Melbourne Cup Carnival 2022: All the fashion looks from Oaks Day

TV presenter Nikki Phillips has turned heads in a bright orange gown at Oaks Day that features a risque backless design that’s very low-cut.

Australian stars are embracing the “chic” dress code at Kennedy Oaks Day, stepping out in a string of demure ensembles.

Oaks Day, also known as “ladies day”, is the penultimate event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival which sees racegoers choose sophisticated and “classy” outfits rather than “over the top” styles.

First off the ranks at Flemington is Myer ambassador Tayla Damir who opted for sage green slip dress that she’s teamed with a pale pink hat and matching clutch bag.

The former Love Island contestant finished her look with a pair of open toe pointed heels, posing for a series of snaps inside the prestigious Birdcage on Thursday.

The 25-year-old, who recently became a WAG after tying the knot with AFL player husband Nathan Broad, was trackside to judge this year’s Fashions on the Field event.

Tayla Damir attends Kennedy Oaks Day 2022 in a sage green slip dress with pink accessories. Picture: Matrix

The former Love Island contestant posed inside the prestigious Birdcage. Picture: Matrix

Christian Wilkins, the newest ambassador for Victoria Racing Club (VRC), arrived shortly after in a jaw-dropping floral outfit.

The 27-year-old looked virtually unrecognisable as he performed his official duties at the historic event.

The model child of Channel 9 journalist Richard Wilkins posed in a standout two-piece adorned with the word “GOD” across his chest.

He teamed his long pencil skirt and peplum top combo with a striking black headpiece and his signature chunky heeled boots.

Christian Wilkins has arrived at Oaks Day looking completely unrecognisable. Picture: Matrix

The 27-year-old model has opted for a floral skirt and peplum top. Picture: Matrix

He also accessorised with a statement headpiece. Picture: Matrix

Kate Waterhouse, the daughter of racing royalty Gai Waterhouse, has once again opted for a pink number following her controversial “Barbiecore” cocktail dress at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

While fashion critics were not fans of the 38-year-old’s Gucci slip dress – one even declared her arrival in the gown as the “day Melbourne Cup died” – Kate hasn’t let that dampen her race day spirits.

The Channel 7 presenter was seen at Oaks Day rocking a two piece skirt suit in a contrasting dogtooth print.

She teamed her bright outfit with a rose gold clutch and metallic gold heels, finishing it off with a black wide-rimmed hat.

Kate Waterhouse appears to have brushed off the criticism of her Cup Day outfit as she arrived at Oaks Day. Picture: Matrix

The daughter of racing royalty Gai Waterhouse opted for a pink dogtooth suit. Picture: Matrix

Olivia Molly Rogers was also at day three of the carnival in pale blue number with beige accents and matching hat.

New Zealand model Nikki Phillips opted for a bright orange gown with a plunging backless design that was custom made for her by Mariam Seddiq.

The standout ensemble, put together by celebrity stylist Donny Galella, also featured a custom made gold boater style hat by Embelish Millinery paired with a Bvlgari clutch and Lana Wilkinson heels.

Olivia Molly Rogers. Picture: Media Mode

Model and TV presenter Nikki Phillips in a custom gown styled by celebrity stylist Donny Galella. Picture: Matrix

Anyone appearing trackside at Flemington must also abide by a string of traditions and “style no-no’s” – this is inherently important for the VIP guests inside the prestigious Birdcage enclosure who are “expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity” according to the VRC.

“Key items of clothing that are not acceptable include; short jumpsuits or playsuits, garments that show the midriff and shorts,” VRC states on its website.

Suzan Mutesi. Picture: Matrix

Jaimee Kennedy. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

Tights and leggings are also banned, along with denim of any kind, outfits that feature cut-outs and clothes with tears or rips.

Footwear rules are just as strict, with thongs, sneakers and casual shoes being deemed “not acceptable”.

Of course, every year someone doesn’t quite get the message, prompting a flurry of commentary on the poor soul who committed the dreaded fashion “faux-pas”.

Australian WAG Bec Hewitt has had a tough trot in the style stakes during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with her outfit choices copping heat regularly in the past.

Bec Hewitt wore this Sass & Bide dress to Oaks Day 2017 and later topped a ‘worst dressed’ list. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

The wife of Lleyton Hewitt’s most infamous outfit was her black and white ensemble which she wore to Melbourne Cup in 2006. Picture: Supplied

Back in 2017, the wife of Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, topped a “worst dressed” list with her floaty Sass & Bide dress.

Her outfits in the years before have also received a similar brutal sledging, most notably her 2006 Cup Day ensemble.

This choice in attire invoked the fashion police in droves at the time and some race day fans dramatically state it “still haunts” them today.

Originally published as Melbourne Cup Carnival 2022: All the fashion looks from Oaks Day