Extremely Aussie rule on The Birdcage’s strict dress code

Celebrities, influencers and anyone else who’s nabbed a ticket to an exclusive area at Flemington Racecourse must abide by a strict set of rules.

If there’s one thing certain about The Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup, it’s that dressing for comfort is not an option.

Celebrities, influencers and anyone else who’s nabbed a ticket to the exclusive area at Flemington Racecourse must abide by a strict set of rules.

Unfortunately for the smartly dressed man I watched get rejected on Tuesday morning - it appears it is non-negotiable.

In a very Australian move, the dress code even includes the definition of thongs.

That is shoes that have “two straps which connect in between the first and second toes,” in case you were wondering - and it’s a big no.

Other clothing deemed unacceptable is denim of any kind and torn clothing, “even if considered designer”.

While you will spot a few bold suits in the general area, men in The Birdcage are forbidden from rocking bright or fluorescent attire.

And with the wet weather expected to top a lousy 14C, it is not just a case of race goers grabbing a jacket as they head to the track.

The extensive list of unacceptable items includes parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuits tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets.

The gentlemen list adds waist-length jackets.

And don’t even think about trying a beanie.

Simone Holtznagel during 2022 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Getty

Melbourne Cup dress code at Flemington Racecourse.

Full list

Not acceptable for ladies

• Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, slippers, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or thongs. A shoe is considered a thong if it has two straps which connect in between the first and second toes

• Jeans, jodhpurs, tracksuits, leather pants or untailored pants

• Shorts

• Short jumpsuits/playsuits

• Pants tucked into socks or footwear

• Torn or ripped clothing even if considered designer tears

• Garments which show midriff

• Leggings worn as pants. Footless tights acceptable if suitable dress over the top

• Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, casual or untailored leather jackets, denim jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets

• Strictly no denim

2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Jason Edwards

No Safari suits, bright/fluorescent coloured suits, tracksuits for men. Picture: Jason Edwards

Nathan Henderson wears a rainbow suit at Melbourne Cup. 2022. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Unacceptable for gentlemen

• Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sport shoes, track shoes, runners, sandals, thongs, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or slippers

• Jeans, jodhpurs, shorts, untailored slacks, leather pants, cargo pants with elastic cuffs

• Torn or ripped clothing even it considered designer tears

• Open-neck shirts or shirts with no collar

• Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, waist length jackets including bomber jackets, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets

• Safari suits, bright/fluorescent coloured suits, tracksuits

• Peaked caps, beanies

• Pullovers or cardigans (without a jacket), rugby tops and football, guernseys, even if wearing a tie

• Cravats

• Strictly no denim