporate women fail-safe solutions.

Group general manager of apparel Karen Brewster said if you’re heading to the race from work, make sure you get a small headpiece which easily fits into your handbag.

“We always consider women who are busy at work during racing season who also want to dress up and express themselves. They are becoming more fearless about style and colour,” Ms Brewster said.

“Melbourne Cup day is our biggest race day and ladies need a versatile outfit that can take them from the office to the track, or a special lunch around town.’’

In the nine weeks leading up to the big event, the store sells am incredible 315,000 dresses, 78,000 heeled sandals and 31,000 pieces of millinery. Ms Brewster said candy-coloured pastels had also taken off: “There’s a huge feminine trend around cosmetic tones, blush pinks, pale blues and they are equally as flattering.”

At David Jones, pink and burgundy are the early favourites to win the fashion play-offs on Tuesday.

Desk-to-lunch styles from brands Camilla, Ginger and Smart and Scanlan Theodore have been flying off the racks.

Director of merchandise Donna Player says it’s important to know your style, and rock it hard: “We’ve invested in colour and prints. We’ve got pinks, moss greens and burgundy hues. Head-to-toe white is also a great look, as long as you top it off with a great hat.”

Tailored silhouettes are back, with many labels focusing on flattering shapes and hem lengths that swing to just under the knee.

“There’s a lot of traction this season with younger women shopping for revealing leg lengths and necklines,” Ms Player said.

“We would see the jumpsuit as suitable too.

“These lace, silk and cotton designs are ladylike and work well into the party season.’’

Westfield stylist Alyce Cowell said you don’t have to break the bank to look chic at the races, with stores including Dotti, Target and Portmans offering plenty of options for under $100: “There are a lot of sales on right now and Target has amazing headwear that covers the key trends for under $20.’’

For those heading to a cup lunch from work, Ms Cowell suggested adding a blazer and a fascinator as you walk out the door: “Find a look that is both race and office appropriate. It’s quite easy because the races are about being modest.

“You can make it more corporate by adding a blazer, and at lunch time swap it for a headpiece, stilettos and a colourful lipstick.”