It’s the event that heralds the official beginning of Melbourne Cup Carnival.
And while many think the true action of Derby Day is on the field, just as many of us were keeping our eyes firmly trackside, where A-listers and the fashion elite showcased the very best in race day fashion.
With its typical black-and-white theme, celebrities including Rachael Finch, Anna Heinrich and international supermodel, Shanina Shaik, stepped out in elegant monochrome hues and beautiful headpieces.
From two-piece pant suits to pretty florals and laser-cut lace, here FEMAIL rounds up Derby Day’s best dressed.
Leading the style stakes and among the first to show off her put-together outfit was model and mother-of-two, Rachael Finch.
The 29-year-old former Miss Universe Australia stunned in a two-piece black pant suit by Misha Collection, and a pearl-encrusted headpiece by the designer-to-the-stars, Viktoria Novak.
It was clear to see Rachael enjoyed dressing for the occasion – as she captioned an early Instagram snap: ‘My favourite day for dressing at the Melbourne Cup Carnival’.
Elsewhere, others got the chic and sophisticated memo – including Jodi Gordon, who plumped for a stunning Toni Maticevski strapless dress, which she paired with an over-sized black bow from Kim Fletcher Millinery.
Leading the style stakes and among the first to show off her put-together outfit was model and mother-of-two, Rachael Finch (left), who paired her pant suit with pearl-encrusted headpiece by the designer-to-the-stars, Viktoria Novak; Jodi Anasta also impressed with her pretty dress and oversized ribbon (right)
Jennifer Hawkins also looked stylish, as she joined the 100,000 plus guests at Derby Day, wearing a laser-cut lace Jonathan Simkai dress which fell below the knees, and a hat by Anne Shoebridge.
International supermodel and Victoria’s Secret star, Shanina Shaik, was also a highly-anticipated name on the event guest list.
The 26-year-old superstar’s outfit, however, divided the fashion critics. She paired an Aje mini dress with a black hat, Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots and a slim black hat as she partied in the Mumm marquee at the event.
Jennifer Hawkins also looked stylish, as she joined the 100,000 plus guests at Derby Day, wearing a laser-cut lace Jonathan Simkai dress which fell below the knees, and a hat by Anne Shoebridge (pictured)
On the white side of the black-and-white theme, Kate Waterhouse looked simple and chic in white.
Australia’s racing royalty looked effortless in an asymmetric white one-shouldered jumpsuit, which she paired with a veil and headpiece from Net-a-Porter.
Meanwhile, PR queen, Roxy Jacenko, kept things simple and tailored with a buttoned-up black mini dress, an up do and sunglasses to shield her eyes from the occasional glimpse of sun.
Bec Judd’s outfit was also one of the more divisive of the day. Her fringed dress by Alexis featured some elements that are very much on-trend, including tassels and an off-the-shoulder style.
And yet, some were not overly fond of her Danica Erard Millinery fascinator or some of the details.
Bec paired her outfit with a pretty waved hairstyle and strappy sandals.
Nadia Bartel looked stunning in white on the day, pairing a peplum-hemmed Dion Lee dress with a wide-brimmed hat by Melissa Jackson, Louboutin shoes and a Valentino clutch.