‘No cleavage’: Rebecca Judd shamed for revealing Cup dress

Melbourne WAG Rebecca Judd attracted huge criticism for a bold Cup Day mini-dress that some suggested was “not appropriate”.

It’s the race that stops the nation, but let’s be honest, for a lot of Aussies the real attraction of Melbourne Cup lies in the showstopping fashion.

After kicking off the carnival with Derby Day on Saturday where guests adhered to a strict black and white dress code, Cup Day is all about colour, and no one does it better than our glamorous celebs.

But as Rebecca Judd found out the hard way, taking a risk in the style stakes doesn’t always pay off.

The 41-year-old opted for a very short red mini-dress that flaunted her legs, and most controversially her bust, while attending the Melbourne Cup Day in 2022.

She paired it with an oversized hat from Melbourne milliner Stephanie Spencer and a matching structured clutch.

Her dress, made by Australian designer Effie Kats, was declared her “best races look” to date by some fans – but there were others who argued Judd had broken one of the many strict dress codes imposed on those inside the Birdcage by the Victorian Racing Club (VRC).

Rebecca Judd was shamed for wearing a low-cut dress to the Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse in 2022. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

‘Wear it somewhere else.’ Picture: Jason Edwards

“Nice dress but no cleavage at the races,” one fan commented on her Instagram post which showed off her entire Cup Day ensemble.

“Great dress wear it somewhere else. Nup,” another added.

As someone else lamented: “Something longer would have been more appropriate.”

While many were angry at Judd’s outfit, they were actually wrong to assume her low-bust line was against dress codes at Flemington Racecourse.

The VRC updated its outfit standards for members in recent years, introducing a more modern view on once controversial fashion trends, such as cut-outs, exposed midriffs and low backs.

Critics were incorrect when they claimed Judd’s dress broke the strict dress code rules. Picture: Jason Edwards

Some declared the WAG’s Cup Day outfit was her ‘best races look’ to date. Picture: Jason Edwards

Judd’s stylist, who also happens to be one of her best friends and a popular shoe designer, Lana Wilkinson told news.com.au at the time she hoped the rule change would “see racegoers experimenting”, however stressed it was best to stick with “chic and traditional”.

“As a stylist, I’m mindful that these outfits need to be worn during the day so I’m not looking to put any of my clients in pieces that they could wear to a nightclub,” she said.

“Cup Day is all about bold colour. I’d recommend playing with a statement shade to give your outfit an edge.

“If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a bright hue, you can play with bold colours in your accessories to follow the trend.

“Ultimately, fashion should be fun.”