Spring racing season is one of the best dressed events on the Australian calendar. From Derby Day to Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November, and at country and city race days everywhere, it's a chance to dress up properly. But with millinery taking centre stage, choosing jewellery takes a little thought.
Here's how to get it right.
The golden rule: your headwear comes first
At the races, a hat, headpiece or fascinator is the star of the outfit. Your jewellery should support it rather than compete with it.
- Statement headpiece? Keep jewellery refined: pearl studs, a fine pendant, a single bracelet.
- Simple headband or small fascinator? This is your chance to wear statement earrings or a layered necklace.
- Wide-brimmed hat? Choose earrings with some length or movement, so they're still visible beneath the brim.
- Match the metal. If your headpiece has gold or silver detailing, echo it in your jewellery for a polished, finished look.
Lean into the equestrian theme
Equestrian-inspired jewellery is a subtle, stylish nod to the occasion, without being a costume.
The Aurora Equestrian Pearl Layered Necklace brings together four layers at 37.5, 41, 45 and 53.5 cm, with softly luminous glass pearls, delicate ball chains and equestrian-inspired charms. It's a complete statement in one piece, beautiful with a square or V-neckline.
For your hands, the Fortuna Horsebit Ring Collection draws on horsebit, stirrup and horseshoe symbols, long associated with good fortune, movement and protection. Each style is finished with pavé cubic zirconia. Wear one as a statement, or stack two for a bolder look. A little luck at the track never hurts.
Derby Day: black and white
Derby Day traditionally calls for a monochrome palette, and pearls and silver are made for it. They add light and softness against black and white without breaking the colour story.
The Nacre Bloom Earrings pair natural mother-of-pearl petals with a pearl drop in a cool rhodium-plated finish, an elegant match for a crisp monochrome look. For something more understated under a dramatic headpiece, try the Pearl Knot Studs.
Cup Day and Oaks Day: colour and romance
The big race days are all about bold colour, florals and feminine silhouettes. Gold tones look especially warm in spring sunshine.
The Imperial Cross Earrings combine intricate baroque detailing, crystal accents and draped chains that move as you do: ideal with a simple headband or small fascinator. For a romantic, feminine look, the Élodie Pearl Bow Earrings combine a sculptural bow, pearl detailing and a teardrop crystal. If you'd rather one strong focal point, the Baroque Oversized Hoop Earrings bring an irregular, light-catching texture in warm 18K gold plating.
Shop the guide
Race day favourites
Aurora Equestrian Pearl Layered NecklaceA$119Shop now
Fortuna Horsebit RingsFrom A$69Shop now
Imperial Cross EarringsA$79Shop now
Élodie Pearl Bow EarringsA$89Shop now
Free shipping and a complimentary Travel Jewellery Roll on orders over A$75.
Practical tips for race day
- Think about weight. Race days are long, and heavy earrings can become uncomfortable by the last race. Our Earring Weight Guide helps you compare.
- Watch for snagging. Long earrings can catch on a hat brim or the netting of a fascinator. Try your full outfit on at home, headpiece included.
- Plan for the weather. Spring can be windy. Secure earring backs, and choose a necklace that won't tangle (see our tips on layering necklaces).
- Keep it to one or two focal points. Headpiece plus earrings, or headpiece plus necklace, rarely all three.
- Bring a pouch. If you take your earrings off later in the day, our Travel Jewellery Roll keeps them safe.
Find your race day look
The best race day jewellery feels considered, comfortable and quietly confident, letting your outfit and headwear shine. Browse our earrings, necklaces and rings, or explore our wedding guest jewellery guide for more occasion ideas.