Behind the scenes at Fashion in the Fields

Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie. Supreme Winner Stacey Hanley. 12 March 2016 Herald on Sunday Photograph Norrie Montgomery.

Of the hundred fashionistas competing in Fashions in the Fields at Ellerslie race course this Boxing Day, one entrant may or may not have an advantage, after nabbing fashion awards there twice before.

Stacey Hanley took out the top prize at Auckland Cup Week earlier this year, before going on to place second at the Melbourne Cup's fashion event. She also won the Boxing Day competition in 2012.

"It would be awesome to take it two years in a row. But you never enter these competitions thinking you're going to win. You just enter it and it is whatever it is really. It's a bonus if you win really," she said.

Hearing the judges announce her as the winner was unexpected and a "really good confidence booster".

"I was stoked and shocked at the same time. It was unbelievable. I didn't for a second think that I was going to be the winner because the other girls that were up there, their outfits were just amazing."

"Even out the back we were talking and we were just like 'Oh my gosh, this is going to be the hardest for them to pick a winner out of', because everyone's outfits were flawless."

The contestants were "genuine" and supportive of each other and Hanley said she was looking forward to catching up with the many friends she had made through entering the fashion events.

"There's definitely no cattiness or anything like that."

Hanley had "always" attended the races because she had family and friends in the racing industry but only started competing in the fashion events four years ago, she said.

"It's great to have a chance to get dressed up. You never feel overdressed - that's probably why I enjoy it the most because you don't get many opportunities where you can dress up these days and go out and show it off. It's such a good, sociable day and anyone can enjoy it."

Hanley's winning look was a black dress with "a baby pink mesh overlay and a big full skirt" by Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski.

"It had pleats that were going on a diagonal and the top of it had a cracked overlay as well. It was just an amazing dress to wear. I just felt amazing in it. I guess when you feel good it shows."

The Pukekohe local said she was still deciding what to wear to Monday's races because she was unsure what the weather was going to do, but had narrowed her choices down to three outfits, which would all "definitely" include a big hat.

"It's not going to offer me much sun-protection, but it will look good."

When she's not out getting kitted out for the races Hanley works as a hairdresser and beauty therapist.

Her three children help choose her races looks. Her girls Emma, 13, and Grace, 10, "love every minute, in terms of putting things together and putting their 10 cents in" and her 7-year-old son Ryan was "brutally honest" about what looked good and what didn't.

Fashionistas will battle in four different categories; New Zealand Fashion Weekend Under25, Canvas Ladies Racewear, Hawaiian Airlines Ascot Lady and Institchu Mens Racewear.

The Supreme Winner will be selected from the category winners and will win a table of 10 in Cuvee for either Vodafone Derby Day or Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day for Auckland Cup Week 2017 , plus gain automatic entry into the Regional Final of Viva Prix de Fashion during Auckland Cup Week 2017 representing the Auckland Racing Club.