Naomi Bell Autumn to Spring Racing Interview

How to Make Your Racing Outfits Last from Autumn to Spring

With Autumn racing coming to an end, Naomi has shared her top tips on how to make your racing outfits last from autumn to spring.

Tickets to sail on this year's Melbourne Cup Cruise on Carnival Spirit are nearly sold out. Head to the Carnival website for final cabins or plan early for 2020 and book on Carnival's new ship in Australia, Carnival Splendor.

Question: What fashion styles did we see during the Autumn Racing season?

Naomi Bell: The Autumn Racing season certainly did not disappoint – there were so many women looking fabulous in well-tailored suits and amazing midi-length dresses. We saw richer colours on display, like plum, burgundy, royal blue and reds. The cooler autumn months traditionally call for felt headwear and closed-toe shoes. We saw some wonderfully stylish combinations throughout the season.


Question: How will these styles differ in this year's Spring Racing season?

Naomi Bell: The first big difference between race day outfits in for autumn and spring is in the fabrics. Spring Carnival fashion is usually lighter, brighter and the headwear is traditionally made from fabrics such as straw. Shoes are lighter and may be open-toe. This spring, I'm tipping we'll see outfits featuring a lot more yellow and, my favourite, peachy pink. Suits will still be a big hit as they are great for race days, as well as dresses that feature a statement sleeve.

While it's acceptable to show a little more skin during the Spring Carnival race days, we need to remember that it's not a nightclub. Save those outfits for the afterparty! For classy racewear style, always remember the two 'c's – chic and classic.


Question: Can you share your top tips on how we can make our Autumn Racing outfit last until spring?

Naomi Bell: If you choose solid colours rather than prints, it's much easier to get more looks and mix and match. For example, if you wore a suit during Autumn Carnival, maybe you could wear the bottoms again with another top for Spring Carnival. Even changing up some jewellery can make the same outfit look really fresh.


Question: When buying racing outfits, how can we ensure they are transeasonal?

Naomi Bell: I love having a transeasonal wardrobe. It's all about being savvy in both fashion and finance. For example, if you want to wear the same dress at different Carnivals, then my biggest tip would be to change up the accessories – such as a headpiece.

When buying a new headpiece, I recommend investing in a metallic-style tiara as it can be worn for any racing season, to a wedding…or any day you want to feel like a princess!

Pop on a strappy summery shoe. I highly recommend a wedge or thicker heel to better ensure comfort throughout the day.


Question: How do you prepare ahead of a big race day, like an Oaks or the Melbourne Cup?

Naomi Bell: We all want to have a fun day and to look and feel confident, so planning your outfits ahead of time is the key.

Tip 1: Give yourself enough time to get ready
This may involve having your nails done the day before, booking your hair appointment in advance, and having your outfit laid out or hanging up.

Tip 2: Be organised for a day at the track
The following items are a must-have in your handbag; lipstick (for touch-ups throughout the day), face powder (to banish any shine), mobile phone (to capture those Insta-worthy moments and find your friends with you inevitably lose them!), Band-Aids (better to be safe than sorry), and a pair of fold-up shoes (much more stylish than bare feet at the end of the day!).

Tip 3: Be prepared for four seasons in one day
I've been to many Melbourne Cups and some days have been so hot I was burnt through the lace of my dress, others have been freezing cold (lucky I could fit a pair of leggings under my maxi dress) and some have been rainy. A few have even been all of the above! Pack an extra jacket or something that will suit your outfit and keep you warm and, finally, have access to an umbrella just in case.

Tip 4: Comfortable shoes
For those purchasing new shoes for race day, ensure you've worn them in a bit and that they are comfortable. There is nothing worse than sore or blistered feet halfway through the day! That said, refer back to Tip #2!

Question: What can you tell us about the Carnival Cruise Line Melbourne Cup cruise?

Naomi Bell: I'll be cruising to the Cup onboard Carnival Spirit this year and I'm very excited!
Carnival Cruise Line hosts a Melbourne Cup cruise each year departing Sydney, staying overnight in Melbourne for three nights, so you can attend both Melbourne Cup Day and Kennedy Oaks Day (and get some shopping time in too). Tickets and transfers to both these races are included in the cruise fare.

There will be a great variety of fashion and racing activities onboard, such as the 'Fashions on the Spirit' parade which includes prizes for 'Best Dressed' and 'Most Creative', betting masterclasses, Q&As with racing legends, and so much more.

I'll be joining a great line-up of personalities onboard, including legendary jockey Jim Cassidy and renowned horse-trainer Robert Hickmott. Former sports broadcaster Damian Kelly and Wendy Green, the well-loved owner of Melbourne Cup-winning horse Rogan Josh, will be sailing for their second time with Carnival. Media personality Deborah Hutton will also be sailing with award-winning milliner Serena Lindeman and we'll be judging the 'Fashions on the Spirit' event together. I'll also be running a styling workshop to help ladies discover what body shape they are and what are the best key items for their wardrobe.


Question: What styles will you be looking for during the Carnival Cruise Line Fashions on the Spirit parade?

Naomi Bell: I'm so excited about 'Fashions on the Spirit'! I can't wait to see the gorgeous ladies and gents all dressed up looking and feeling fabulous. It's such a fun event and I hope to see both classic looks as well as inspired creativeness. I'll be looking for lots of colour and really considered looks – all the way from the headwear, to the handbag, right down to the shoes. It should be amazing!


Interview by Brooke Hunter