Red-carpet looks influencing this year’s spring racing fashions

The codes and rules of the racing world collide with the ease and experimentation of celebrity style, expanding the options for those betting on a new outfit this season.October 22, 2026 — 7:00pmSpring racing season offers an opportunity to experiment with sophisticated day wear. Celebrities have been showcasing some of the key trends which you can expect to see trackside, from pillbox hats to draping and statement jewellery.Spot onFormer Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger demonstrated a fondness for the classics when she stepped out in polka dots at the Kentucky Derby in May. Black and white nod to Derby Day tradition, of course, while the bows of her dress, by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, hint at My Fair Lady. The day-appropriate hemline and sleeveless design ensure plenty of opportunity for encore wears. Rebecca Vallance “Bacio” midi dress, $799.Nicole Scherzinger in Rebecca Vallance’s “Bacio” midi dress. Pill-poppingThe fascinator has been a boon for the hat-averse in recent times, but might be greeted by a sniff at Flemington next month. The classic pillbox is the season’s hot, new favourite, even making its mark away from the racetrack at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Pastels are pretty, but our money’s on the teal for a strong finish. Felicity Northeast “Pillbox” hat, $495.Left: Style at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Right: Felicity Northeast “Pillbox” hat. Into the blueSharp tailoring was a race favourite for women long before Princess Diana’s Royal Ascot skirt suits. Designer Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford showed pale-blue suits at Paris Fashion Week that ripple gently in a breeze. Embrace block colour or start with a pair of blue pants and coordinate with spring colours. Victoria & Woods “Skylark” pants, $395.Left: Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford’s pale-blue suits at Paris Fashion Week. Right: Victoria & Woods “Skylark” pants. Top performerThe polo is always a good source of racewear inspo, with most guests at the Cartier Queen’s Cup in London’s Windsor Great Park in June giving hats a miss. Avengers and Rivals actor Hayley Atwell, in a backless, dark-denim Zimmermann halterneck with ruched bodice and side ties, demonstrated a quadrella of trends so stylishly that no one even noticed the absence of a boater. Zimmermann “Valiant” draped denim dress, $1575.Left: actor Hayley Atwell in Zimmermann. Right: Zimmermann “Valiant” draped denim dress. The ShiningAt Royal Ascot this year, Catherine, Princess of Wales, showed that a streamlined silhouette and dramatic hat benefit from a playful approach to jewellery. Her diamond chandelier earrings, which she first wore in 2011 on loan from the Queen, were a swinging contrast to the structure of her sunshine-yellow Roksanda dress. These diamanté tassels by Chelsea de Luca might be a tad more affordable. Chelsea de Luca “Far Flung Fantasy” earrings, $290.Left: Catherine, Princess of Wales. Right: Chelsea de Luca “Far Flung Fantasy” earrings. MENTie tuckOscar-winning actor Rami Malek delivered the best supporting performance for a silk tie at Wimbledon this year. The Bohemian Rhapsody star’s striped shirt with contrast collar was already a trend-setter, but the patterned, navy tie tucked between its buttons raised the Saint Laurent ensemble to the next level. A bold move, but one that will stop your silk strip from flying into a glass of fizz or, worse, the sauce on a party pie. Christian Kimber “Navy Blue and Brown Flower Stamp” silk tie, $275.Left: actor Rami Malek. Right: Christian Kimber “Navy Blue and Brown Flower Stamp” silk tie. Drama kingRoyal Ascot morning suits are a bit much at an Australian racetrack, but there’s nothing wrong with adding the occasional regal flourish. A waistcoat, for example, can introduce a burst of celebratory colour. The King embraced soft yellow, pale blue and lilac this year, but darker tones, such as aubergine and chocolate, bring the drama. MJ Bale “Benozzo” waistcoat, $349.Left: King Charles at Ascot. Right: MJ Bale “Benozzo” waistcoat. Together but separateAt the London press conference for sci-fi flick Disclosure Day in June, actor Colman Domingo demonstrated his mastery of sophisticated suiting. The front-row regular has a reputation for grabbing attention in trend-driven outfits, but still managed to steal the show in this simple, light-taupe jacket with grey trousers from Valentino. The subtle colour combo is perfect for men who like to suit up in separates. Calibre “Linen double-breasted” jacket, $899.Left: actor Colman Domingo. Right: Calibre “Linen double-breasted” jacket. The white footRisk-takers should pay attention to Jacob Elordi’s elevated indie-sleaze look at the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights. His gold tooth might have been a bit flashy, but the white shoes made a welcome change from the usual black and chestnut. White shoes will make a black suit pop on Derby Day, or put some spring in your step with a grey suit. Just invest in some shoe wipes in case of sudden mishap. Naked Wolfe “Roma White” loafers, $305.Left: actor Jacob Elordi. Right: Naked Wolfe “Roma White” loafers. Shades of paleFrom our partners