Summer style at Flemington

Millinery that makes sense in the heat

Millinery is where Australian racegoers can lean into both style and function. “When it comes to millinery in summer, it’s especially important to consider where you will be on a race day. If you’ll be spending lots of time outside, a brimmed hat is a must in the Australian sun. Straw, sinamay and dainty pieces feel right for summer. Avoid felts and heavy-looking millinery as they can look off-season and can trap heat.”

Sunnies: not an afterthought

No summer outfit is complete without sunglasses, and Menz treats them as part of the ensemble rather than simply a practicality. “I personally love a pair of statement sunnies at the races and like to play with them as a focal point of an outfit. The key is to make sure the colour of your sunglasses works with your overall look and isn’t competing or clashing with your millinery. Consider the scale and balance of your sunglasses vs your millinery and choose one to stand out.”

Shoes you can actually enjoy the day in

While a glamorous heel looks great, Flemington’s lawns and long race days mean that they are not always practical. “I love any excuse to wear a fun pair of heels, but don’t want my day ruined by sore feet, so my recommendation is to wear a heel height you can stand in all afternoon.

My favourite trick for dealing with the heat and high heels is to go up half a size – it gives you just enough space for your feet to swell. Block heels and wedges are best if you’ll be walking on the lawns.”

Elevated, not casual

Summer racing may be more relaxed than spring, but it’s not a backyard BBQ. Menz reminds racegoers to keep the sense of occasion. “Take the opportunity to wear something special to the track. Don’t go too casual and make sure you pop on some millinery. If you want to show some skin, pick one area. Balance a short hemline with a more covered top, or bare shoulders with a longer hemline.

A touch of Ascot, with an Aussie twist

Menz also points to the impeccable standard seen overseas. “Royal Ascot guests dress with stricter formality and precise grooming. I think we can take note of it, while applying our own fresh Aussie perspective to summer dressing.” That blend – polished but playful – is exactly what summer racewear should embody. 

If spring is about tradition, summer is about experimenting. “Summer racing allows for a more playful approach, especially after the spring carnival.

It’s fun to enjoy the different seasons with your fashion at the races, so take the opportunity to experiment with colour, texture and accessories whilst keeping some polish.”

Fit comes first

“My fail-safe tip is to prioritise fit above everything,” says Menz. “Well-fitting clothes look sharper, feel better and elevate your

To help decode the art of looking good while staying cool, racing-style expert and milliner Angela Menz shares her go-to ideas for dressing through the heat without sacrificing the elegance that race days deserve. 

The fabric factor

Summer dressing begins with fabric choice, and Menz suggests sticking to the classics. “Natural fibres such as silk, cottons and linen lend themselves to warm summer days and nights and look equally chic in softly structured looks as they do in flowing silhouettes.”

Linen suiting, cotton poplin dresses and airy silk blends are popular at Flemington. You’ll see the same shift overseas – lighter tailoring and soft pastels at Royal Ascot, and at the Breeders’ Cup, bright colours paired with breathable fabrics.

The key is ease: pieces that hold their shape without clinging, move beautifully in the breeze and feel cool even during a long day outside.

Well-suited for summer

For men, summer racewear leans towards clean tailoring in lighter, breathable fabrics. A well-cut suit or tailored linen or cotton trousers works well in warmer weather, paired with a sports coat or blazer and a crisp collared shirt. Tailored shorts, worn on or below the knee, can also suit summer racing when styled thoughtfully. Socks can be optional with dress shoes for a more relaxed seasonal look, but footwear should remain polished – loafers or lace-ups rather than sandals or casual styles.

Top tips for summer racewear

●      Choose natural fibres – linen, cotton, silk – for breathability.

●      Opt for straw or sinamay millinery; skip felts in the heat.

●      Use sunglasses as a considered part of your outfit.

●      Pick heels you can actually stand in; go up half a size for hot days.

●      Keep the balance if showing skin – one feature only.

●      Don’t go too casual; summer still deserves a touch of theatre.

●      Prioritise fit above everything.

●      Focus on grooming and simple accessories to pull your look together.

For more information visit Dress regulations.