Tailored and sophisticated silhouettes dominated with many race goers opting for sleek longer lines and beautiful brimmed hats.

It was a white out in the Birdcage with Rebecca Judd, Jessie Murphy and Nadia Bartel all stepping out in the crisp colour.

Nadia Bartel, sporting Dion Lee dress and Sylvy Earl hat, was enjoying a mix of work and play trackside as she commented on racing fashion with Network 10.

“I’m excited to let my hair down for the day and have some fun with my girlfriends. I think the sisterhood in Melbourne is incredible,” she says

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Elyse Knowles, stunning in a statement Anna Quan tailored white dress, made the most of the day despite the weather.

“Derby Day is so chic, I love the fashion trackside today. I think everyone puts a lot of effort in to getting ready, they’re not going to let a bit of rain mess up their day,” she says.

Lindsay Lohan swept into the Birdcage with her entourage in tow, combining the traditional Derby black and white from local designer Leo and Lin.

Celebrities sporting black included Montana Cox, Bonnie Anderson Teigan Martin and Kate Waterhouse.

Full pleated skirts, voluminous sleeves, dramatic animal prints and polka dots were among the monochromatic looks embraced by the fashion set competing for a place in the final of Myer Fashions on the Field.

Julie Bishop made her FOTF debut on the Derby Day judging panel, wearing bold polka dot pants by Torannce, Husk blouse and boater hat by Lisa Tan all from Myer.

“I was delighted when Myer asked me to judge as I have always seen the fashion as such an important part of spring racing and a celebration of Australian fashion,” she said.

At Bishop’s request, partner David Panton took to the stage during the daily final to showcase his grey MJ Bale suit.

The new face of Myer’s youth department, Sarsha Chisholm didn’t let the dreary conditions dampen her spirits on her first trip trackside.

“I’m just soaking it all in,” she said. “Everyone looks so beautiful.”

Chisholm wore a white mini dress by label, Alexis and a Natalie Bikicki hat.

She was joined by fellow ambassador Rachael Finch who hedged her bets against the weather in black flared pants and camisole by Jonathan Simkhai and wide brim hat by Ford Millinery.

Contestants took advantage of more than 600 see-through rain coats Flemington staff handed out for free to those hoping to protect their carefully curated ensembles while high heels sunk in the soggy turf as women attempted shortcuts to get to shelter.

Adele Pierce from Melbourne beat out more than one hundred hopefuls to take out top prize wearing a dress by celebrated designer Toni Maticevski.

Despite the designer sensationally defecting from Myer to rival retailer David Jones in December last year, the bold striped dress with regal-inspired ruffled collar and wide brimmed black hat by milliner Louise McDonald won over the judging panel which included VRC special guest Candice Warner and Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles.

“The first dress didn’t fit properly, so I changed outfits at the last minute and it ended up being a winner,” Ms Pierce said of her striking ensemble.

The accountant will now return on Crown Oaks Day as one of three contenders vying for the chance to compete in the coveted national final.