Make no mistake, the Melbourne Cup is about much more than just horse racing. While the richest handicap horse race in the world attracts the attention of punters, trainers, and viewers from around the globe, the fashion and culture of the Melbourne Cup is another important aspect of this special event. Indeed, the fashion and glamour of the Melbourne Cup is one of the aspects that defines this event and truly makes it “the race that stops a nation.”
Melbourne Cup day is a major attraction in the city of Melbourne, with millions of people also watching the event on television screens and listening to it on the radio. Women and men alike are drawn to Flemington Racecourse in unique and expensive outfits, with the crowd just as much part of the show as the horses that take part in the great race.
Since 1962, when flowers, fashion, and favourites was introduced as a way to promote the Melbourne Cup centenary, style and glamour have played a major defining role on Melbourne Cup day. The Melbourne Cup includes a number of dedicated fashion shows and competitions, with a number of celebrities also drawn to this event in an official or unofficial capacity.
Tickets: See how to get your Melbourne Cup tickets
Melbourne Cup Fashion Sponsors
Fashions on the Field is presented by Lexus in 2026. The main categories are Best Dressed, Best Suited, Emerging Designer and the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award, with the Best Dressed and Best Suited grand finals held on Crown Oaks Day.
Melbourne Cup Headwear
Headwear plays an important role in Melbourne Cup fashion, both for official competition entrants and the regular public. Bright bold colours and designs are also becoming an increasing trend, with women wearing metallics and waist belts along with traditional creams with soft pastels. The 2026 Fashions on the Field competition has a total prize pool valued at more than A$320,000; entrants should check the current VRC category rules and entry dates.
Fashions on the Field
How should I dress for the Melbourne Cup?
While there is no offical dress code for the Melbourne Cup many people like to make a statement by going big, bright and bold.
Does Flemington have a dress code?
General admission ticket holders need not worry about a dress code on Melbourne Cup day. If you have a ticket to other areas of the racecourse then you should refer to the ticket to see what dress code is required.
