Ready for a confession?

Here goes.

I love love LOVE Spring racing fashion and all the fabulous accessories that go with it, but I’ve never actually quite made it to a race track. Except for my Uni law exams which were held at Caulfield Race Course but let’s never mention that again.

Thankfully though, I still get to play a long every Spring as our school holds a Ladies Race Day in October, and this year’s event was held last Friday.

If I haven’t brought you up to speed before, Ladies Race Day is a social slash fundraising event organised and hosted by families from my sons’ primary school which ties in with the Spring Racing Carnival here in Melbourne. (I hosted last year if it’s ringing a bell).

It’s held from 11am to 3pm on a Friday while the kids are at school, and we all frock up, sip champagne, enjoy some delicious canapes and great company while partaking of some race themed fundraising – phantom race calls, raffles and prizes for Best Fascinator to name but a few.

Anyhoo, I love it because it’s not only a great day out, but it’s also an easy and accessible way to go to the races without, er, actually, going to the races.

So what to wear to such a do you might ask? Well, I tend to take a Melbourne Cup Day fashion approach which means bold and bright pops of colour.

This year, Boden came to the rescue with this stunning Calissa dress in Blue Solstice Confetti* which, incidentally, is usually $170 but currently on sale for $102.

Isn’t this a gorgeous dress? I couldn’t go past it’s flattering a-line shape, the sleeves which provide that extra bit of coverage and warmth – which I needed as it was 17 degrees – and this classic English tea dress style with the higher neckline, soft pleats and waisted styling.

It’s also made from a flattering, drapey viscose and is fully lined, so it looks as good close up as it does from afar.

I do find it hard to go past a spot too – especially for the races – and this pretty spot print also introduces navy, lilac, light blue, white and a bright pop of coral, which I picked up with my traditional style Morgan & Taylor fascinator from Myer.

In terms of my other accessories, I wore an old pair of Lovisa earrings and a patent pair of block heeled sandals, also from Boden but a few seasons ago. These pretty coral Marsy wedges are practical but pretty and would also work well here. My Mimco silver clutch is an old fave too.

My nail colour de jour – Tropix – also worked well with the bright blues and pops of coral too. A cheeky blow wave on the morning of the event helped too. Here I am with the gorgeous Martine aka The Modern Parent.

In terms of sizing, I’m wearing my usual size for Boden, 14R. (The “R” denotes Regular, as Boden offers two lengths, Long and Regular, for most of their dresses, skirts and pants. I have a long torso, short legs so I usually go for the shorter length). It was a little roomy in the waist but fine everywhere else and I thought the length was spot on for this style, especially for the races. If I had a co-ordinating belt, I would have worn it to cinch in my waist.

On a practical note, this dress machine washable too, so low on the maintenance front as well. Winning.

Finally, you might also like to know that this pretty dress also comes in a striking post box red which you can check out here. It’s currently on sale for $85 too. Yes way! You’re welcome.

* This dress was gifted to me by Boden. This post also contains some affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra and I earn a small commission. Read more in my Disclosure Policy here.

Are you going to the races or any race themed events this Spring?