Remember that time in your early twenties when you went to the races all the time? Well I do, and now it’s an incredibly rare occurrence.
Well, last Friday, we actually did it. And not just any race day—we celebrated our friend’s 40th birthday at Ladies Oaks Day at Sunshine Coast Turf Club, and let me tell you, it was the perfect excuse to dust off the fancy hats and embrace the glamour.
Spoiler alert: the fashion alone was worth the wait.
The Outfit: Breaking It Down
If you’re thinking about hitting up a race day (and honestly, after Friday, you absolutely should), let me walk you through how to nail that elevated, polished look that works for a sophisticated ladies day event.
The Ensemble
Sheike Top & Pants — The foundation of this look is all about clean lines and neutral elegance. I went with Sheike’s cream sleeveless top that drapes beautifully at the neckline, paired with their matching high-waisted cream trousers. The beauty of this pairing is that it’s effortlessly chic without trying too hard. The cream-on-cream creates that streamlined silhouette that reads as both modern and timelessly elegant.
Styling tip: A monochromatic neutral base like this is your secret weapon for race days. It keeps the focus on your accessories and hat, lets you move freely, and photographs beautifully against any background—especially those gorgeous white curtain backdrops we all love for Instagram!
The Statement Piece: David Jones Hat
Can we take a moment to appreciate the power of a good hat? The wide-brimmed straw number from David Jones isn’t just an accessory; it’s basically a personality statement. This natural-toned hat adds that quintessential ladies day elegance while keeping the vibe effortlessly cool (and literally shading you from the Queensland sun—a practical win).
Styling tip: A statement hat works best when the rest of your outfit is relatively simple. Let your hat be the hero. Pair it with a solid color outfit, and you’ve automatically elevated your entire look by three levels.
The Burgundy Pop: Billini Bag & Shoes
Here’s where the outfit gets interesting. While the base is all cream and neutral, the burgundy accessories from Billini add just enough richness and sophistication to anchor the whole look. The structured burgundy clutch is the perfect size for essentials (and maybe a lipstick touch-up), and the matching shoes ground the outfit beautifully.
Styling tip: When you’re wearing a neutral outfit, a jewel-tone accessory—burgundy, emerald, sapphire—instantly makes you look intentional and put-together. It’s the detail that makes people say, “Oh, she planned that.”
The Finishing Touches
Red lip, delicate jewellery which were pearls in my case, and an actual glass of something celebratory?
Those are the non-negotiable details that say, “I’m here to look good and have a good time.”
The Ladies Day Fashion Vibe
Ladies Oaks Day is genuinely one of the few occasions where fashion isn’t an afterthought—it’s the point. There’s something so refreshing about an event where getting dressed up isn’t just acceptable; it’s expected and celebrated.
The dress code at Sunshine Coast Turf Club runs the gamut from classic fascinators to wide-brimmed hats, from sleek pantsuits to flowing dresses, but the common thread is intention. Everyone’s making an effort, and it creates this wonderful energy where you can wear some thing bold and elegant and feel completely at home.
The Golden Rules of Race Day Dressing
If you’re planning your first (or long-overdue) return to the races, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Comfort Matters More Than You’d Think
You’re going to be on your feet, potentially in the sun for hours, and you’ll want to actually enjoy yourself rather than suffer through your outfit. Choose fabrics that breathe, shoes that you can walk in, and a hat that won’t blow away at the first gust of wind.
- Neutral Base, Statement Accessories
Keep your outfit simple so you can play with your hat, bag, and shoes. A cream, navy, or neutral tone outfit is the perfect canvas for a bold hat or jewel-tone accessories.
- Commit to the Hat
This isn’t the time to be shy. A good hat is 50% of your race day look. Go bigger, go bolder, go for it. You’re at the races, not a Tuesday afternoon coffee.
- Invest in Good Shoes
You’ll be walking around, standing, possibly navigating grass. Flat shoes or a low heel in a quality material (like Billini’s structured leather) will keep you comfortable and looking polished.
- Tailoring is Your Friend
Whether it’s a dress, a suit, or separates like mine, make sure everything fits you properly. A well-fitted outfit in neutrals beats an expensive but ill-fitting dress every time.
- Jewelry Should Whisper, Not Shout
Keep it classic and delicate. Stud earrings, simple bracelets, maybe a ring or two. Your hat is already making a statement; let everything else support rather than compete.
The Real Highlight
But here’s the thing—and this is what I’ll remember long after the outfit fades into the archives of my phone: it was the time with my friends. We’d promised ourselves for years that we’d do this, and Friday we actually showed up. We laughed, we celebrated our friend’s 40 years, we made memories in a setting that felt a little bit glamorous and a little bit fun… and like the good old times.
The fashion was fabulous. The accessories were statement-making. The shoes were perfect. But the real luxury? That was getting dressed up with people you love and actually following through on those “we should totally do this all the time” promises.
Turns out, it’s never too late head back to your twenties. And if it involves a good hat and time with your favourite people, even better.
Lots of love,
