Mastering the intricacies of racewear can take years. There’s hat management, hemline control and choosing shoes that balance comfort with style so that you won’t be shuffling barefoot like Queen Camilla at the end of her Australian tour.

Champion swimmer Emma McKeon conquered the challenging mix of playful and polished faster than a duck, or her competition, takes to water.

“It’s new to me, but I think the dress codes of each day make it fun,” says McKeon, who is an ambassador for G.H. Mumm champagne in the Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup carnival. “It’s all about experimentation, pushing things further with accessories and pieces that you wouldn’t wear normally.”

The last part is easy for our most-decorated Olympian, who is usually dripping with water instead of crystals on a tailored tuxedo dress. “I’m more used to bathing caps than headpieces,” she says.

“Embellishment and intricate details will play a strong part elevating the black and white looks of Derby Day,” says designer Rebecca Vallance.

Bold hues such as wine red and vibrant yellow are Vallance’s preference for Cup Day’s colourful code, followed by a shift to pale pastels for Oaks Day’s feminine theme. McKeon can leave her six gold medals at home, with metallics falling behind in popularity, along with the traditional deep dive into floral prints.

The international runways provide further ideas, with McKeon fittingly inspired by athletic silhouettes at the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week in September. At the Emporio Armani show in Milan, stylist Elliott Garnaut snatched a sleek, black velvet dress with a hooped hemline and matching toque for Melbourne designer Nadia Bartel to wear on Derby Day.

“The balletcore trend should also come through at the spring carnival with lace details, bows and wispy tulle skirts,” says stylist Suzy Eskander.