When it comes to Melbourne Cup, the Fashions on the Field are often just as fabled as the fillies on it! To celebrate the biggest event on the Spring racing calendar, we’re taking a stylish trip down memory lane and remembering some of the most iconic Melbourne Cup outfits over the years. Whether the wearer backed a winner with classic couture, or was a quirky dark house who stole the spotlight in slightly more unexpected ways here are the looks that stopped a nation!
1. Jean Shrimpton
On October 30 1965 (Derby Day), then 22-year-old Jean Shrimpton wore a “swinging 60s” sleeveless minidress that was so skin-baringly controversial, she opted to follow up in a double breasted blazer and stockings for her next appearance.
2. Princess Diana
Princess Diana turned heads during 1985 appearance at Flemington, wearing a classic 80s ensemble – a shoulder-padded monochrome skirt suit (by Bruce Oldfield) with pearl drop earrings
3. Bec Hewitt
Consider by some as one of Melbourne Cup fashion’s worst faux-paus this bustier and cargo pant combo rocked by the former Home and Away darling, was certainly a memorable one…
4. Paris and Nikki Hilton
While some critics slammed the reality star siblings for their skimpy, silky ensembles, Nikki recalls her deemed fashion faux pas more fondly …
“I look back at those at times with extreme fondness. There was sort of a sweet innocence about the outfits Paris and I wore. We were just buying clothing we liked. There were no teams of stylists or glam teams telling us what to wear. It was very organic,” she has said.
5. Liz Hurley
Not quite as daring as her iconic Versace safety pin dress, but just as beautiful!
6. Kate Waterhouse
Racing royalty Kate never puts a fashionable foot wrong. As evidenced by this pretty-in-pink outfit that delivered a head-to-toe Gucci take on the Barbiecore craze of 2022.
7. Becc Judd
A plunging red dress at the Brownlow Awards first put Becc Judd on the fashion calendar. And, year’s later another sexy scarlet number is keeping her there!
8. Jen Hawkins
A race day regular, Jen Hawkins’ Melbourne Cup Outfits (pictured with royal Zara Phillips, in a wonderful white Alex Perry frock) just get better each year.
9. Gigi Hadid
There was no mistaking Gigi Hadid’s star status when the VRC and Emirates welcomed here as their special guest in 2014. Just check out that sparkling Jonathan Howard star headpiece as proof!
10. Sarah Jessica Parker
The queen of a great hair piece the power of a great accessory. And her Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2011 did not disappoint.
