Stylish punters and celebrities alike flocked to Flemington for this year’s Melbourne Cup and while many made it, the on-course fashion was as slippery as the sodden track with many A-listers missing the mark in the birdcage.
Among them was Nadia Fairfax, who stepped out in a long-sleeved kimono-inspired outfit that hugged her petite figure and looked like a dressing gown.
The former gymnast turned fashion blogger teamed the short, whimsical dress with gold accessories and bare make-up as she smiled for the cameras at the Lexus marquee on Tuesday morning.
Melissa Leong made an early run for worst dressed in this satin suit, which she teamed with a patent hat, while Natalie rocked the carpet in her vintage flight attendant two-piece
Rozalia Russian played it safe in a far from flattering brown Indiana Jones outfit from Effie Kats and matching hat from Lauren J Ritchie Millinery, while swimming sisters Bronte and Kate Campbell missed the mark in flamboyant numbers
Melissa Leong also raised eyebrows with her risqué yet edgy look – an oversized satin-look suit in blush with dramatic black cuffs, which she teamed with a white button-down shirt.
The MasterChef Australia judge hid her short locks under a ’00s-era black patent hat, which featured an explosion of pink gauze and flowers at the side to tie it in with the rest of the outfit.
Former Miss Universe Tegan Martin went for an equally risqué look in a Rebecca Vallance mini dress. While the color flatters her features, the ultra-short design overpowers the style icon’s petite frame and challenges dress codes with length.
Celebrity stylist Suzy Eskander, pictured here with her husband Alan, opted for a risque, eye-catching bodycon dress from Loewe that managed to grab the attention of racegoers for all the wrong reasons
Block challenger Sharon Johal wore a shirt to the Melbourne Cup, although it’s customary not to show your stomach at the races
The Barbie-inspired look continued with extra-high chunky hot pink platform heels, large stud earrings, an adorable wide-brimmed hat and a matching clutch.
Katie Price also missed the mark when she tried to jump on the Barbie Core bandwagon, stepping out in a crumpled pink knee-length dress.
The dress failed to flatter the blonde’s figure with its huge shoulder poufs and gaping sleeves. She wore the dress with her blonde locks sticking out at the roots and cute nude heels that failed to stand out against the bright shade of the dress.
Natalie Hunter also took a wrong turn when dressing for the carnival, opting to wear an oppressive purple skirt suit with a sharp collar and matching fascinator.
The candid look made the usually well-dressed blonde look like she was ready to help guests to their seats on the next flight out of Melbourne rather than attending the highlight of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Celebrity stylist Suzy Eskander opted for a risque, eye-catching bodycon dress from Loewe that managed to shock for all the wrong reasons.
The cream dress featured arms and hands covering the mother-of-three’s breasts and groin and earned her a place among the worst dressed women at the carnival.
Rozalia Russian tried to play it safe in a far from flattering brown Indiana Jones outfit from Effie Kats and a matching hat from Lauren J Ritchie Millinery, but the boring look did her no favors on the day.
Terry Biviano failed to impress in her abstract pink and white dress, which exploded in giant puffs on each shoulder, engulfing each arm like a meringue, while Love Island winner Anna McAvoy won new fans with her pink-on-pink outfit.
TV ‘besties’ Sarah-Jane and The Block’s Rachel faded into the crowd in their pastel dresses.
Even Anna Heinrich, who is known for her incredible style, looked a little offbeat, dressed head-to-toe in yellow as she posed in the Bird Cage alongside her partner Tim Robards.
Designer Effie Katz raised eyebrows in a Christmas pudding-like dress as she stood next to Lana Wilkinson, who stunned in a sculpted pink number.
Luisa Sasse was unassuming in white, next to husband Joshua, who was once engaged to Kylie Minogue, the young woman’s outfit did nothing to flatter her figure or draw excitement from the crowd.
But the show-stopping outfits weren’t just for the wrong reasons – with some A-listers absolutely nailing their looks for the day.
Among them the ever-stylish Bec Judd and redheaded stunner Jules Robinson, who both showed just how the season’s ‘pop color’ trend would suit them.
Beck Judd’s stunning outfit was put together by celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson, featuring a breathtaking Effie Katz gown that accentuated the mother-of-four’s incredible figure, accessorized with a show-stopping hat by Stephanie Spencer.
Olivia Molly Rogers also turned heads for all the right reasons in her classic tea-length Oglia Loro Couture gown and custom-made headpiece by Ezaraj. The former Miss Universe Australia and mental health advocate completed her look with matching shoes and a large floral clutch.
Brooke Jowett looked demure as she stepped out in a pretty floral dress, which she teamed with a lavender headband, white mini bag and matching heels, while Kate Waterhouse narrowly made it into the best-dressed celebrity group in head-to-toe Gucci.
The blonde beauty was dressed in a pink satin dress that showed off her amazing figure, accessorized with matching shoes and a divine candy pink mini bag.
The fashion writer wore her hair up in a stylish updo, finishing the look with a bejeweled tiara.
Demi Brereton looked beautiful in a figure-hugging floral Olgaberg dress, which she teamed with black strappy heels and a signature red clutch and hat.
While Delta Goodrem beamed as she arrived runway-side in Dolce & Gabbana, teamed with black ribbon heels and lace gloves.
Amy Pejkovic donned a flirty floral number that earned her the title of best dressed on the runway, the model wore the short dress over a long sleeved white shirt and added pink high heels for a splash of colour.
Simone Holznagel rocked a neon orange Alex Perry creation and matching hat, earning herself a place at the top of fashion in the area.
It’s not just the women who are turning heads – some of Australia’s most loved male celebrities have risen to the occasion, for better or worse.
Former Masterchef favorite Andy Allen shocks in his house potato-style suit. He was pictured at the event alongside long-time friend and fellow celebrity chef, who looked dapper in his navy blue suit – teamed with a bright floral tie that was perfectly placed for the spring carnival.
Christian Wilkinson looked stunning in a mint green suit paired with a red bow and tiara for the big day.
Ciaran Stott looked like an out-of-place Sherlock Holmes as he posed with one tattooed hand tucked into his dark brown trench coat.
The former Bachelor in Paradise star wore a gray vest and white shirt underneath the long coat, finishing the look with a very festive tie.
The jacket was worn over a gray vest, white shirt and festive tie, while the former Bachelor in Paradise star
While Christian Wilkinson looked stunning in a mint green suit teamed with a red bow and tiara for the big day.