Fashion tips for Australian spring racing

Sydney fashion stylist Kash O'Hara won the autumn racing carnival Fashion Chute at Randwick wearing a black leather turban teamed with a white dress.

But for spring, O'Hara says boaters, bows and hats made of straw or metallic headwear will adorn the crowns of women attending the races this season.

"Big floppy Dior hats and fascinators are also big trends this season, being inspired by (their haute couture exhibition) in Melbourne," O'Hara told AAP.

Dresses with ruffles, lace and even a touch of leather are very on-trend looks, with reds, pinks and cobalt blues all coming into season this spring.

"And lots of flowers and colour but nothing too heavy (like felt or wool)," O'Hara said.

"Racewear is quite conservative,

"You're not going to a nightclub so nothing too clingy or shiny."

O'Hara also advises men and women to dress for their body type and colour rather than follow the latest fad if it does not suit them.

For men at the races this spring their look starts with a well tailored suit, polished shoes and a tie, pocket-chief or cufflinks splashed in the colours of red, pink or even yellow.

"I like navy and greys for the suits but if it is well-tailored then it doesn't matter," O'Hara said.

Sydney fashionistas will get two chances to dress up and win thousands of dollars worth of prizes during Sydney's spring carnival this year.

Those who miss out at the Spring Champion Stakes Day on October 7 will get a second opportunity to enter the fashion competition when Australia's richest race The Everest debuts the following weekend.

The overall winners on each day will get to party their way home with a bottle of champagne and prizes that include jet-setting off to Europe, a make-over and enough vouchers to keep them looking fabulous.

The eight finalists from each day will appear on stage to be judged by Roxy Jacenko, Carissa Walford, Edwina McCann and Nerida Winter.