Melbourne Cup Carnival 2022: All the fashion looks from Cup Day
Melbourne WAG Rebecca Judd has stunned fans with a “sizzling” Cup Day outfit – but some have pointed out there’s an issue with her mini-dress.
It’s the race that stops the nation, but let’s be honest, for a lot of us the joy of Melbourne Cup lies in the fabulous fashion.
After kicking off the carnival with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, where guests adhered to a strict black and white dress code, Cup Day is all about colour.
This year, Melbourne Cup attendees are expected to rock “all-out glamour” after the vast majority of us spent the last two race days watching from the couch in our activewear.
As well as the bright colour code, racegoers must also follow a string of trackside traditions, including a long list of “style no-no’s”.
Among garments that aren’t welcome at Flemington Racecourse include denim of any kind, outfits that feature cut-outs and clothes with tears or rips.
Tights and leggings are also banned, with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) stating pants should be “tailored”. Thongs, sneakers and casual shoes are also not acceptable.
In recent years, race wear rules have relaxed for those in general admission areas, however VRC stresses guests in the members enclosures – which include the prestigious Birdcage – are “expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity”.
“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.
Of course, every year someone misses the memo ever so slightly, prompting a flurry of commentary on the fashion “faux-pas”.
One notorious such case was Bec Hewitt, the wife of Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, rocked a black and white outfit on Cup Day in 2006.
As well as getting the “theme” wrong, poor Bec also made a bold fashion choice, which “still haunts” some race day fans today.
The mum-of-three wore a bra with a low-slung boob tube and a pair of knee length white shorts, a combo that invoked the fashion police in droves at the time.
While she was later said to have “redeemed” herself by the same critics in following years, Bec hasn’t been seen at Melbourne Cup since 2017.
This year, VRC’s newest ambassador Christian Wilkins followed on from his hugely successful Derby Day outfit with a stunning green ensemble for the cup.
The 27-year-old model son of Channel 9 presenter Richard Wilkins chose a silk green tailored suit worn with dark green platform heels and a red bow tie.
He wore his signature long blonde locks in tousled waves, finishing the head-turning outfit with a shimmering tiara and a small brown handbag.
Interestingly, Christian opted for a colour historically classed as “bad luck” at Melbourne Cup with those who wear it deemed to be “brave souls” according to style experts.
This is because green is too similar in colour to the track.
Clearly, Christian isn’t afraid of race day restrictions, previously telling news.com.au he planned to “break” the cup carnival’s gender-bound rules this year.
Melbourne WAG Rebecca Judd has made a “sizzling” return to Flemington after a three-year hiatus, opting for a “stunning” all red outfit to mark the big day.
The 39-year-old appears to have chosen to ignore a few dress code rules, wearing a very short mini-dress from Australian designer Effie Kats that flaunts her legs and bust.
Social media users were quick to point out the apparent rule-break, with one fan writing: “Nice dress but no cleavage at the races.”
The mum-of-four, who is attending as a guest of G.H Mumm, accessorised the flared long-sleeve dress with an oversized red hat from Melbourne milliner Stephanie Spencer.
She also rocked red pointed stilettos from best friend and celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson, finishing the look with a miniature square bag.
The majority of Bec’s 777,000 followers thought she looked “incredible”, labelling the outfit her “best races look” to date.
Simone Holtznagel wore an orange form-fitting Alex Perry dress, posing at the Lexus marquee in the dazzling number.
The model, who is dating celebrity personal trainer Jono Castano, teamed the bright designer number with a matching hap and strappy gold heels from Lana Wilkinson.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem arrived at the Birdcage wearing a figure-hugging Dolce & Gabbana floral two-piece.
The 37-year-old wore a pair of black lace gloves under the long-sleeved shirt, which retails for $2250 while the pencil skirt is priced at $1350.
She finished her Cup look with a black hat and open toe heels adorned with a cute bow.
Kate Waterhouse, the daughter of racing royalty Gai Waterhouse, went for an all-pink ensemble which is very on trend with the popular “Barbiecore” look.
The Channel 7 presenter rocked a pale pink Gucci slip dress with matching mules and a mini handbag and finished her showstopping look with diamonds and a twinkling tiara.
Kate wore her blonde hair in an up do, with loose hair framing her face.
Kate’s followers praised her bold outfit choice, which is remarkably different to her usual structured outfits.
“Wow!!! U look absolutely stunning,” one wrote.
“Best dressed at Melbourne Cup Kate,” another added.
While others called the look “gorgeous” and “pretty”.
VRC ambassador Oliva Molly Rogers, who recently split from her husband after just eight months of marriage, dazzled in a red off the shoulder gown that featured a risque cut-out.
The dress, made by Australian designer Oglialoro Couture, has been intricately bejewelled with beads and sequins and finished just below her knees.
The former Miss Universe Australia put her personal struggles aside to attend her professional engagement, her second this week for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
She finished her outfit with a custom gold and red jewelled headpiece from Ezara J.
Myer ambassador Tayla Damir has embraced the colourful dress code, arriving in a canary yellow silk slip dress with new AFL player husband Nathan Broad.
The WAG rocked her dark hair in her natural curls, writing on Instagram it was “such a risk”.
“Praying my curls participate for me today,” she said.
Judging from the beaming smile on the 25-year-old’s face, it appears she’s delighted with the final look of her long locks which she finished with a yellow headband.
The former reality star finished her Cup outfit with a pair of gold strappy heels and a small black clutch with gold detailing.
MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong has also embraced the VRC’s new non-gendered fashion rules, rocking a blush pink silk suit.
The VRC ambassador styled her pretty outfit with a white waistcoat and black accessories, finishing her look with a matching bucket hat.
Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus also opted for a colourful suit, with the Olympic champion choosing a bright blue number that she teamed with a delicate silver headpiece.
While the late Shane Warne’s two children Brooke and Jackson looked slick in matching suits, Brooke choosing a red version while Jackson went for a neutral tone.
Other familiar faces inside the Birdcage include former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin who went for an all pink outfit.
Pink certainly seemed to be one of the hot colours of the day, with former Love Island Australia contestant Anna McEvoy also opting to rock it from head-to-toe.
The newly engaged podcaster accessorised with a fluffy headpiece and handbag – while Crystal Kimber-Peters opted for a hot pink three-piece suit with matching statement headwear.
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