Derby Day 2025 | How to Wear a Black Dress in Spring

Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire

Melbourne's most prestigious racing event in spring: Derby Day. The energy, the glamour and the fashion is something you truly don't want to miss out on. Whether it's your first or seventh time attending the races, the uncertainty about what to wear is not an individual experience. Finding the perfect balance between tradition and personal style is where you'll feel your best and I'm here to help you crack the style code to ensure you step out with confidence and look the part.

Now you might be wondering, what is the Derby Day dress code? Let's get into the details and unpack all things Derby Day attire below.

So there's all the talk around about how you can only wear black and white to Derby Day. Is this really true? The answer is, yes! Derby Day is known for its strict black and white dress code, which means the outfit you choose must follow this rule. You can introduce soft shades of grey if you’re feeling adventurous, but honestly, black and white together create such a refined palette, and while it might seem limiting, the possibilities are endless.

Derby Day is all about elegance and sophistication - think tailored silhouettes, unique cuts and textures, and mid length styles that keep modesty in mind. Any form of colour is a big no, so you wan't to avoid wearing a dress or accessorising with anything that is not strictly black or white.

While the Derby Day dress code is steeped in tradition, there is room to incorporate modern trends. For women, consider subtle cut-outs or asymmetrical hems to add a modern twist to a classic black and white outfit. Play around with patterns and textures by incoporating stripes, polka dots, lace, satin or tweed to add visual interest, depth and dimension to your race day outfit.

For me, no Derby Day outfit is complete without a statement headpiece. Whether you go sleek with a black fascinator, bold with a white wide-brimmed hat, or a even a combination of the two, just ensure it complements your outfit without overpowering it.

Fashion is essential, but so is comfort and practicality, especially for an event like Derby Day that often involves a full day of activities.

Prepare yourself for the unpredictable weather conditions of Melbourne. A light trench coat or stylish umbrella can be both practical and chic - but remember only in colours black and white.

If you're not accustomed to wearing heels or dress shoes for extended periods, consider bringing along a stylish pair of flats or loafers for later in the day when the blisters start breaking through.

Derby Day often involves spending time outdoors, so sunscreen is a must. A wide-brimmed hat or fashionable pair of sunglasses can also offer sun protection while enhancing your derby day outfit.

My first Derby Day had me feeling all the emotions. I was so excited but completely overwhelmed. I kept looking at all the fun, brightly coloured dresses with unique shapes, bold patterns and playful textures, and suddenly I hit a mental block: how was I supposed to achieve the same standout look in just black or white? I panicked, threw on a last minute black midi dress, and hoped for the best. The funny thing is, it turned out to be perfect. I felt polished, I fit seamlessly in with the dress code, and I realised that simplicity often makes the biggest statement. Since then, dressing for Derby Day has felt effortless - choosing a style that is timeless, chic and versatile enough to dress up or down with the right accessories. .

The Leo Lin Odette Midi Dress is a stunning A-line silhouette. The simplicity of this dress makes for such a versatile wear as it's perfect for a simple and minimalistic look, or dress it up with a statement bag and bold jewellery for to make a statement at Derby Day. An easy to wear style that combines elegance and comfort, ensuring you look and feel amazing for a long day at the races.

The Rebecca Vallance Freyja Midi Dress is the perfect balance of modern elegance and timeless style for Derby Day. With its structured bonded crepe fabric, asymmetrical neckline and flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, this style is effortless yet polished - the perfect combination in a race day outfit. The subtle gold detail adds a touch of glamour, making it a standout choice as a black dress for Derby Day.

The Nookie Nouveau Midi Dress is a stunning midi dress. This dress features a square neckline with pearl detailing along the bust and straps. A super comfortable and easy to wear style that is made from a form fitting scuba crepe material. A classic and modern look that is perfect for any event, especially a day at the races. Add a little wow to your race day outfit with this gorgeous midi dress.

The Rebecca Vallance Chloe Gown is a gorgeous full length gown crafted from a combination of luxurious crepe and taffeta fabrics. The neckline adds a touch of femininity and sophistication which is what Derby Day attire is all about. Full-length dresses are making their way into race day attire and we are loving the all the possibilities that this brings in choosing the perfect Derby Day dress! This gown offers both style and comfort as well which is all you want in a race day outfit.

The Odd Muse Ultimate Muse High Waist Square Neck Midi Dress is all about timeless elegance. Featuring a square neckline and the most elegant shaping with built in cups to support the bust. The skirt flows so beautifully to give the ultimate flattering silhouette. As I said earlier, simple yet classic styles are sometimes what work best for Derby Day, which is why we know you will love this dress as much as we do.

Because the dress code for Derby Day is strictly black and white, there can be no colour in the mix, even for accessories. This means that you may want to choose contrasting accessories with your look or stick with the same block colour.

Wearing a black bag can be done with either black or white dresses. If you're sticking to a block colour, wear a black dress with a black bag for a chic and classic look.

If all black intimidates you, you can wear a white bag and accessories with your black dress, this way your look is more playful and fun.

Black or white heels can be worn with a black dress. Whether they be strappy, stilettos or block heels, anything will go, just make sure they're comfortable!

If heels aren't your best friend, you can definitely wear a more comfortable shoe option such as sandals or flats - black or white - for a softer look. Comfort is key for a long day at the races.

Boots are also a great option to wear with a black dress. They elevate any look and have you looking put together. Remember black or white only.

To elevate a look on a colder day, we recommend choosing a faux fur wrap. This can be used as an accessory and for an extra layer of warmth, who doesn't want both? The Unreal Fur Yasmine Wrap Fur Stole is available to rent in colours black and white for your next Derby Day.

The Pasduchas Lucia Sleeve Midi Dress is a beautiful long sleeve style that is made from a lustrous satin. Featuring a plunging v-neckline and an a-line skirt, this dress is flattering on all body types. A comfortable, flattering and easy to wear style, you cannot go wrong with this elegant dress for the Derby Day races.

Style with the naya headpiece to match as seen in the images below.