Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, however, is the day when all the rules are broken and is famous for its bright colours, outrageous styles and big personalities.
Crown Oaks Day (November 5) also known as Ladies' Day, celebrates feminine cuts and lady-like hues. Visit Nevenka on Howey Place and Lady Petrova on Flinders Lane for all things chic and pretty.
Emirates Stakes Day (November 7) is the final day of the carnival, and it's all about effortless glamour. Check out Megan Park on High St for luxurious fabrics and dainty detailing and Edgeley in Fitzroy for sparkly one-off creations and custom pieces.
It's not racewear unless it has a headpiece and, luckily, Melbourne has world-class milliners. Some of the best include Phillip Rhodes, Richard Nylon, Louise Macdonald, Brett Morley, Serena Lindeman, Jill & Jack Millinery and Kerrie Stanley.
Other shopping
The country's newest shopping mecca, Emporium Melbourne, is a must-visit. It boasts the largest collection of Australian designers under one roof in 225 shops and eateries over seven levels. Highlight stores include Melbourne's own Scanlan Theodore, Gorman, Mr Simple, Arthur Galan, Godwin Charli and Autonomy. Japanese Giant Uniqlo put its first Australian store here, as did Zoo York, the Waiting Room by Doctor Denim, Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry and UCLA.
Between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Sts, Emporium Melbourne is flanked by major department stores Myer and David Jones, along with H&M and Zara on one side and Melbourne Central leading into Queen Victoria (QV) Village on the other. It is one of Australia's largest retail precincts.
Next door, the recently redeveloped The Strand Melbourne houses fashion and lifestyle brands including Melburnian Jane Ramsay, locally designed shoes and accessories at Habbot, iconic brand Feathers and Australia's first COS store.
A trip to Melbourne is not complete without getting a little lost in the laneways and arcades. They are punctuated by seriously stylish boutiques, and for the city's best accessories go to Christine (women), Lord Coconut (men) and e.g.etal (contemporary jewellery) on Flinders Lane.
Shopping for men
Melbourne is brimming with options for blokes. Here are some of the best bets for men who are savvy about style:
Harrolds, 101 Collins St, +61 3 8660 7888
Since launching in 1985, Harrolds has become an institution among the fashion-conscious. Perched at the top of Collins St, Harrolds stocks more than 70 Australian and international labels. A made-to-measure service is also available.
P Johnson Tailors, 29 Thomas St, Windsor, +61 488 207 240
P Johnson fits guys to suits made as comfortable as a pair of pyjamas. Visitors can get to know the cuts and fabrics then have a suit made to measure. It takes about six weeks and three fittings, so it is best for frequent or long-staying visitors.
Handsom, 163 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, +61 3 9078 7306
Melbourne-based label Handsom combines contemporary design with functionality to create everyday clothing for men (and women). The independent brand is based on Gertrude St, Fitzroy, and has a stand-alone store at street level and HQ and design studio upstairs.
Incu, Shop 6A, 274 Flinders Lane, +61 3 9663 9933 and Shop ACL9 QV, Albert Coates Lane +61 3 9662 3730
Incu stocks smart-casual menswear from Australian and international brands including Rag and Bone, Comme des Garcons, Acne Studios and Vanishing Elephant. It has two Melbourne menswear stores: the Flinders Lane store is inspired partly by the maze of surrounding laneways and the QV store tips a nod to TV series Mad Men.
Smart Alec Hatters, 235 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, +61 3 9416 4664
As the name suggests, it is hats galore at Smart Alec Hatters. From fedoras to top hats, boaters to berets, Smart Alec Hatters is a destination store. Other accessories are also available, including cufflinks, scarves and gloves.
Other things to do in the city
Discover Melbourne's labyrinth of laneways with local tour guides at Hidden Secrets, Walk Melbourne or Localing.
Learn the difference between a cold-press and slow-drip coffee with Melbourne Coffee Tours, or get a taste of the city's food scene with Melbourne Food Experiences.
Explore the eclectic neighbourhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood. Browse Brunswick and Gertrude Sts, drop in at Rose St Market, sample some of the city's tastiest fare on Smith St and top off the night at Melbourne's most-loved cocktails bars, such as the Everleigh, Black Pearl or the Noble Experiment.
Get cultural. Drop in at the National Gallery of Victoria to see Masterpiece of the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great, or delve into the life of Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Discover Melbourne's art galleries and spaces with Walk to Art or Art Aficionado tours, and see the city's street art scene through the eyes of a local artist with Melbourne Street Art Tours.
Learn a thing or two at Melbourne's Museums - Immigration Museum, Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks. All are still celebrating school holidays with programmes, exhibitions and activities. Relive some of Australia's sporting triumphs at the National Sports Museum Feeling fancy? Book in for a classic high tea at the Windsor, Langham Hotel or Hopetoun Tea Rooms or indulge in a pamper session at Miss Fox, Aurora Spa Retreat or Isika Day Spa.
Explore Melbourne's best markets, including Queen Victoria Market, Prahran Market and South Melbourne Market.
Soak up the pre- and post-match buzz around Richmond and dine at the city's newest eateries.
