Off to the races!

[Manxstralian]

My lady and I have been threatening for the last few years to go to the Melbourne Cup (the premier horse racing event in Australia, and the highlight of Melbourne's spring racing carnival... We even have a public holiday for it!). My question relates to appropriate kilt attire for this event. Another thread currently active (which I didn't want to derail: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-trends-82539/) lists appropriate racing attire as such:

Morning dress equivalent:
Black silver buttoned Argyll
Coloured hose
Black brogues
Worn to daytime weddings & the races

My idea has always been "Hunting tartan kilt, tweed jacket and waistcoat, Tattersall shirt with straight tie, subdued fur or brown leather sporran (what would be referred to as a "hunting" sporran), solid colour hose, and possibly brown brouges". Bearing in mind that this is one event where you will see men in Black Tie, business suits of all shades with and without ties, and the occasional "polo" shirt, am I underdressing for the occasion?

The other factor to consider is weather (It can be between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius).

I would be very interested to hear from any Australians who had been to the cup kilted, or what is generally worn in this situation.


Cheers,

Cameron

[Downunder Kilt]

I have worn the tweed option to "the cup" several times (I only wear black brogues though even with brown leather accoutrements). In another thread I stated that the morning suit equivalent black Argyll would be acceptable at the races, but gave the example as Royal Ascot where the morning suit has been traditional for eons. I suppose, if you were in the members enclosure at Flemington, the black Argyll would be just the ticket, but for the average punter, I would be wearing tweed. As an aside, I don't think too many persons at "the cup" would have any idea about the nuances of Scottish Highland attire. I have seen a couple of P.C. outfits there and just had a chuckle to myself.

[Manxstralian]

Why did I have the feeling that you'd pitch in Mike?

I figured that was the case, and the members enclosure is outside my price range.... And regarding the understanding of others, that's not really my concern. In Highland attire, right is right, regardless of what others think!

(except I'd probably steal a page from your book, and wear a small brimmed Akubra, rather than any traditional bonnet)

Cheers,

Cameron

[Calgacus]

If your choice in headgear is to keep the sun off, then you could always go for this bunnet

bigtam.jpg

[Manxstralian]

That looks like it would do the trick!