What to wear
A Carnival of glorious style: Your guide to what to wear
For more than a century, Flemington has been home to some of the most celebrated and prestigious race meetings in the world. The VRC is proud to uphold the wonderful traditions of horseracing, and this includes a strict members’ dress code that reflects this.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival not only draws the crème de la crème of the equine world to Flemington, but it also provides a platform for four days of the most incredible fashion unmatched by any other event. Individual style shines as women, men and even children relish the opportunity to dress up like they never do, dreaming up outfits that veer from the sublime to the fabulous.
Race goers are encouraged to embrace the tradition and heritage of the personality of each race day while still upholding the standards of race day occasion dressing.
We’ve put together this handy guide to assist you in selecting the most appropriate race day outfit on each of the four days of the world-famous Melbourne Cup Carnival and refresh your memory of the dress regulations at Flemington.
Timeless elegance & monochrome magic
The classic combination of black and white is the signature style for Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, world renowned as the day for racing purists. Men are encouraged to wear a morning suit, which has been traditionally donned on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. Consisting of a morning coat, waistcoat, trousers and often a top hat, the morning suit is the epitome of refinement.
Official flower: Lullaby Rose
Ladies
(including children over 12)
(Including children over 12)
Members are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity of the Members Enclosure. Key items of clothing that are not acceptable include; short jumpsuits or playsuits, garments that show the midriff and shorts. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
Not acceptable
- Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, slippers, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or thongs. A shoe is considered a thong if it has two straps which connect in between the first and second toes
- Jeans, jodhpurs, tracksuits, leather pants or untailored pants
- Shorts
- Short jumpsuits/playsuits
- Pants tucked into socks or footwear
- Torn or ripped clothing even if considered ‘designer’ tears
- Garments which show midriff
- Leggings worn as pants. Footless tights acceptable if suitable dress worn over the top
- Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets
- Strictly no denim
Gentlemen
(including children over 12)
Members are required to wear a suit of tailored slacks (tailored chinos acceptable), sports coat or blazer, plus tie and dress shoes. Between 1 December and 31 March jackets may be removed. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
Not acceptable
- Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, sandals, thongs, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or slippers
- Jeans, jodhpurs, shorts, untailored slacks, leather pants, cargo pants or pants with elastic cuffs
- Torn or ripped clothing even if considered ‘designer’ tears
- Open-neck shirts or shirts with no collar
- Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, waist length jackets including bomber jackets, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets
- Safari suits, bright/fluorescent coloured suits, tracksuits
- Peaked caps, beanies
- Pullovers or cardigans (without a jacket), rugby tops and football guernseys, even if wearing a tie
- Cravat
- Strictly no denim
Note: The Members’ Enclosure includes The Club Stand, the Members’ Grandstand, Members' Front Lawn and Betting Ring, the Members' Reserved Car Parks, The Birdcage and the Phar Lap Marquee.
It is the responsibility of the person booking the tickets to ensure their guests adhere to the dress regulations.
General Admission Tickets
Come as you are for a glorious day at the races
Dining, Enclosures & Corporate Hospitality
Dining & Corporate Venues
- The Terrace Restaurant
- Panorama Restaurant
- Skyline Restaurant
- Corporate Suites (Hill Stand & Mounting Yard)
Dress Regulations
Gentlemen
(including children over 12)
Gentlemen are required to wear a suit of tailored slacks (tailored chinos acceptable), sports coat or blazer, plus tie and dress shoes. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
Ladies
(including children over 12)
Ladies are expected to maintain a suitable standard of racewear attire. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
Children
Younger children must be neatly dressed and accompanied by an adult.
Please note: it is the responsibility of the person booking the tickets to ensure their guests adhere to the dress regulations.
Owners & Trainers Areas
Owners & Trainers Lounge Dress Code
- Member Dress Regulations apply
Members Areas Dress Code
Owners wishing to access the Members' Enclosure will need to ensure they comply with the Members' dress regulations for more information please view the VRC Members Enclosure dress regulations.
