In terms of millinery, things are a little more relaxed this autumn as we're seeing a strong 70's influence with floppy  Bohemian-styles having made their return.While this sexy style is a key trend this season, the main focus is still on small party pieces and polished 50's and 60's 'Mad Men' inspired hats, both working well with all those cinched-in waists, full skirts and elegant accessories like gloves and 'frame' handbags.According to most style-meisters, the cloche hat continues to be a favourite as they are eternally feminine and flattering, although a bolder statement you may want to consider is a sharper, fedora style.

Embellishment is key this season and as always black and white lay the foundation for all racing looks however neutral tones, camel and red all have a place this time round. Millinery designers to look out for include Nerida Winter, Neil Grigg, Jonathan Howard, Gregory Ladner, Fiona Powell, Fillies collection and brilliant hair accessories from George Giavis. Milliner Nerida Winter told me that texture is key this season with velour pile felts , leather , suede , printed silks and feathers providing the inspiration for her new season.

"The season's shapes embrace the balance between masculine and feminine with boaters having ribbon detail,  fedoras being softened with lace and hats being very strong and hand-sculpted,'' says Nerida."70's style hats are fresh with pants and headpieces are bold with colours like orange, brandy, sepia , orchid, poppy , citrus and winter white are colours that work well this season.''

Nerida admits that while we are seeing lots of green accessories on the runways and in many recent collections,  "green", she says "has long been considered (by the superstitious) to be unlucky on the track, so we haven't big demand for anything in green, in fact!"

I also asked leading designer Joe Farage for his key male trackside trends and the terms 'timeless chic', 'modern twist' and 'hint of detail' were his starring words."Men need to take an elegant approach to tradition this racing season with a sharp grey two or three piece suit accessorized with a statement tie, pocket hankie & hat,'' says Joe."Accessories are key to bringing a men’s suit to life while pocket hankies, hats, a statement tie and a well polished leather shoe will complete the look."

Joe says his Farage grey Prince of Wales check (from his latest collection ‘As Evening Comes') is perfect for race day,  "as it’s a perfect mix of traditional tailoring with a modern twist,'' he adds."Teamed with a crisp white French cuff shirt, a slim black tie and contrast or colored pocket hankie and any man will look smart.''

Another fashion man-about-town Donny Galella (www.donnygalella.com.au) outlined his trackside trends to me too, saying he is looking forward to seeing leather (in a chic pencil skirt or dress); some capes and small clokes;  the 'Mad Men' 60s vibe and various shades of camel make their way to the races."For the races you may want to consider a cropped caplet worn over a dress or suit as it is a good alternative to the good old pashmina,' says Donny."Late 50s and early 1960s elegance is hot, so we can expect to see pencil skirts, full skirts, jewellery brooches, duster coats and pillbox hats too.''

As far as headwear suggestions are concerned, Donny is liking oversized berets, equestrian inspired hats, trilby hats, bowler style hats and elaborate top hats."Headwear shapes are changing from feathery and flowery to much more structural and abstract shapes with bows, brooches and gemstones becoming more popular,'' he says."Try and avoid that “half a dead bird” look on your head and go for something with cleaner lines and sculptural feel.''