Monochrome Mastery – The Derby Day 2024 Style Guide
If there’s one race day on the Australian calendar where the dress code is truly sacred, it’s Derby Day.
Held at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, it’s a celebration of pure black-and-white elegance — a tradition that has defined the day for decades and continues to inspire fashion lovers year after year.
In 2024, Racing Fashion Weekly brought you the ultimate guide to mastering monochrome — from the sharpest tailoring to the most delicate lace.
The Mood: Timeless & Tailored
Derby Day is where discipline meets drama. Without colour to play with, every choice becomes deliberate: the cut of your jacket, the drape of your skirt, the finish of your accessories.
It’s a day for clean lines, refined fabrics, and silhouettes that command attention without demanding it.
The Palette: Black, White, and Balance
The Derby Day dress code is simple: black and white only. But simplicity is not the same as limitation.
For 2024:
- Black suiting softened with white silk blouses
- White dresses grounded by patent black accessories
- Textural interplay — lace, crepe, satin — to add dimension
- Bold monochrome millinery with veils, bows, and sculptural brims
Millinery: The Crown of Derby Day
With colour off the table, millinery becomes your primary statement piece.
In 2024, the best looks included:
- Oversized brims with clean, architectural shapes
- Delicate veiling for a touch of mystique
- Headbands adorned with pearls or black feathers for modern femininity
The RFW Edit
Our Derby Day 2024 Style Guide is your go-to for:
- Outfit formulas that balance tradition with a modern edge
- Millinery ideas to stand out in a sea of monochrome
- Accessory pairings that elevate your look without overpowering it
- A photographic mood board capturing the best Derby Day inspiration of the year
Whether you’re stepping onto Flemington’s lawns or hosting a monochrome lunch at home, this guide will help you capture the essence of Derby Day — polished, poised, and unmistakably chic.