hats

Every gal has a collection of things they don't leave the house without, when going for a dip. Whether you're sunning yourself poolside or hitting the waves, a well-edited beach kit will ensure you always look the part. After many a Summer spent stranded in Bondi wearing the wrong thing, or having forgotten that vital hat/cover-up/spare pair of sunnies, we've nutted out the top ten Essential Wadrobe items to keep you chic on the sand this season. Jump on in!

How are we feeling after yesterday's Melbourne Cup celebrations? A bit dusty? Well then, take two panadols, pop your feet up and keep on clicking! We're re-capping the best trackside looks with a special focus on the fun bits — the accessories. From proper ladylike straw hats to fun fascinators to head-jewellery to turbans — there was a plethora of headwear options on show inside Flemington's celeb-packed Birdcage. Got that cup of tea/extra tall grande latte on hand? OK. You're ready to roll. Step inside to zoom in on all the glamorous details.

There's no denying that the Melbourne Cup is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the social calendar, and with thanks to international guests such as Mischa Barton, Ashley Madekwe and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, today's celebrations look to be bigger and better than ever. Judging from years gone by, we can expect to see a lot of colour amongst the VIP guests, but thanks to social media we don't have to wait too long before the fashions on the field pics trickle in. So far we've spied Rebecca Judd sporting a Kerrie Stanley head-piece, Mischa Barton in bordeux Ellery and Kate Waterhouse looking lovely in lilac Gucci. Want in on the action before the action begins? Step right this way...

Did Melbourne Cup Day creep up on you? Not to worry! We'll get you race-ready in the mere click of a mouse. Whether you're heading down to the track, are partaking in a celebratory lunch or watching the race that stops the nation from the confort of your desk — you'll still need to look the part. According to racing royalty and David Jones racing ambassador Emma Freedman, the Melbourne Cup Day calls for a festive look; think bright! Think bold! Think colour! We've rounded up ten fabulously fast in-store buys to top-off that outfit in style. Better put a lunch-break dash on today's to-do list!

With Derby Day approaching, we asked the Sugar editors for their ultimate celebrity red carpet up 'do moment to copy, and the fascinator they'd wear to match it. Hair inspiration is key before a race meet, especially if you're going to the hairdresser to have yours professionally styled. If you're going the DIY route — our favourite — then having a picture on hand will keep you on track (geddit?!). Last week we revealed our top 10 races survival prods, now click through to see which celeb the girls will be channelling this weekend, and what hair accessory they'll be donning, as well.

Finding that finishing touch to your race-day outfit can be tricky. Hats are a big investment, headbands can look a bit low-effort, and fascinators can verge on the flimsy and, well to be perfectly frank, naff. We've made it our duty to find the least ugly headpieces out there for this Spring racing season. So that's a N-O to gaudy-bright colours, shiny polyesters and superfluous feathers. Instead, we've uncovered some cooler options to top-off your trackside look; think netted face-wraps, sculptural headpieces and bejewelled headpieces. Wanna see?

As one of the most anticipated shows of the season — with a modified name, restructured logo, and, oh yeah, designer Hedi Slimane at the helm — it would be fair to say that Saint Laurent Spring '13 had some high expectations to live up to. Of course, it took all of half a second for us to remember why we've held Slimane in such high esteem since his days at Dior Homme. The proof was in his careful crafting and reverence to the label's legendary silhouettes, as much as it could be seen in his interpretation of Parisienne-chic through an LA rock 'n' roll lens. The colourful evening caftan gowns were accented with long tassled necklaces and flowy capes, ultra-tailored silhouettes (we're taking superslim-cut trousers paired with and blazers) took on a more bohemian vibe via wide-brimmed floppy fedoras and loosely adorned bows, and the recognisable safari-chic dresses from seasons past came complete with sexy lace-up fronts and were finished with touches of Western-inspired fringe. From start to finish, there was an overwhelming sense of "cool" that couldn't be shaken — nor would you want to shake it — and while this debut collection from Slimane didn't override older notions of the iconic brand entirely, it certainly took aspects of Saint Laurent's past in a new, youthful direction.

• Trends: Slimmer-than-slim silhouettes, dramatic large floppy hats, embellishments of every kind (fringe, studs, sheer panels, tassels, bows, etc.), the caftan, and tailored blazers.
• Colours: Black, white, tan, brown, taupe, merlot red, and metallic gold — with a parade of red, blue, and purple at the show's end.
• Key Piece: The caftan-meets-ruffled colour evening gowns — especially in that deep burgundy hue.
• Accessories: The essential platform pump, wide-brimmed hats, long tasseled necklaces, and floor-skimming capes.
• Who Should Wear It: Front-row attendees Kate Moss and Jessica Chastain will definitely do the collection justice. Moreover, we think Slimane's newly installed brand of bohemian cool has Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe written all over it.

Start your races engines ladies! The Spring Carnival is just around the corner. To get you up to speed with what to wear when hitting the track this season, we thought we'd take the top-line trends and chicest looks from yesterday's Melbourne David Jones Spring racewear launch. Spring Carnival ambassador Jesinta Campbell was on catwalking duty, as was Samantha Harris, with racing doyenne Gai Waterhouse sitting f'rowside. Pastel-worn-on-pastel was a strong look (opt for opposing shades in the same vibrancy and look to camilla and marc and Willow for the prettiest shades), as were ladylike dresses in modern graphics — like those fabulous photographic prints by Josh Goot. The last big ticket trend? A feminine take on menswear; with suiting softened by floral prints which were elegantly executed by Lover and Thurley, or via sculptural detailing like that of Carl Kapp. For headwear neat, pill-box shapes are a sure-bet in high-impact shapes and hues. Fedoras are a perfect finish for a mannish ensemble, and dainty cloche hats will make a vintage-inspired top note. Get up to speed on what to wear trackside, this season . . .