Australia’s practical guide to getting dressed
Going somewhere? Doing something?
Let’s work out what to wear.
Practical clothing advice based on where you’re going, what you’re doing, the weather, the dress code and what people actually wear there.
Spring Racing Carnival
What to wear to the races this week
Derby Day is Saturday 31 October, Melbourne Cup Tuesday 3 November, Oaks Day Thursday 5 November and Stakes Day Saturday 7 November. Each guide covers the dress code, millinery and what works on the day.
Last-minute race kit: a fascinator, block heels, heel protectors for the lawn and a clutch. New to the dress code? Read the Spring Racing Carnival dress code.
Where are you going?
What works in Noosa isn’t necessarily what works in Melbourne, Bali or Tokyo. Start with your destination for advice based on the local weather, setting and level of formality.
Browse all destinations → or see the travel and packing hub.
What are you doing?
A beach wedding, first date, funeral, day at the races and work conference all need different answers.
Not sure what the dress code means?
Smart casual, cocktail, semi-formal and black tie explained plainly, with where you have room to make it your own.
Dress for the weather
Heat, humidity, rain and cold can turn a good outfit into a bad decision. Season-by-season guides for the places we cover.
Packing for a trip?
Start with what you’ll actually do while you’re away, then pack around it, including carry-on-only and packing light.
Trends and style guides
Colour pairing, shoe rules and the aesthetics people are actually searching for right now.
Popular right now
Summer is coming
Reader Competition
Show Us Your Look
Enter our reader competition with your best coastal holiday outfit for a chance to be featured on the site.
Frequently asked questions
What is What to Wear?
An Australian guide to dressing for a place, an occasion or the weather. Pick a destination or an event and we cover the dress code, the conditions and what people wear there.
What should I wear to the Melbourne Cup?
Daywear with millinery suits most of Flemington. Dress up for the Birdcage and members areas, and bring flats or heel protectors for the lawn. Our Melbourne Cup guide covers it day by day.
What does smart casual mean in Australia?
Neat and put together without being formal: tailored trousers or a midi skirt, a good top or shirt and clean shoes. See smart casual for women and the dress code guides.
How do I pack for a trip in Australia?
Start with the weather and what you will do there, then build a small capsule around it. Our packing guides and weather guides are a good place to start.
Practical advice, not fashion rules
There isn’t one correct way to dress. Our aim is simpler: help you understand what will be comfortable, appropriate and practical so you can make your own decision. We research destinations, weather, venues, dress requirements and local expectations where they matter, and we welcome useful first-hand experience from people who actually live, work, travel and attend events in the places we cover.
