Melbourne is gearing up for another exciting week of the Spring Racing Carnival, which begs the question – what to wear? You might be unaware, but each major race day during the carnival has a flower dedicated to it. The yellow rose for Melbourne Cup Day is well known, but which flower do you wear to Stakes Day? Or Oaks Day?
Read on to avoid a floral faux pas this Spring Racing Carnival.
Victoria Derby Day
Flower: Cornflower
When: Saturday 2nd November 2024
Where: Flemington Racecourse
November kicks off with Victoria Derby Day. With a traditional theme of black and white, the cornflower shines as the flower of the day, bringing an elegant pop of colour to any outfit. The cornflower is a fitting bloom for this day, especially considering its symbolism – wealth, pride and an abundance of good fortune. Don’t risk attending the race without one!
Melbourne Cup Day
Flower: Yellow Rose
When: Tuesday 5th November 2024
Where: Flemington Racecourse
The “race that stops a nation” deserves a flower as special as the yellow rose. Melbourne Cup Day is the pinnacle of Australia’s racing calendar and the main event of the carnival. As a day when Victorians get to relax and enjoy the race with friends, it's fitting that the yellow rose symbolises friendship, joy, and delight.
Oaks Day
Flower: Pink Rose
When: Thursday 7th November 2024
Where: Flemington Racecourse
Otherwise known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day has a strong tradition of femininity, style, beauty, and grace. And what better flower to represent this day than a pink rose? Symbolising admiration, happiness, and love, pink roses are a subtle way to express strong friendship or love between family members. There is a certain feminine touch to a pink rose, so make sure to add one to your Oaks Day ensemble.
Stakes Day
Flower: Red Rose
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Flemington Racecourse
The exciting finale to Cup Week, Stakes Day is also known as Family Day, with extra events for families and children throughout the day. The red rose is a fitting symbol for the final day of the carnival, which speaks to the passion shown by both racers and spectators throughout the event. Finish off the Spring Racing Carnival with a red rose somewhere on your person, and enjoy a fun day out with the family.
How should I wear my flower?
Now you know which flower to wear for each day, you can get creative with your placement. Attach flowers to a stylish hat perhaps, adorn your hair with them, or even add a single bloom to your lapel. You could even plan your entire race day outfit around the bloom of the day, such as a soft pink dress for Oaks Day, or a pastel yellow suit for Melbourne Cup Day.