The hottest trends for the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the biggest fashion faux pas you can make – the designer to the stars reveals the surprising essential you should put in your handbag

She has established herself as one of Australia’s most popular designers, dressing the likes of American superstars Kate Beckinsale, Lady Gaga, Chrissy Teigen and Paris Hilton, as well as several homegrown Australian TV personalities.

And Rebecca Vallance has provided her expert fashion advice for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Vallance, who launched her popular eponymous clothing line in 2011, says bow ties will be a big trend at Flemington Racecourse this year.

“Bows were a big trend this year and are sure to create a winning look on race day,” she explains.

“Whether it’s bows on a dress or a bow headpiece or playful bows on your shoes, this trend will be a big focus at Flemington this year.”

Designer to the star Rebecca Vallance says bows are the name of the game at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Pictured: Kate Waterhouse wearing Rebecca Vallance at TAB Everest Day last month

Vallance says attention to detail is also key if you want to stand out from the crowd, and the races are a great way to experiment with looks you wouldn’t normally do.

“Racing looks are your chance to dive into bold colors, floral dresses and statement hats, or lean into a more understated elegance with a chic headband that pulls your outfit together,” she explains.

“Bows and puffed sleeves are also welcome, as this is the time to have fun and experiment (while remaining race-ready).”

As bold looks, including newly launched shorts for men and low-cut dresses for women, become increasingly popular, she says while it’s fine to wear shorter trousers on Derby Day, she suggests something more modest for Melbourne Cup Day.

Vallance, pictured here, gave her expert fashion tips for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival

“Derby Day is the first day of the Spring Racing Carnival and the dress code is black and white only – it’s an opportunity to have fun with your outfit, with an oversized sleeve or embellishment like ours.” Veronica Mini, “It’s black and white thematically, but flirty and fun,” she says.

“For the Melbourne Cup, I love a traditional 7/8 midi dress like ours.” Rochelle sleeveless midi A dress. A timeless, elegant piece that fits the trophy.”

When it comes to major fashion faux pas, Vallance says taking off your heels at ANY point of the day is a big no-no.

Rebecca Vallance, Veronica Mini, is the perfect dress for the black and white theme of Derby Day. Vallance is wearing the dress here

Kate Beckinsale also recently wore the stunning bow dress

“I say, never take off your shoes and go barefoot, no matter how sore your feet are.” “It’s not OK,” she adds.

And when it comes to staying comfortable for hours in stilettos, heel height matters.

“Some girls will definitely commit to the cause and do the full 10-inch heel,” she explains.

“But if you want to be comfortable, you can do it with a block heel or Saint Laurent has some cool pumps at the moment.”

“You can find really comfortable shoes that are still beautiful.”

“Whether it’s bows on a dress or a bow headpiece or playful bows on your shoes, this trend will be a big focus at Flemington this year,” she says. Melbourne-based model Tess Shanahan is seen wearing a cute bow clip in the preview of The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse

Vallance recently dressed Paris Hilton to promote her new chefwear collection

When it comes to major fashion faux pas, Vallance says taking off your heels at ANY point of the day is a big no-no

According to Vallance, there are three important things she never leaves out of her purse when attending big events like the races.

“I bring my Tom Ford lipsticks to freshen up and Hydralyte to stay hydrated throughout the day,” she says.

“And then I like a slightly larger bag in which I can also store a hidden battery for my phone.” “I’m a mother of two boys and therefore always available.”

Rebecca’s fashion tip comes recently released a capsule collection of bridal accessories that also fit the races, like an oversized pearl hair clip with a bow, which is on trend this year, or a pearl-embellished headband.

Rebecca’s fashion tip comes as she launches a collection of race day accessories with Mytheresa