What to Wear to the Melbourne Cup Soirée at Ambrym Estate.
By Stylist Penny Hunt for Ambrym Estate
This is not just another race day. At Ambrym Estate, your Melbourne Cup experience is reimagined, a refined escape to rolling gardens, manicured lawns, and curated elegance. From the first champagne toast to the sweepstakes finale, our Soirée is where style meets celebration. And for a setting like this, your outfit should feel as considered as the day itself.
Here’s your stylist’s guide to dressing for Ambrym’s Cup Day, a balance of runway inspiration and real-world grace.
Know the Vibe: Country Sophistication with Elevated Edge
Unlike the bustle of Flemington, Ambrym offers a more intimate, relaxed, yet still impeccably elegant experience. Think garden party meets race-day glamour, an opportunity to be bold, but never overdone.
This is the setting where you can lean into gentle contrasts: structured lines with soft fabrics, vibrant accents against natural tones, and sartorial risk with thoughtful restraint.
Drawing from the Runways — But Making It Yours
To bring runway wisdom into your outfit, here’s how to translate the strongest fashion cues into something that feels sublimely Ambrym:
Colour & Contrast: The fashion world is currently embracing saturated, block hues and neon contrasts. On a setting so verdant and sunlit, a vivid jewel tone (emerald, ruby, cobalt) will stand out effortlessly. Let the greenery be your backdrop and your style the focal point.
Silhouette & Shape: At the races this year, silhouettes are becoming more sculptural defined waists, softened shoulders, or subtle draping. Try a dress with architectural detail or a skirt-dress combo that moves with you yet retains elegance.
Prints & Textures: Floral embroideries, softly abstract botanicals, or textured micro-patterns will resonate with the estate surroundings. Stay away from anything too loud or clashing; the setting itself is refined, so let your print whisper, not shout.
Tailoring with Ease: On more relaxed days, tailored separates, a lightweight blazer over a silk slip, or a sharply cut jumpsuit to strike a balance between comfort and polish. Clean lines will always feel modern.
Footwear: Elegantly Grounded
This is the time to honour style but also practicality. The lush grounds of Ambrym demand footwear that carries elegance without sacrificing ease.
Go for mid-height heels or a refined kitten heel, dramatic but not punishing.
A pointed toe adds sophistication, while a wider block heel gives more balance.
Avoid sky-high stilettos or ultra-thin heels that could buckle on grass.
Consider elegant flats or wedges with architectural detail if you prefer to stay grounded.
Millinery & Headwear
A well-chosen headpiece remains the ultimate finishing touch. For Ambrym’s Soirée, lean into classic silhouettes with a contemporary twist.
The cloche style is due for a renaissance a nod to 1920s elegance with modern grace.
Asymmetric brims, sculpted side bands, or vintage-inspired detail can evoke drama without overwhelming your look.
Keep proportions in mind: softer, curved lines tend to feel more at home against natural surroundings than rigid, angular shapes.
Make It Personal
While trends guide, your personal style defines. The most memorable looks are those that feel as comfortable as they are striking.
Choose one element to elevate, be it colour, silhouette, headwear, or texture and let the rest support it quietly.
If you love bold earrings, let them be the star; if you prefer soft pastels, use your accessories or shoe choice to introduce edge.
Remember: this is a day made for enjoyment, celebration, and elegance. Your outfit should let your personality shine with confidence, ease, and grace.
Ambrym Estate’s Melbourne Cup Soirée deserves nothing less than attention to detail, both in the day itself and in the way you arrive. Let your look tell a story that blends fashion, place, and personal expression. We can’t wait to see you there. Book Here