Spring Racing fashion: Midriffs banned at some Melbourne Cup spots

WOMEN attending one of the nation’s biggest fashion events can expect a crackdown on flesh flashing this year. Are the rules fair enough, or downright draconian?

JESINTA CAMPBELL and LANCE 'BUDDY' FRANKLIN in the EMIRATES Marquee on CROWN OAKS DAY, 2013 MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Thursday 7th November 2013 Please Credit 2013 JIM LEE PHOTO

PUT away the midriff, ladies. That’s the call from the Spring Racing style-conscious this year.

Women attending the Melbourne Cup Carnival can expect a crop top crackdown, with fashion police set to stop women with exposed stomachs from entering vast sections of the track.

Women entering general admission areas will be able to flash their flesh in midriff-exposing crop tops, but members and their guests trying to enter the Members’ Grandstand and enclosure, VIP Birdcage, and popular carpark picnic precincts, such as The Nursery, at Flemington in Victoria this year will be turned away.

It might seem like a harsh rule but it’s one that has been in force in members area of the tracks for years. Bec Hewitt copped flack when she wore this midriff-flashing number to the 2006 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Look, it could have been the shorts, but either way this outfit didn’t go down well with the members.

“I think the belly ban is a good thing and should be extended to trackside guests,” says news.com.au style commentator Melissa Hoyer. “People are far too lazy and disrespectful with what they wear to some of the country’s biggest social events. It’s always a sea of short skirts and too-high heels and enough is enough!”

But with midriffs in vogue more than ever this year, there are sure to be a lot of ladies who will be shocked at the ban. And how much belly is too much?

Jesinta Campbell rocked a pantsuit at last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival that showed a slither of tummy but according to this year’s rules, she would be denied entry to the members’ sections.

“It’s important to have rules like this streamlined so everyone feels good and no one gets turned away,” says Lana Wilkinson, Caulfield Cup appointed stylist.

“The races shouldn’t feel like a nightclub. There are safe ways to be on trend and that includes choosing dresses with cutouts at the back, crossover straps, lace cutouts. Basically bare flesh is an absolute no.”

Just a peek of belly can be a good thing, no?

Lara Bingle’s outfit at Derby Day last year wasn’t well received. Picture by Julie Kiriacoudis

So what do you think? Should midriffs be banned at the races? Have your say in the comments below.