The race that stops the nation is the perfect excuse to get out your best frock, your favourite jewellery and get dressed to the nines. Regardless of whether you are partaking in Melbourne Cup festivities or not, getting all tizzied up inadvertently allows you to feel like you are part of the action.
Arguably, one of the most extravagant events of the year. When it comes to Melbourne Cup fashion, there really are no rules. On Melbourne Cup day, if you want to wear an over-the-top fascinator that even rivals the one Princess Beatrice wore to Will and Kate’s wedding, then so be it. On a day like the Melbourne Cup, it’s unlikely anyone will bat an eyelid or even label it a fashion faux pas. It is the perfect opportunity to have fun with your look and your accessories, which is why we present you with this list of Melbourne Cup fashion ideas with tips on how to accessorise your look for one of the biggest racing events of the year.
So, without further ado, let's get into it.
Table of Contents
Fashion Tips For Melbourne Cup
Accessories like jewellery will not only help complete your look, but they will also help enhance it. Especially, the finer details of your outfit. The fashion tips below will show you that even the smallest of accessories can make a real difference to your Melbourne Cup look, turning it from drab to fab.
A Pop of Colour
The Melbourne Cup takes place in the peak of Spring, and nothing says Spring quite like a bold pop of colour. Adding some vibrantly coloured gemstone jewellery to your look will not only help you stand out from the crowd, but it will also help some playfulness to your look. If you plan on wearing an outfit with somewhat neutral colour tones such as black, white or grey, adding a fiery ruby pendant or an opulent pair of sapphire earrings would really help make your outfit pop. You could even add a slightly more personal touch to your look by investing in a piece adorned with your birthstone.
9ct Alluring Yellow Gold Created Sapphire Drop Earrings
$149.50
$299.00
Luxurious, deep blue sapphire at its most affordable. This attractive created sapphire has a dazzling gleam and rich colour that's impossible to forget. Set in a glamorous yellow gold drop earring style, you won't help but feel special adorning yourself… read more
Stand Out Without a Hat
While some embrace the tradition of wearing a grandiose hat, others are less enthusiastic about it and the prospect of messing up their perfectly styled do. Which begs the question. How do you stand out from the crowd without the overly extravagant hat? The answer is with equally extravagant jewellery, of course. One great way to accessorize on Melbourne Cup day sans hat is with a statement pair of earrings. Without a hat, a funky pair of hoop earrings or intricately detailed pair of drop earrings will really stand out, particularly, when accompanied by a sleek updo. Alternatively, try something a little more unconventional by accessorizing with a brooch. Brooches are a fantastic way to add some detailing to an otherwise plain dress.
9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled Three Tone Patterned Hoop Earrings
$31.99
$79.99
Crafted in three glamourous tones of gold, the 9ct gold-filled earrings are sure to impress. The perfect everyday earring, the intricately-designed pattern will add sophistication to every outfit.… read more
Diamonds Never Disappoint
The Melbourne Cup is all about extravagance, and what could be more extravagant than diamond jewellery? This Melbourne Cup, add a little glitz and glam to your look by accessorizing with diamonds. Keep it simple with an understated pair of diamond earrings, or go ultra-fab with some decadent diamond bracelets and bangles. Take a style risk by experimenting with layering and rocking multiple diamond pendants and diamond necklaces at once. Be daring and add a subtle pop of colour with pink diamond jewellery or even some striking black diamond jewellery.
1 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet with 167 Diamonds 18cm in Sterling Silver
$599.00
$1,799.00
A luxury tennis bracelet that shines and shimmers endlessly in the sun with 167 brilliant cut diamonds. Its sterling silver body is both elegant in look and bold in style, with plenty of size to show off. It's hard not… read more
Try a Jewellery Set
If you are not as confident when it comes to jewellery styling, don’t fret as you always try a jewellery set. Jewellery sets are perfect for those who are adamant that all their jewellery should all match, or at the very least, pair together seamlessly. Usually coming with two or more pieces of jewellery, jewellery sets are an excellent way to coordinate your look without it costing an arm or a leg. Keep it simple with an affordable crystal jewellery set, add some sparkle with a zirconia jewellery set, or even channel Hollywood icon, Audrey Hepburn, with an elegant pearl jewellery set.
Sterling Silver 6mm Zirconia Pendant and Earring Set with Chain
$49.99
$99.99
Make a statement with this Zirconia pendant and earring set. A simple and sparkling 6mm round Zirconia claw set pendant completed with a Sterling Silver chain and complimented by matching Zirconia earrings, the set is perfect for that special gift… read more
Add a Little Charm
Melbourne Cup fashion is all about having fun with your look, and what could be more fun than charm bracelets? Charm bracelets are a playful and somewhat subtle way to accessorize your Spring carnival look. Rocking as pieces on your bracelet as you please, you can really add that personal touch with charms by adding ones that help symbolise you whether it be your initials, an engraving adorned with your favourite quote, or even a charm representing your age. Alternatively, you can add some slightly more playful charms such as hearts and world monuments. Stay very on theme with a horse charm, or with a horseshoe charm to provide you with a little luck during the sweep.
9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled Heart Charm 19cm Bracelet
$159.00
$319.00
Stack it or wear it alone, this 9ct yellow gold filled heart charm bracelet is the perfect staple.… read more
Melbourne Cup Men's Fashion
When it comes to Melbourne Cup fashion, sadly, the men are quite often left out of the loop. But what’s to say that men can’t have a little fun with their look on Melbourne cup day and can’t also experiment with accessories instead of just rocking a boring old suit. So, here are some men’s Melbourne Cup fashion tips and ways that they can have a little fun with their accessories during the Spring Carnival.
Chains all the Way
Not all Melbourne Cup events are a stuffy formal occasion requiring a three-piece suit. In fact, some men are known to forgo a tie completely for the occasion, rocking a simple sport coat with a dress shirt or even a plain t-shirt. Which is the perfect excuse so swap out the tie for a timeless chain. Chains really make your look pop, especially when paired with a perfectly tailored coloured blazer. Opt for a slightly retro look by rocking a gold chain with a stylish navy-blue blazer and sleek pair of aviator sunglasses. Alternatively, try a more contemporary look by sporting a silver chain with a more neutral-coloured suit jacket and a plain white tee.
Sterling Silver Diamond Cut 55cm 200 Gauge Curb Chain
$199.00
The Sterling Silver Diamond Cut 55cm 200 Gauge Curb Chain is a classic, stylish and high-quality piece of jewelry that you'll be able to wear on any occasion. The curb links on this chain are made from sterling silver, each… read more
Rock a Timepiece
Nothing completes your look quite like a debonair and functional timepiece, as watches are the epitome of style and glass. When paired with a magnificently tailored suit, classic stainless steel watches and sporty leather watches instantly enhance your look. Regardless of whether you prefer timeless analogue watches or luxe chronograph watches, there are plenty of pieces out there that will help complete your Melbourne Cup look, such as the incredibly reliable Seiko watches, the more understated Daniel Wellington watches, the ultra-sophisticated Citizen watches and the daring Tommy Hilfiger watches.
Tommy Hilfiger Kane 1791398 Mutli-Function
$269.00
$329.00
Tommy Hilfiger Kane Collection 1791398 Men's Watch. Smart and masculine featuring roman numerals and a blue chronograph dial. • 40mm Case • Chronograph • Stainless Steel Case • 30 Metres Water Resistant … read more
A Statement Ring
Rings are a subtle way for guys to accessorise with men’s jewellery at Melbourne Cup festivities. Extremely versatile, men’s rings boade well with practically any look that you pair them with, from a smart suit to casual jeans and a t-shirt or even your office attire. Add a bold pop of colour with a gemstone ring, keep it classic with the ultra-stylish signet rings, or have some fun with a novelty ring adorned with anything from a fierce lion or a proud eagle, to a gothic skull. Like women’s rings, men’s rings can really be worn on any finger but really stand out when worn on the pinky or the thumb.
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia + Onyx Gents Ring
$269.50
$499.00
Step out in style with this Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia + Onyx Gents Ring. Bold statement rings are on trend right now, it is the ideal gift to complement a collection of gentlemen’s evening wear. Shimmer with the subtle sparkle… read more
Have some Fun with Cufflinks
Cufflinks are proof that even the most subtle of accessories can make a huge difference to your look. The ideal choice for men who’d prefer to be a little less daring with their Melbourne Cup look, you can still have a lot of fun when choosing what cufflinks you are going to sport for the big race. Opt for more subtle detailing with cufflinks boasting an edgy diamond-cut or two-two design, try a more personal touch with plain stainless-steel cufflinks that have the ability to be engraved with your initials, or have fun with it by choosing cufflinks adorned with your favourite animal or movie character.
Star Wars Darth Vader Cufflinks
$34.30
$49.00
Join the dark side with these Star Wars Darth Vader Cufflinks. With these entertaining and well-detailed silver cufflinks, you can show off your star wars love whenever and wherever. The iconic Darth Vader mask is the perfect way to have… read more
Add Some Bracelets
Men’s bracelets are another way to subtly accessorise your look for Melbourne Cup. With so many stylish and versatile bracelet designs out there, you are certain to find one that compliments your style. You could go timeless with a sleek chain bracelet, contemporary with a stylish link bracelet, or slightly edgy with a daring leather bracelet. Rock them individually, with a watch, or be bold by layering multiple bracelets at once.
Stainless Steel Black Leather Gold Plated Gents Bracelet
$24.99
$49.99
This men’s black leather bracelet has plenty of charm and style. With a stainless steel ID plate and brilliant gold-plated details, this piece has a refined but alternative look that'll give you unique appeal. … read more
Discover more Melbourne Cup fashion ideas in-store and online today at Shiels where you will find an extensive range of earrings, pendants, bracelets, bangles, diamond jewellery, watches, chains and more for unbeatable prices. Receive free shipping on orders $69 or more. And don’t forget to check out our buy now, pay later finance options on offer through Afterpay, Zip, humm, Laybuy, Klarna, LatitudePay and Latitude Interest Free.
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