Australian model Megan Gale gets raceday wear just right. Photo / Getty Images
Australian model Megan Gale gets raceday wear just right. Photo / Getty Images
When it comes to fashion, Melbourne Cup may well be the most dangerous event of the year: It's a day when you can be snapped at your absolutely fabulous best, and just hours later with a few too many proseccos on board, at your drunken trash bag worst.
Add tothat the fact that raceday wear always errs on the side of flamboyance and it's a recipe for an annual extravaganza of fashion unlike anything else on the dress up calendar.
One of the last bastions celebrating gargantuan millinery, this year, as torrential rain intensifies and calls are made to cancel the event in Flemington, the most coveted head wear looks to be a plastic hood.
Racegoers endure the wet conditions during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse. Photo / Getty Images
But as the fashion forward splash on in, here are the best Melbourne Cup looks, from the glamorous to the most outrageous.
Winner of The Block, Australia, Knowles brings some sunshine with her canary yellow and white ensemble that features an off the shoulder top with oversized bow and, of course, an oversized hat.
Elyse Knowles. Photo / Getty Images
Nathalie Kelley
Opting for a black and white ensemble of ball gown proportions, actress Nathalie Kelley clearly decided today was about going big or going home.
Nathalie Kelley. Photo / Getty Images
Rachel Finch
Were it not for the bold shade of red and matching shoes, we'd be inclined to say TV host and model Rachel Finch was playing it a bit safe.
Rachel Finch. Photo / Getty Images
Megan Gale
Three's a trend: Gale's sparkly full skirt confirms a key style for this year's event. The model's choice of a bold print on a classic cut works to keep her look from appearing garish.
When else does a suit inspired by the colour palette from Frozen slide right in with the rest of 'em? A former The X Factor Australia contestant, Willemse also did well to avoid winding up with wet socks - by not wearing any.
Nathaniel Willemse. Photo / Getty Images
Brooke Hogan
Australian model Brooke Hogan did not let the wet weather ruin her summery look, rocking the mini skirt. We're not crazy about the headpiece but it works with the whole outfit.
Brooke Hogan. Photo / Getty Images
Tully Smyth
Blogger Tully Smyth was not afraid to rock the ruffles.
Tully Smyth. Photo / Getty Images
Brit Davis
We're loving the classy suit, with some Julia Roberts circa Pretty Women vibes.
Brit Davis. Photo / Getty Images
Elle Macpherson
White is clearly the new black and we are a-okay with that.
Elle Macpherson. Photo / Getty Images
Lara Worthington
Usually fashionable Lara Worthington had a lapse of judgement this year, with this baggy lace outfit, with cut out sides. It does nothing for her figure and the belt is totally out of place here.
Lara Worthington. Photo / Getty Images
Lindy Rama-Ellis
Poor Lindy Rama-Ellis is being chopped in half by a zip. Let's hope it doesn't get caught anywhere or it could be the mother of all wardrobe malfunctions.
