Floral affair as Oaks Day kicks off at Flemington

JENNIFER Hawkins, Edwina Bartholomew and Rachael Finch have hit the ground running in the fashion stakes at the annual Oaks Day at Flemington.

THE colour of the Melbourne Cup has been and gone and now it’s time for the ladies to let loose and step out in their finest frills and florals for the annual Oaks Day meet.

The fashion pack descended on the Birdcage at Flemington bright and early, with Rachael Finch, Edwina Bartholomew, Emma Freedman and Jennifer Hawkins sharing snaps of their wardrobe preparations on Instagram ahead of ladies day.

Rachael Finch in the Birdcage during the Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy.

Myer ambassador and Channel 7 presenter Rachael Finch looked fresh with her hair swept up in a low ponytail and finished with a heavy fringe.

The mum-of-two said it was the first time since she was 14 that she’d had bangs, wearing a floral We are Kindred dress and simple black headband to complete her look.

Rachael Finch said it was the first time she’s had bangs since she was 14-years-old. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy.

Fellow Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins looked stunning in a white gown by Roland Mouret, which featured a thigh-high split and off the shoulder neckline.

Hawkins topped off her look with a simple white headband and gold floral earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

Jen Hawkins wears all white at Oaks Day at Flemington racecourse. Picture: Media Mode

Jennifer Hawkins went for a simple headband for Oaks Day.

Radio presenter and Lexus ambassador Emma Freedman also went with a chic white ensemble, looking elegant in a wide-brimmed hat, golden earrings and dress by UK designer, Mother of Pearl.

Emma Freedman wears a Mother of Pearl dress with a Sylvy Earl full-brimmed hat.

Australian model Steph Claire Smith posted a stunning snap on her way to the track, wearing a knee-length Realisation Par dress and matching hair scarf.

Steph Claire Smith looked stunning in a red Realisation Par dress.

Nadia Bartel, fashion blogger and wife of former AFL star Jimmy Bartel, kept in with the red trend, wearing an off the shoulder red frock by Atoir and matching headpiece by Melbourne based designer, Ezara/J.

Nadia Bartel arrived to Oaks Day looking stunning in red. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy.

Nadia Bartel wore an off the shoulder frock by Atoir. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy.

After arriving pretty in pink to Cup Day, actor and Myer ambassador Jodi Anasta went for a dark and edgy frock for ladies day.

Stepping out in a Nicholas dress and low ponytail, the 32-year-old kept her hair slicked back and without a headpiece.

Jodi Anasta went against pastels, instead wearing a dark dress by Australia designer Nicholas.

Bec Hewitt arrives at the Lavazza marquee for Oaks Day. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Australian model Robyn Lawley brought out florals in spades with a custom made Con Ilio dress and Kerrie Stanley headpiece.

Robyn Lawley at Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Robyn Lawley wore a stunning floral print by Con Ilio. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Priscilla Presley at the Kennedy Marquee for Oaks Day. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Kate Ceberano poses at the Sensis Marquee on Oaks Day. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.