Pastel and blush tones, big floral prints, a sharp dash of Mad Men and cute boater hats are just some of the fashion accents we can expect to see trackside as we leap into the glamour of the racing season.

According to the fine fashion folk at David Jones, who also happen to be serious equine fanciers too, millinery is really directional and while styles like the pillbox and beret are still around, this season they are joined by oversized floral headpieces, turbans and toppers. "We are also seeing the emergence of the oversized boater style with an exaggerated wide brim.'' says David Jones fashion guru and General Manager of Womenswear, David Bush.

"With the greatest portfolio of the best Australian designers, millinery and accessories this is a season of real fashion inspiration for Spring racing.''
Bejewelled headbands too are big news, for those of us who may want a more subtle head statement, of course. And yes, some of the best from new name on the millinery block, George Giavis,  of hair colour fame in Sydney's east.

Along with some of these extremely elegant inspired headpieces comes a real 'Mad Men' fashion theme, topped off with some fantastic mesh, satin and lighter weight spring gloves.

According to the stylish designer Donny Galella, two piece suits are making a sharp comeback this spring as is the Romantic vibe of ruffles, floaty fabrics, soft hues and fabric flower corsages but he warns against going too sparkly: "Clothes are accentuated with sequins, oversized gemstones and studs but just remember that you're going to the races and not a nightclub, so don't over bling!'' says Donny.

Names who are getting it right, for our heads, include Nerida Winter, Neill Grigg, Jonathan  Howard, Morgan Taylor,  Diva and Equip while our bodies are being suitably dressed for the track by camilla and marc, Carla Zampatti, Collette Dinnigan, Willow, Ginger & Smart, Charlie Brown, Simona, Kirrily Johnston, Scanlan & Theodore and Jigsaw.
And if there is one thing to remember, don't wear nothing on your head to the races. As milliner Neil Grigg says: "it is carnival time after all!"

RACE DAY DO'S:

• We say it every season, but don't channel a dance club look. You are going out in the middle of the day, not at 9pm, so think gracious and elegant. Think Mad Men style. And wait until the sun goes down to pop on a pole-dance look..
• Cosmopolitan Shoes boss Rose Saleh thinks you should wear your race day shoes (preferably a platform or a wedge) a few times at least (even around the house) as no-one wants to see you walking home with your shoes slung over your shoulder and blisters on tired feet.
• A shoulder bag is much easier to handle when you have champagne and race book in your hands
• Get out your hottest (and possibly priciest) sunglasses and go the Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and the ever-faithful Ray-Ban.
• And the biggest tip: always remember, one water, one wine, one water, one wine . . . then hit the water big time.
• Leading milliner Nerida Winter (with names like Gai Waterhouse and Sonia McMahon some her biggest fans) says a bigger-brimmed hat (which is the look for the season) doesn't need too much hair around it as a larger chapeaux will tell its own story
• Huge flowers and feathers are big news too, but avoid 40s-style netting over the eyes this season
• Make sure you do make some effort and put something on your head, even a headband that you can find from Dotti, Spotlight, Supre or Sportsgirl, as it will make you feel like you are actually going somewhere special . . .  and not just out to lunch with a gaggle of mates
  *A sleeker hair style do will match just about any hat so that's the way to go this season

RACE DAY DONT'S

• Don't go for a dress that is too tight. Yes, yes you can still look sexy but we don't need to see every bump, roll of fat and hip bone!
• If you dislike the tops of your arms, then cover them up! Don't feel some fashion obligation to wear a strappy dress all because all your pals are following that mantra.
• Valonz hair guru Renya Xydis says a chignon or even cooler side ponytail is a great way to avoid fly-away mad hair.
• Make sure the faux tan you choose to apply is even, not too yellow and for goodness sake, don't go the tandoori hue.
• Don't turn into a drunken ladette. It's not a pretty site.
• Avoid taking your hat off just as you leave the track -- yes, fashion can be about pain - but having a really bad case of crunched-up hat hair isn't a good look
• Do not, under any circumstance wear a felt hat to a spring carnival -- at this time of the year it is all about soft materials that mould onto your head properly. Don't just plop on a hat and hope for the best. Take some time to test drive a few styles and make sure it matches your face shape.
• If you are of a small stature avoid big, mushroom style hats, as no-one will be able to see the divine face that lies beneath the big brim!
• If you need an elastic to keep your hat secure, make sure it is either tea-dyed (to match your skin) or hidden so it doesn't look too obvious.*

Images courtesy of David Jones