2011 will be remembered as the year colour came back to Melbourne.

While the drab winter has stretched our wardrobes and black has tried very hard to overwhelm us, spring is here and with it, the races and all the colour of the carnival.

Against the clear blue skies and greenery of the country, pinks and oranges will pop; purples and neons glow and that old adage of ‘blue and green should never be seen’ will be thrown out the window in favour of ‘anything goes’.

Colour pops at the Melbourne Spring Fashion week launch

While the dress is usually a girls’ first point of call for Spring Racing Fashion, mix it up by starting with statement shoes (remember wedges work wonders on grass!) or a wow factor fascinator that will make your outfit the centre of attention and a winner on raceday.

Be inspired by vintage racewear and traditional shapes but be sure to inject your personality and a touch of modernity to your ensemble. Don’t be afraid to try a maxi skirt, clash colours or – shock horror – wear flats! Bright and bejewelled are beautiful, and better for your ankles!

Orange and pink pop this spring so add some colour to your country racing outfit!

Accessories are distinct and unique. They don’t shy away from adding to the rainbow. Earrings, cocktails rings and purses should add to your outfit but not detract from it. Find the balance and reap the rewards – in the country, you will be city chic. Don’t forget nail polish!

The boys shouldn’t stick to black and grey either. A pink shirt or a tie with a twist will make you an odds on favourite with the ladies, even if you don’t back the first horse over the line in the Cup.

Your safest bet this racing season is to take a risk. No one ever won big by following the favourite so be daring, pick your favourite hue and increase your chances of taking out racing’s most coveted prize – the fashions on the field.