Tassie fashionistas step out in style to celebrate Melbourne Cup

MELBOURNE CUP: PUNTERS and fashion lovers celebrated the big day in style today.

Michele (correct) Eastwood from Geilston Bay won the Fashions on the Field at Elwick's Melbourne Cup Luncheon. Her dress was from Ezibuy, hat bought locally from the Stocking Shop, Hobart. Shoes from Myer, Jacket from Review and a Colette clutch.

THE sun shone on fashionistas around Tasmania before the clouds came and rained on their parade, but nothing could spoil Melbourne Cup Day for punters and fashion lovers who celebrated the big day in style.

Elwick Fashions of the Field winner Michele Eastwood proved you do not need to shop in fashion mecca Melbourne to make an impressive statement on Cup day.

The Geilston Bay resident took out top prize with a dress she bought online at women’s fashion site EziBuy. She styled the floral dress up with matching yellow accessories including millinery from the Hobart Stocking Shop, shoes from Myer and vintage white gloves.

“I always try to make an effort and I had a vision in my head for today’s outfit so it didn’t take too long to get ready,” she said.

“I just wanted to be bright and colourful and being spring yellow seemed like the natural choice for the season.”

GALLERY: RACING FANS FLOCK TO ELWICK

About 500 punters decked out in predominately red and black outfits filled the Tattersalls Park Function Centre for a three-course luncheon raising money for the Heart Foundation.

Launceston fashion retailer Sharee Marshall was on-hand to provide last minute tips and headwear.

With the spring racing season continuing until the weekend, Ms Marshall said the key to racewear was finding a balance.

“Make sure you take a second pair of shoes because it can be a big day,” she said.

“It’s always handy to have a little pair of flats to put on because nothing looks worse than having no shoes on at the end of the day. And it’s not a nightclub, it’s racewear so keep that in mind as well.”

GALLERY: STEPPING OUT IN STYLE IN SALAMANCA

Many people flocked to the Melbourne Cup event in Salamanca Square.

Event organiser Kahryn Abela said the warm weather drew a large crowd.

“I think the sunshine drew people to the Square,” she said.

Mariel Butterworth took out the fashions on the field competition.

“She was wearing a green neon headpiece, with neon pinks, a little red jacket and a bold colour dress as well, so she was very, very colourful,” Ms Abela said.

“We saw a bit of black and white, which is perhaps more appropriate for Derby Day, but we also had a bit of neon, which won last year. There were a lot of hot colours as well.”

GALLERY: MELBOURNE CUP CELEBRATIONS AT WREST POINT

TattsBet took around $39 million on the Cup.

Tasmanians plunged $2.7 million, Territorians $1.8 million, South Australians $7.7 million and Queenslanders topped with $26.3 million.