The ultimate Melbourne racing outfit for women

Torannce is the debut label for Melbourne designer Julia Torannce Hemingway. Using premium materials like luxe silks, leathers and beautiful hand embellished materials; Torannce has ditched Melbourne’s famously sombre aesthetic for a collection that embraces colour and flirty, feminine designs. These frocks are perfect for a day at the races.

Julia says that Spring Racing 2017 is going to be all about taking a loud approach to the floral trend. “Florals continue as a strong trend for SS17, taking an even more bold approach,” she says, “with head-to-toe floral ensembles – think floor length floral dresses, or floral suits - the kind that will really turn your head!”

She says that along with the warmer weather comes a flush of colour with pops of red, cobalt, pink and yellow expected trackside for 2017.

With her new store opening in January 2018, you can shop up large at the Torannce pop-up store in South Yarra leading into Spring Racing Carnival in September and October. Details on the location to come on her website.

We could be mistaken, but we’re pretty sure the best part of Spring Racing Carnival is the opportunity to attach something weird to your head and call it fashion. Here in Melbourne, you will be spoiled for choice with an abundance of talented milliners available - but for a one-stop-shop of local designers, head to The Eternal Headonist in The Georges Building on Little Collins Street.

This is the second racing carnival that owner Annabelle Allen has been open for, and she’s ready with open arms to show off her bevy of local talent. The boutique will be stocking one-off pieces from local Melbourne designers Louise MacDonald, Serena Lindeman, Stephanie Spencer, Angela Menz, The Human Chameleon, and of course, the iconic Richard Nylon.

Annabelle says that big looks for the season are turbans, boater hats, small crowns, and wider brims; with blush pink, red, and rose gold all making a feature. The Eternal Headonist has change rooms in store, so head in with your outfit and Annabelle will style up that noggin’ of yours to perfection.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect headpiece, stroll across the road and down Russell Place to get your nails done at Nailist By Seepair. Having opened just a few months back, Seepair and her team are on hand to get your talons race-day ready.

This super luxe nail salon has an extensive range of hard-wearing gel, shellac, and SNS colours so you can set and forget for the entire Racing Carnival. For a manicure that will go with everything, Seepair recommends going for neutral colours. “Pink suits all ages,” she suggests, “with softer nude shades matching well with almost any outfit.”

Nailist By Seepair also offers mani and pedi services for the chaps, has extended open hours for last minute appointments, and will even offer special bookings outside of business hours for the real last-minute-Charlies. Super salon.

Spring Racing Carnival will be the first rays of sunlight most Melbournians will have seen in months, so naturally, fake tanning is high on the primping agenda. For Melbourne’s best spray tan look no further than Sunspray, a shining example of southern ingenuity. Sunspray is a 24/7 tanning salon that literally never closes thanks to its range of fully automated spray booths. Amid the mayhem of Spring Racing Carnival, this place is your new mecca.

Guests can visit at any time, and simply slide their lily-white bottoms into a booth where they will be sprayed with primer, tan, and moisturiser. Freaking out about a Ross Geller style tan fail? Never fear. There are lovely assistants on hand around the clock, too.

Hands down one of the most exciting labels to sprout forth from Melbourne soil is local hero Lucy Folk. Equal parts pretty and pushing the boundaries, Lucy Folk has been snapped up by retailers worldwide for its luxe look and modern designs. However, let us not forget that Melbourne had her first.

Lucy’s flagship store in Crossley Street has been open for six years, and is your go-to shop for Spring Racing jewellery, sunglasses, and clutches. Her picks for Spring Racing carnival are all about bold statements: “Try the Wingspan Sunglasses in Gumnut Baby or Mother of Pearl with the Pearl Eyewear Chain, Anchovy cuff bangles- stacked, or the Sinker Earrings in gold.”