Our favourite time of year is quickly approaching. When we can really let our hair down, throw on our heels and accessorise with the boldest, brightest, most beautiful millinery and party bags out there. That’s right, it’s Spring Racing Carnival time. This year (just like the last) is a little different, and so whilst we might not be able to attend the races in person, you can bet that won’t stop us from dressing to the nines! Read on to discover what to wear to the races in 2021, whether virtually or in person (if we’re lucky!) 

What to wear to the races 2021

You know we love dressing up, and the Spring Racing Carnival is literally like Christmas for us here at Olga Berg. There’s not a lot of certainty around major events right now, but it’s likely that the Spring Racing Carnival will remain spectator-free at least during October. Whether in person or celebrating at home, there’s no reason not to make the most of it with your best dress and some beautiful accessories to match. Here’s our pick for what to wear for each main race event this Spring. 

Caulfield Cup - 16th October 

Spring racing kicks off in a big way in mid October with the Caulfield Cup! We love this race event as there isn’t a strict dress code and the emphasis is on big, bold and fun. Basically, Olga Berg in a nutshell! With this year’s event likely being spectator-free, pull out your most statement making dress and pop the champagne in comfort at home. Our accessory of choice for this year’s Caulfield Cup is our statement making Madelyn Camera Bag. Literally designed to look like a big flash camera, she’s a ton of fun and perfectly fits with the Caulfield Cup’s style mantra. 

MV Cox Plate- 23rd October

Right on the heels of the Caulfield Cup, comes one of the biggest days in the Carnival. The Cox Plate is perhaps just behind the Melbourne Cup in terms of importance and fashion on the fields. Once again, there’s no strict dress code which allows you to have fun and bring creativity to your outfit. This year we want to channel a classic style to our looks (at home or celebrating with a picnic). Why not try our Laila Headband to bring some elegance to your hairstyle? Featuring beige and white guipure lace roses, all artfully arranged on a narrow headband. 

Derby Day - 30th October

Black and white is the aim of the game for Derby Day! We love a monochrome theme because it’s versatile and works for every complexion. It’s elegant, it’s glam and there’s no reason not to celebrate at home in your finest. Pair your outfit with our monochrome Lolita Flower Headband. This rich velvet headband is ultra feminine and we think you’ll love her even after Derby Day has come and gone! 

While you’re at it, why not go all out with a statement bag too? Try the Bria Crystal Fringed Bag to make a scene no matter where you are. She’s literally dripping in crystals and we love the sparkly effect of the fringe as it moves!

Melbourne Cup - 2nd November

It’s the biggest event of the season- none other than the Cup to end all cups, the Melbourne cup. It’s anyone’s guess whether spectators will be allowed at this year's event, but we’re sure you’ll celebrate even if you can’t make it to the tracks in person. Melbourne Cup is pretty formal style wise, but once again there are no real rules on dress code. Given it’s the biggest and best event of the year though, we say go big and bold! This year, we’re rocking the super cute Jellybean Acrylic Bag in teal because it’s an instant showstopper. Sparkly and shimmery, it’s literally a bag fit for Cinderella herself. 

Prefer a little old school glamour? Try our Joanna Sequin Bag instead.

Oaks Day- 4th November 

Better known as Ladies Day, this is probably our favourite event on the Spring Racing Carnival. While it’s not a hard and fast rule, the general dress code vibe is all things feminine and floral, which we adore at the best of times. Our pick this year is our gorgeous Daisy Floral Headband in blush. Ultra feminine, she features an asymmetric arrangement of detailed, hand pressed vegan leather flowers attached to a thin halo headband. 

For a pretty floral themed bag, try our Beth Flower Clutch. Featuring flowers, crystals and beads, she’s a little bit boho and a ton of fun at the same time. 

Stakes Day- 6th November

Wondering what to wear to the races casual style? If this sounds like you, then Stakes Day is a perfect match. Also known as family day, Stakes is the most relaxed of the racing events. Before you pull out your tracksuit though, we mean relaxed in a floaty elegant dress sense of the word! Whilst there’s no official colour for Stakes Day, pink is seriously trending for Spring 2021, so we think Stakes Day is the perfect chance to exude this shade. Our pick? The outrageously fun Estelle Feather Clutch in blush! She’s floaty in the best sense of the word and will make sure all eyes are on you. Pair her with a perfectly matching fascinator with our Irena Fan Headpiece.

Inspired to celebrate Spring Racing even if it’s a little different once again this year? We can’t wait to help you dress up and feel good all the same! Discover our complete collection of bags and millinery to get you ready to look your best now. 

Liked this? Take a read of our article on Melbourne Cup Dress Code for 2021, what to wear to Oaks Day, best derby hats, Melbourne Cup Hair Ideas and 5 spring racing hats to zhuzh up your look.