What to wear and how to act…here, Dijanna Mulhearn’s tips on modern manners

For most of us, Spring Racing at Flemington has nothing to do with watching horses run around a track: it’s a champagne-fuelled parade of the best and worst fashion has to offer. Find out how to be a winner on the field.

DO

• Update classic racing looks with directional cuts, the new bold shoulder or clever draping in soft silks. Strategic ruffles, fresh florals or colour blocking will get you noticed.
• Show some restraint and avoid hats that require Schwarzenegger strength to hold up; they will only give you a headache.
• Steer clear of the hats with too much embellishment or fuss (they end up wearing you). But if your hat is to die for, keep the rest of the look simple so they don’t compete.
• Make one piece shine and construct the rest of your outfit to support it.
• Dress for the weather. No matter how good you look, goosebumps and sweat patches do not.
• Leave your phone off all day.
• Wear appropriate underwear – remember it can be windy at the track! No G-strings – it’s all about Lady GaGa proportions this season.
• Have a budget before placing bets – and stick to it.
• Notice the quietly cool, well-dressed guy who isn’t wearing a wedding ring.
• Register for Myer Fashions On The Field if you love your look and want to have a bit of fun.
• Practise self control when the champagne flows; you don’t want to stumble out, shoes in hand, while howling at every passing taxi. It’s terribly cliched.
• Pay careful attention to underwear colour – if you are wearing a pale frock, avoid darker lingerie.
• Get into the spirit and wear a hat, but remember, it’s the Spring Racing carnival, so avoid heavier fabrics like felt or wool.

DON’T

• Go so avant-garde that it looks like you’ve slapped a bit of cabbage on your head and called it a hat.
• Be seduced by spaghetti straps, strapless dresses or heavy halter necks, and surely we need not even mention the midriff.
• Don’t go overboard with a tandoori tan, as it will distract from the best of dresses.
• Don’t cover yourself in animal prints – you’ll elicit more growls than wolf whistles.
• Wear a frock so full that you get mistaken for a VIP marquee.
• Opt for a mini dress or skirt slashed to the thigh, no matter how good your legs are.
There are rules for the track and being dressed like a lady is one of them.
• Wear one colour head to toe.
• Do denim, Lycra, sequins or thigh-high boots.
• Be bamboozled by sudden bad weather – borrow his suit jacket.
• Don’t accept a cab ride with the drunk guy or believe him when he says you are the love of his life.
• Borrow money for a good tip. Sure things are never sure enough.

Best dressed at Derby Day: Rebecca Twigley (above) and Kate Waterhouse, Jennifer Hawkins and Lara Bingle (below). Images: Getty.

Make sure you pick up this week's issue of Grazia magazine for your bonus lift-out racing style guide