Derby Day Archives - Kate Waterhouse

What I Wore: Derby Day 2023

4th November, 2023

Derby Day is one of my favourite dress codes as it’s ultra sleek and elegant as everyone has to wear black and white. With only two hues to work with, there’s still surprisingly so much versatility when it comes to what you can wear. I’ve gone for all white one year, all black another and a combination of the two. This year, I went with black and white but added a light splash of colour with a gold Bulgari bag. However I couldn’t let anything outshine this Maticevski look. I’ve worn a number of Toni Maticevski’s designs over the years and there’s always so much drama and theatre to each garment that it’s a brand I love to bookmark for big events. This particular outfit is of course, all about the skirt. With the asymmetrical hem and feathered embellishment, it’s a little playful but also quite a theatrical piece and everything else about my outfit was really anchored to this piece. The strapless top was all about the curved neckline, and added a strong silhouette to the whimsy feel of the skirt, helping to strike a good balance.

Apart from the gilded touch the bag added, I kept to all black accessories as I wanted the skirt to take centre stage. With a simple Nerida Winter headband and black Jimmy Choo pumps with crystal straps, I think I struck the right balance between adding pops of interesting details without going over the top. Another Derby Day done and dusted – bring on Cup Day!

Credits: Top and skirt, Maticevski; Bag, Bulgari; Heels, Jimmy Choo; Headband, Nerida Winter; Jewellery, Jan Logan

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Fashion

Date with Kate: Elsa Pataky at Derby Day

9th November, 2022

It’s always nice to catch up with celebs who are just downright lovely to be around and chat to. One woman who definitely falls into that category is Elsa Pataky. The actress, model and yes, Chris Hemsworth’s other half was a special guest at this year’s Derby Day so we caught up at the gorgeous LANDMARK by Lexus Pavilion for a chat. We both share a love of horses and riding, so we got talking about Elsa and her daughter’s love of showjumping, her Spanish-inspired race day look and attending her very first Derby Day.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Derby Day

10th April, 2021

Derby Day is always one of my favourite race day dress codes as black and white is always such a chic colour palette to work with. This year I wanted to combine the two hues, and this Rachel Gilbert dress was the perfect look for the occasion. It has a bit of a retro 60s vibe, which I love. The oversized bow and the strapless silhouette has a slightly coquettish feel to it, while the mini length combined with sheer stockings added an element of playfulness to the overall look.

A great headpiece is always a must and this stunning Dior headband with veil was the perfect addition to this look. The rest of my look incorporated monochromatic touches that had a touch of drama to them. The jewelled Miu Miu handbag, was the perfect diminutive size to complement the dress, and I also loved its feminine look. While I once again turned to Dior for my shoes. The ideal black and white heels to help tie this look together nicely.

Credits: Dress and stockings, Rachel Gilbert; Heels and headpiece, Dior; Bag, Miu Miu

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

What I Wore: 2019 Derby Day

2nd November, 2019

Derby Day is always one of the chicest race days on the spring racing calendar because of its monochrome colour palette. Working with black and white is always guaranteed to look stylish and it’s one of my favourite events to dress for. This year I centred everything around this knitted Christopher Kane dress. What initially drew me to it was its interesting shape. I loved its fitted style and the tiered hem, and the high neckline with long neck tie feature at the back gives the dress focal points from the front and the back. And I can’t go past glam embellishments such as the oversized crystal buttons.

I wanted to add some statement pieces to this look as I find a black dress is given a little extra depth when paired with accessories that pop. In keeping with the glamorous feel, I worked the look back with a black and diamante custom headpiece by Viktoria Novak. Headbands are such a huge trend right now and such an easy option when you want headwear that’s simple yet stylish. Also I opted for a Jimmy Choo clutch with a similar feel, the statement bow edged with diamantes to help tie the look together. And Giuseppe Zanotti embellished heels were the perfect finishing touch to this look.

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Shop the Look:

Credits: Dress, Christopher Kane; Head-piece, Custom Viktoria Novak; Bag, Jimmy Choo; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti.

This post was produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

Fashion

Your guide to spring racing dress codes

14th October, 2019

There are a few key days in the spring racing carnival calendar that will require you to dress in a certain way. It’s important to respect these dress codes and choose an outfit fitting of the day. One of the key things to remember is that whatever look you go for is that it maintain an element of polish. So leave overly casual things like denim and sneakers at home and instead enjoy this opportunity to get dressed up. Make sure that you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing as a day at the races can be long so you don’t want to constantly be fidgeting or adjusting something or worse having to hobble along in uncomfortable heels for the rest of the day. It’s a big no-no to take your shoes off at the races so be sure to have broken them in beforehand and have put in additional padding to make walking or standing for long periods do-able. Overall take advantage of the fact you get to wear a great outfit and just enjoy the day!

Derby Day

Derby Day has a black and white dress code. You can either go for an all black or all white ensemble with accessories in either colour. Monochrome is a great colour palette to work with as it looks so chic and it’s relatively easy to pull pieces together given the colour scheme.

Melbourne Cup

As far as spring racing carnival go, Melbourne Cup is the day to go bold. It’s all about colour so you can either go for a vibrant shade or print. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries a little and be sure to have fun with your look —this is the day for it.

Oaks Day

Oaks Day is ladies day so the dress code is quite pretty and feminine. This is the time to embrace florals and soft pastels. Keep this theme going throughout your accessories and go for accoutrements that incorporate a slightly girly touch such as bold flowers or bows.

Stakes Day

There’s no formal dress code for Stakes Day but it is family day so it’s the most casual and relaxed of all the key dates in the spring racing calendar. Whilst there’s no strict colour scheme or stipulations on what should be worn on the day it’s still important that whatever outfit you choose is polished and elegant.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: 2018 Derby Day

3rd November, 2018

Derby Day is always a favourite of mine as the black and white dress code is so sleek and elegant. In recent years I’ve worn everything from a jumpsuit to a 70s style co-ord set but this year, I wanted to tap into the current suiting trend. But of course, a racing event requires more than just an ordinary suit. This Alessandra Rich blazer is a modern take on an 80s power suit with its strong silhouette but is simultaneously softened by the peplum and crystal embellished buttons making it event-appropriate. Paired with the matching mini skirt, it made a statement without being too overwhelming.

Solid black pumps seemed a bit too harsh so I quickly scoured my cupboard and unearthed an old favourite of mine as the perfect option. These Christian Louboutin heels are a few seasons old but I still love them to this day. I love the contrasting styles — the clear PVC panelling is studded by tiny silver spikes which is then balanced by the sweet black bow at the front.

Headwear for this particular look was particularly exciting as I eschewed a traditional hat or fascinator option and went for a tiara instead! Chaumet offered me a tiara and earrings to use on the day so how could I pass it up? No woman can resist having a bit of a princess moment, right? Also I think it provided an interesting contrast to the power suit vibe of my outfit and softened it up a little. The danger with an all-black outfit is that sometimes it can come across as a little flat but I think with the help of elevated accessories and finishing details, this outfit was anything but.

Credits: Blazer & Skirt, Alessandra Rich; Shoes, Christian Louboutin (old season); Bag, Bvlgari; Tiara & Earrings, Chaumet

Photography: Dan Castano

This post was produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

Fashion, Shop

Derby Day: your outfit, shoes and headwear sorted

27th October, 2018

One of the big spring racing events on the calendar is Derby Day. The dress code is black and white which lends itself to a sleek and sophisticated ensemble. I’m a huge fan of a monochrome look so always love pulling together outfits for this particular day. It’s also a great exercise in how elevated details and textures can make understated shades pop.

Dresses and Jumpsuits

Whether it’s classic and elegant, a subtle print or floaty and feminine, a dress or jumpsuit in monochrome makes for a striking look.

Shoes

Elevate a subdued colour palette of black and white with luxe finishing touches and fashion forward silhouettes.

Headwear

Keep your headwear understated and chic. An oversized bow, a crisp white boater or a fine veil will make the ideal finishing touch to your outfit.

Fashion, Lifestyle

My 2017 Derby Day Diary

7th November, 2017

Derby Day is a family affair for me every year as we all fly down to Melbourne for the event. Luke and the girls and I usually stay at my parents’ apartment whilst my brother, his wife and their kids stay nearby. It’s almost always a full house on the morning of Derby Day and Melbourne Cup as we all get ready together. The kids love it as they can watch as we get our hair and makeup done and see the adults get all dressed up.

As a Lexus ambassador, I’m usually lucky enough to be picked up by a Lexus car and driver on the day and driven to Flemington. Luke and I made our way over together and as soon as I got to the race course it was straight into radio and TV interviews which took up a fair bit of time. Lucky I’m able to head over to the Lexus Design Pavilion in the Bird Cage throughout the day to have a little breather. The three-level site has been designed by sustainable artist Joost Bakker and as expected it was next-level. The flowers, the decor, the furniture it was all seriously on point. We’re usually treated to a spectacular lunch too and this year the menu was curated by Ben Shewry of Attica so I was beyond happy to sit down and enjoy a meal after the busy morning I had had. It was also great to catch up with friends like Anthony Minichiello who was also there as a fellow Lexus ambassador.

The day as it always does goes by really quickly. As soon as the event is over it’s usually home then out again for dinner with friends…

For my full outfit details, check out What I Wore

Photography and videography: Sophia Athas

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: 2017 Derby Day

4th November, 2017

As one of the more traditional days on the racing calendar, Derby Day is all about classic pieces in black and white. This year I wanted to stick to a mostly white ensemble and couldn’t resist this Roland Mouret jumpsuit from Net-a-Porter. I am really loving jumpsuits as an option for race day as it’s reminiscent of traditional suiting but with a more modern silhouette. With the sea of dresses on show it’s also nice to do something a little bit different and opt for a chic all in one look. To give the ensemble a ladylike and feminine touch I opted for a Jennifer Behr headpiece with net veil and oversized bow detail. My favourite Alaia studded heels and Salvatore Ferragamo bag help round out the look, and achieve a monochrome colour palette that’s in the spirit of the day.

Credits: Jumpsuit, Roland Mouret, Heels, Alaïa; Bag, Salvatore Ferragamo, Headpiece, Jennifer Behr

Photography: Sophia Athas

This post has been produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Derby Day

31st October, 2016

Derby Day is all about monochrome and last year having worn all white I decided to go for something completely different and opt for an all black look from head to toe.

I wanted to wear something that was sophisticated and sleek and the Balmain dress I wore perfectly fit the bill, with its high neck silhouette and intricate metal detailing. The midi length is a favourite of mine at the moment so the cut of the dress really caught my eye. One of my favourite Alaia heels perfectly complemented the look and headband by Hatmaker was just the piece to give the look a touch of drama.

Haven’t sorted our your Cup outfit yet? Check out my other favourite looks for Spring Racing here

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Fascinator: Hatmaker

Dress: Balmain

Heels: Alaïa

Photography: Danielle Castano.

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