★ Race day ready fashion

From Jean Shrimpton breaking all the rules in her minidress in 1965 to Paris Hilton baring her midriff in 2003, the Melbourne Cup Carnival has always been a place for fashion statements. Getting the outfit right is as important as picking the winning horse, and for some, the Fashions on the Field competition is just as exciting as the action on track.

Whether styling a traditional black and white outfit for Derby Day, dressing to the nines for the Melbourne Cup, looking for something lady-like to celebrate Oaks Day, or something a little more casual for Stakes Day, Melbourne designers have something to suit all race days. Here’s where to start:

AAMI Derby Day:Traditionally the dress code on Derby Day (Saturday, 31 October 2015) is black and white, and it is rare that attendees will stray from this. Structured dresses go well for the Derby. Check out:

Yeojin BaeElegance meets razor sharp tailoring in Yeojin Bae’s collections, to create looks that are timeless and chic – perfect for spring racing. The Korean-born, Melbourne designer is known for her stylish pieces that are distinct for their street glamour and innovative prints. Tailored jackets, luxurious fabrications and brilliant prints are all highlights. Stocked at Myer, Bourke Street Mall, 14-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne. For other stockists call +61 3 9534 4140

White SuedeModern sculptural silhouettes define White Suede’s designs, and there’s enough black and white among the forthcoming collection to ensure an outfit in keeping with the theme of Derby Day can be easily styled here. Shop 217, Level 2, Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, +61 3 8609 8289 and others.

ThurleyChic and elegant, Thurley designs are for the woman who likes to be lady-like but modern. Feminine and floaty but a little bit structured with plenty of black and white to style a Derby Day appropriate outfit. 1080 High street, Armadale, +61 3 9500 9861

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day:The day to go all out, Melbourne Cup (Tuesday, 3 November) is the day when rules are most likely to be broken. Think bright colours, outrageous styles and most of all, plenty of personality.

Madame Virtue & CoA tiny shop down Crossley Street, Madame Virtue & Co is crammed full of show stopping fashion pieces from yesteryear and today. With archival pieces from international designers, an in-house label, and a high end bespoke haute couture service, fashion aficionados are sure to find something wow-worthy here – and if they don’t, they can have it made. 5 Crossley Street, Melbourne, +61 3 9663 8669

J’Aton CoutureThis contemporary couture label by design duo Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino offers customers the chance to order their own high end, custom made dresses. Appointments take place directly with the designers in their Melbourne atelier, and the dresses are made by a small in-house team. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind show stopping dress that will be sure to command attention for all the right reasons in the Birdcage. +61 3 9533 2801

Tony MatiscevskiThe master of couture, Toni Maticevski promises precision and panache with styles that endure long beyond the race day. Feminine cuts, frills and pops of colour complete his Spring Summer 2015 collection. Stocked at Myer, Bourke Street Mall, 14-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne, +61 3 9689 9144

Crown Oaks Day:Also known as Ladies’ Day, Oaks Day (Thursday, 5 November) is the day for feminine cuts and lady-like hues. Think elegant and feminine, chic and pretty.

NevenkaEmbroideries and embellishments are key to Nevenka’s luxe bohemian chic look. Designer, Rosemary Masic sources textiles from around the world to create her carefully detailed collections. Travels and family heirlooms provide inspiration and her Eastern European heritage is clearly an influence. Feminine, floaty, Oaks Day goers will be dreamy in Nevenka style. 12 Howey Place, Melbourne, +61 3 9654 3506 

Kara Baker CoutureHigh fashion elegance meets individuality at Kara Baker, a Melbourne couturier located in the centre of the city. Her collection, which includes a variety of one-off creations, can be viewed by appointment only. Clients have a choice of fabrics and may need to book for one or two fittings, as all garments are made to measure. +61(0)3 9670 7787, +61 40864336 

Lady PetrovaFeminine and flirty is Lady Petrova’s style, perfect for Oaks Day where ladies reign. The choice of Lady Gaga when she was in town, Lady Petrova styles will make it easy to enjoy Ladies’ Day, well, like a lady. 3/237 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, +61 3 9650 6285

Emirates Stakes Day:After three days of racing fashion at its best, it’s time to tone things down (just) a notch come Stakes Day (Saturday, 7 November). The day for families to hit the course; the style is effortless glamour.

Megan ParkLuxurious fabrics and dainty detailing are amongst the hall marks of Megan Park’s collections. Effortless style comes naturally when dressed in the soft silks and lux cottons of Megan’s designs. Her styles are easy to wear but elegant, enabling Stakes Day goers to feel fancy and free all at once. 1039 High Street, Armadale, +61 3 9822 4092

EdgeleyDesigner Alice Edgeley produces two collections per year, a handful of one-off creations and custom pieces to suit individual needs. She specialises in (often sparkly) catsuits. Her retail space, design studio and fitting room is located on Gertrude Street, where customers can try on ready-to-wear garments or request a made to measure piece. 220 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 4513

BulBul takes her inspiration from coastal destinations from around the world, so her signature style is relaxed but chic. Easy to dress up or down, styles here are perfect for the family-friendly Stakes Day experience. 241 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9415 8844

Finding the hat that fits:It’s not race wear unless there the outfit is finished with a headpiece. Luckily, Melbourne’s world class milliners are adept at creating the perfect headpiece to suit a face shape and match an outfit. Some of the best include: Phillip Rhodes, Richard Nylon, Louise Macdonald, Brett Morley, Serena Lindeman, Kim Fletcher, Julie Fleming, Melissa Jackson, Peter Jago, Jill & Jack Millinery, and Kerrie Stanley.

For suggested shopping destinations, see: Catwalk Melbourne.