Oaks Day

OAKS DAY 2026- A Celebration of Style

Known as Ladies Day, VRC Oaks Day is one of the most fashionable occasions on the Melbourne Cup Carnival calendar, celebrating elegance, femininity and statement racewear.

Held at Flemington Racecourse on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Oaks Day brings together world-class racing and sophisticated style, offering the perfect opportunity to embrace romantic silhouettes, beautiful florals, soft pastels and eye-catching accessories.

Whether you're drawn to a classic feminine look or a contemporary take on race-day dressing, Oaks Day is your moment to make an impression. From elegant dresses to statement millinery and finishing touches, discover our guide to dressing for Oaks Day 2026 with confidence and style.

WHAT TO WEAR TO OAKS DAY

Oaks Day 2026 is all about elegance, sophisticated racewear and timeless style. Whether you're attending Flemington Racecourse or celebrating at a local race day event, embrace romantic florals, soft pastels, delicate lace and flowing silhouettes for a polished Oaks Day outfit.

When choosing your Oaks Day dress, look for flattering shapes, beautiful detailing and refined accessories. Complete your look with an elegant fascinator, statement earrings and a coordinating clutch for a sophisticated race day ensemble. Keep traditional racewear etiquette in mind by avoiding denim, exposed midriffs and excessive cut-outs.

Discover the SACHA DRAKE race Day Edit, featuring elegant race day dresses, flattering occasionwear and statement accessories designed to help you look and feel your best at Oaks Day 2026. Shop the collection here.

Choosing the Right Fascinator

Headwear and fascinators are essential for any race event, especially on Oaks Day, where a chic and feminine look is paramount.

 Instead of a traditional hat, consider headbands, pins, or a whimsical fascinator to enhance your floral and feminine style. Opt for colors that match your outfit, creating a cohesive and chic aesthetic.

Your makeup and hairstyle should complement your headpiece and overall style. Enhance your lips and cheeks with shades of pink to accentuate that feminine flair.

Accessorising with Elegance:

Accessories on Oaks Day should be feminine, pretty, and harmonious with your outfit. 

Statement earrings that match the tones in your ensemble can instantly elevate your look and add a touch of glamour. However, when it comes to footwear, practicality is key. The day can be long, so choose comfortable wedges or block heels to ensure you can enjoy the festivities without discomfort. Steer clear of stiletto heels, as they can get stuck in the grass and may not be the best choice for a day at the races.

In conclusion, Kennedy Oaks Day is an opportunity to revel in beauty, style, and grace. Dressing up, raising awareness for a good cause, and enjoying the races make it a standout event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Make sure to mark this date on your calendar, gather your friends, and bask in the elegance of this wonderful racing tradition.

FAQ

 Dress Styling and Fit

For work, minimal styling lets the print or cut do the talking. Block heels, a structured bag and simple jewellery are all you need. For events, add strappy heels, a statement earring and a clutch to shift the mood entirely. SACHA DRAKE's online stylists are available via chat for personalised recommendations if you want a second opinion.

The wrap silhouette works across most body shapes because the adjustable tie allows you to manipulate the dress to your body. It is particularly flattering on Hourglass and Pear shapes as it defines the waist and skims the hips.

For a formal event, keep accessories elevated with heeled sandals, a clutch and statement jewellery. For a weekend or travel setting, flat sandals and a sun hat bring the formality down without the dress losing its impact. The SACHA DRAKE maxi is designed to transition between settings, so the same dress works across multiple occasions with a simple accessory swap.

The midi sits roughly at mid-calf and works across a broader range of occasions including workwear, cocktail events and weddings. The maxi runs to the ankle or floor and leans more toward formal occasions and warm-weather events. Both silhouettes are available in wrap and structured styles across the SACHA DRAKE range, and both are categorised by body shape to help you find the most flattering option.

Every SACHA DRAKE garment is categorised by one of five body shapes: Hourglass, Column, Pear, Apple and Maternity. The brand designs specifically to flatter each shape rather than applying a single block pattern across all sizes. Wrap and reverse-wrap styles in particular are engineered to define the waist, balance proportions and move well on the body rather than just fitting around it.

Wrap and reverse-wrap midi styles are the strongest options for a pear shape. The wrap tie allows you to define the waist while the skirt skims over the hips rather than clinging. A-line midi silhouettes also work well for the same reason. 

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