Designer to the stars reveals the hottest trends for the Melbourne Cup Carnival and biggest fashion faux pas you can make – as she shares the surprising essential to put in your purse

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

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

Vallance, who launched her popular clothing line of the same name in 2011, tells Ny Breaking Australia bows will be a huge trend at Flemington Racecourse this year.

“Bows are a major trend this year and will definitely create a winning racing look,” she explains.

‘Whether it’s bow finishes on a dress, headpieces with bows or playful bows on your shoes, this trend will be in full force at Flemington this year.’

Star designer Rebecca Vallance says bows will be present at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Pictured: Kate Waterhouse wearing Rebecca Vallance on TAB Everest Day last month

Vallance says attention to detail is also crucial if you want to stand out from the crowd, and the races are great for experimenting with looks you wouldn’t normally opt for.

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

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

While bold looks, including newly introduced shorts for men and cut-out dresses for women, are becoming more acceptable, she says it’s fine to go shorter on Derby Day, but suggests something more modest for Melbourne Cup Day.

Vallance, pictured here, has given her expert fashion advice 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 a chance to have fun with your outfit, with an exaggerated sleeve or embellishment like our Veronica mini, which is themed in black and white, but flirty and fun,” she says.

‘For the Melbourne Cup I like a traditional 7/8 midi dress like ours Rochelle sleeveless midi dress. A piece that is timeless, elegant and matching the cup.’

When it comes to major fashion mistakes, Vallance says taking off your heels at ANY time 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 pictured here wearing the dress

Kate Beckinsale also recently wore the beautiful bow dress

‘I say never take off your shoes and walk barefoot, no matter how painful your feet are. It’s not okay,” she adds.

And when it comes to staying comfortable in stilettos for hours on end, it all comes down to heel height.

“Some girls will definitely stand up for the cause and do the full four-inch heel,” she explains.

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

‘You can find very comfortable shoes that are still beautiful.’

“Whether it’s bow trims on a dress, headpieces with bows or playful bows on your shoes, this trend will be prominent at Flemington this year,” she says. Melbourne model Tess Shanahan wears a cute bow clip in the preview of The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse

Vallance recently dressed Paris Hilton to promote her new range of cooking clothes

When it comes to major fashion mistakes, Vallance says taking off your heels at ANY time of day is a big no-no

Vallance says there are three essential items she never leaves out of her handbag when it comes to attending big events like the races.

“I bring my Tom Ford lipsticks for touch-ups and Hydralyte to stay hydrated all day,” she says.

‘And then I like a little bigger bag where I can also put a hidden battery in my phone. I’m a mother of two boys, so I always like to be available.’

Rebecca’s fashion advice comes as she recently did has released a capsule collection of bridal accessories that can also match the races, such as an oversized pearl hair clip with a bow, which is very trendy this year, or a headband decorated with pearls.

Rebecca’s fashion advice comes as she launches a collection of Race Day accessories with Mytheresa