The right Melbourne Cup handbag is small, secure and built for a full day on the grass. Here’s what actually fits, which shapes work at Flemington, and five authenticated preloved Chanel, Dior and Celine pieces in stock now.

Choosing a Spring Racing Carnival handbag? Our Melbourne guide covers Derby Day monochrome, Melbourne Cup Day colour and the practical rules for a bag that survives eight hours on Flemington grass — with five authenticated preloved Chanel, Dior and Celine picks in stock now.