Your ultimate style guide for the Autumn racing carnival

India Tarasin
·3-min read

Some of the links in this article may return revenue to Yahoo Lifestyle Australia. For more great shopping content, check out our online shopping page.

Autumn is upon us and there's nothing like celebrating the new season with friends.

If you're looking for a new way to spend your Saturday and swap your leggings for a fabulous dress and fascinator, the Autumn racing carnival could be your perfect date.

While the dress code for guests attending has always been formal, the Autumn racing carnival opens opportunities for statement outerwear, and we are here for it.

From elegant ensembles, chic pantsuits and headwear that will have heads turning, the Autumn racing carnival is where your style can shine.

Here's a bit of inspo before you step on the track:

Chic pantsuit: Shona Joy Thalia tuxedo

You can't go wrong with a chic suit. You just can't.

This gorgeous muted gold satin suit from Shona Joy is pure elegance with a bit of cool glam. Keep accessories to a minimum and just let the suit talk.

A caucasian woman wears a gold satin tuxedo in front of a pale cream background.
This beautiful gold satin pantsuit is a chic look for race day. Source: The Iconic

Wear with: Morgan & Taylor Large Boater Black Racewear Hat

The only thing you need to complete this look is a sleek black boater to create a subtle edge to a loose silhouette.

Wear on a slight angle to keep things low, sharp and elegant.

RELATED

A sharp, black boater is the perfect elegant headpiece alternative. Source: Myer
A sharp, black boater is the perfect elegant headpiece alternative. Source: Myer

Glam gown: L'IDEE Renaissance Gown

Add a bit of shine and texture with this stunning pleated gown sure to make a statement.

Add with a sleek ankle strap heel and bold earrings to bring out the glam in the gown.

A caucasian woman wears a wine red high neck sleeveless pleated ankle length dress against a white background.
Add a touch of glam and texture with a textured pleated gown. Source: David Jones

Wear with: FORD MILLINERY Akira Headpiece

Accessorise a simple cut with a statement accessory or headpiece like this gorgeous floral number.

The fine, vertical pleats draw the eye up to the head where the bohemian-inspired flower crown sits, in all its beauty.

A caucasian woman looks at the camera with dark blonde hair over one shoulder wearing a pastel pink and gold floral headband against a white background.
Add a gentle pastel floral crown to lift a simple cut. Source: The Iconic

Sweet mini: TORANNCE Day to Night Mini Dress

Go for a fun and playful number that still has an elegant design when choosing a mini.

While a simple cut, the long, puff sleeves and bright, floral pattern lifts the mini dress into an interesting and elegant piece.

Pair with strappy heels and drop earrings.

A caucasian woman wears a yellow, pastel pink and white floral mini dress with long sleeves against a cream background.
Choose a beautiful print and a flattering, statement silhouette when choosing a mini for formal occasions. Source: The Iconic

Wear with: FORD MILLINERY Monica Headband

Add a pop of shine with a block gold headband.

This style of headband gently adds the final touch to the outfit without too much flair or distraction from the bold print of the dress.

A gold headband stands upright against a cream background.
A pop of gold in a simple design allows the headpiece to shine while staying understated and chic. Source: The Iconic

Floral statement: JOHANNA ORTIZ Botanical Study Maxi Dress

Add that burst of colour and design with a bold floral print.

The puffed sleeve on this gorgeous silhouette adds just the right amount of statement while letting the material and colour do the rest.

Add a chunky gold heel or strappy red heel to complete the look.

An olive skinned woman wears a red ankle length dress with puffed elbow length sleeves with an orange floral pattern against a white background.
A bold floral print in a flattering cut is a fail-safe option for race day wear. Source: Glamcorner

Wear with: MAX ALEXANDER Crown Racing Fascinator

When you've got a bold print and deep colour, it's best to let the outfit to the talking and add just a simple flourish to complement the style.

This art-deco-inspired fascinator adds an understated touch to the bold dress and a touch of glam to really make the rich red burst.

A woven gold arched headband with the arches standing vertical against a white background.
Add a simple headpiece to a bold print in a chic material and colour like this art-deco-inspired crown in gold. Source: Myer

Elegant maxi: LEO LIN Viridian Silk Linen Dress - Forest

This dress is made for sipping champagne and floating around in the VIP area. I mean, look at those sleeves.

A stunning colour on almost everyone, the Victorian-inspired cut is super flattering while the shine of the silk linen provides an elegant, forgiving shape on the body.

Keep accessories simple but with a great shoe.

A long sleeve high neck, ankle length emerald green maxi dress with a pleated hem against a white background.
This stunning Victorian-inspired cut offers a flattering shape on most body shapes. Source: Glamcorner

Wear with: Morgan & Taylor Big Pearls Headband

When you've got a bold dress with lots of material, add clever accessories to elongate the entire look from shoe to headwear.

Pearls are a great accessory option when you're wanting to add a versatile, understated element to bring the look together while offering a bit of light and shine.

A chunky pearl headband with a gold band against a white background.
A chunky pearl headband is a versatile accessory to complement any look. Source: Myer

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.