All the fashion colour from the Melbourne Cup

THE RACE isn’t the only event that stops the nation on Melbourne Cup day. From florals to fascinators, the fashion stakes have soared this year.
We’re used to seeing loads of bare flesh at the Spring Carnival, but this year the ladies are rocking midi-hemlines, high necklines and long sleeves. It’s an unexpected return to ladylike glamour that was very much missed at last year’s Cup. Remember this Gabi Grecko disaster?
Keeping true to the Cup’s tradition, celebs are decked out in loads of colour. Traditional fascinators have been ditched for intricate headbands and brimmed hats.
Australian designer Alex Perry says strapless dresses and crop top and skirt combos are a big no-no at the races.
“There are exceptions to it, when you do it properly... But I think that the rules of racing are that you have to give them [the organisers] a nod and it does say ‘no strapless’. So it can be inappropriate if you look like you’re going to a nightclub,” the Australia’s Next Top Model judge told news.com.au from outside the Myer marquee.
Perry admitted he has seen examples of where strapless has worked - including Terry Biviano’s sleek black number at Derby Day on Saturday - but for the most part, “hoisting up is terrible, and if it doesn’t fit you properly, that’s when girls have to do the hoisting.”
Similarly, the midriff is a trend that should remain far, far away from races, according to Perry. “Not here, tuck it away sweetheart. Wear it anywhere else, but not here,” he said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate. Get your abs out somewhere else.”
Rachael Finch was one of the first to arrive trackside, entering the Myer marquee in a striped By Johnny dress and daisy headwear by Natalie Bikicki.

It was all about the couples at the Cup, with The Bachelorette’s Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek stepping out in the Myer Marquee.

The Bachelor’s Sam Wood and his girlfriend Snezana Markoski arrived hand in hand at Flemington. Snezana looked red-hot in a Kookai two-piece outfit. While Sam Wood dazzled in a navy suit.

Fashion Police host Melissa Rivers, daughter of the late Joan Rivers, paired a floral thigh high dress with a black coat and fascinator. She stepped inside the G.H Mumm Marquee with fellow co-host Brad Goreski.