FEMAIL takes a look back at the best Melbourne Cup fashion

When it comes to Melbourne Cup day, it’s easy to forget a horse race takes place because the high stakes of fashion usually take centre stage.

Australia’s hottest A-listers step out onto to the field every November and take the opportunity to delight in stunning gowns, fascinators and creative head-pieces.

More often than not, a fashion faux-pas is made or a singular designer dress can capture the nation.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look back at the best fashion moments from the racecourse over the last few years – from bold prints, fluorescent colours and eye-catching fascinators to billowing sleeves and demure crowns.

The former Miss Universe model is not adverse to taking a sartorial risk – and in 2016 the 33-year-old beauty opted for an eye-popping red ensemble

1. Jennifer Hawkins 

Race-day regular Jennifer Hawkins is famed for her stunning Melbourne Cup looks years after year.

The former Miss Universe model is not adverse to taking a sartorial risk – and in 2016, the 33-year-old beauty opted for an eye-popping red ensemble.

Jennifer broke tradition last year by stepping out onto the field in a bright-red jumpsuit, and ditching her usual fascinator for a matching floppy red hat perfect for the warm spring weather.

Her long, slender frame was highlighted in the gorgeous piece which was cheekily cut with a sliver of cleavage, while the pants billowed past her matching heels. 

And instead of donning an extravagant fascinator, Nadia finished off her race-day look with a golden crown-like hairpiece which sat upon her effortlessly styled locks

And instead of donning an extravagant fascinator, Nadia finished off her race-day look with a golden crown-like hairpiece which sat upon her effortlessly styled locks

2. Nadia Bartel 

AFL WAG Nadia Bartel has proven many times she is the queen of race-day fashion with her quirky yet stylish frocks.

The mother and blogger arrived at the Melbourne Cup last year in a baby blue gown complete with beautifully-cut long sleeves and a pair of golden high-heels.

And instead of donning an extravagant fascinator, Nadia finished off her race-day look with a golden crown-like hairpiece which sat upon her effortlessly styled locks.

Her edgy Alex Perry frock was the talk of the racecourse after Jennifer Hawkins and model Rachael Finch were snapped wearing similar dresses in previous years – but Nadia’s elegant accessorising made it a top 10 look.

And a pregnant Rachael Finch cradled her baby bump in a splendid deep-teal gown, using a demure metallic headband as a fascinator 

And a pregnant Rachael Finch cradled her baby bump in a splendid deep-teal gown, using a demure metallic headband as a fascinator 

3. Rachael Finch

Model Rachael Finch is also a hot contender for best-dressed when it comes to fashions on the field.

The 29-year-old Miss Universe contestant put on a glorious show last year while pregnant in a gorgeous deep-teal coloured frock. 

Rachael cradled her baby bump in the splendid gown, pairing a demure metallic headband as a fascinator with black tie-up heels.

Her lace cold-shoulder top and pencil skirt by Jonathan Simkhai were perfectly cut to suit her burgeoning bump and the now mother-of-two let her dress do the talking with minimal accessories and small headpiece.

Kate Waterhouse kept it simple but elegant in 2012 in a short thigh-skimming lilac dress bejeweled at the top, with a birdcage veil covering most of her face.

Kate Waterhouse kept it simple but elegant in 2012 in a short thigh-skimming lilac dress bejeweled at the top, with a birdcage veil covering most of her face.

4. Kate Waterhouse 

She’s a member of Australia’s racing royalty who feels the pressure each year to make a statement with her frocks.

And Kate Waterhouse kept it simple but elegant in a short thigh-skimming lilac dress bejeweled at the top, with a birdcage veil covering most of her face.

Her 2012 look is definitely one to remember – the very uncomplicated dress was well balanced by the floral pattern at the top, and it was an eye-catching frock which fit her slender frame perfectly.

Actress Jodi Gordon (left) let her dress do the talking at the 2016 Melbourne Cup with only a ribbon for a headpiece

Actress Jodi Gordon (left) let her dress do the talking at the 2016 Melbourne Cup with only a ribbon for a headpiece

5. Jodi Gordon

Big fascinators certainly weren’t on trend last year as many attendees chose to let their gowns do the talking, including actress Jodi Gordon who chose to wear a simple ribbon to match her stunning pink frock.

The 32-year-old was highly on-trend with her statement sleeves and the baby pink colour suited her complexion well.

Jodi kept her look minimal, with only a large magenta ribbon in lieu of a fascinator, but her figure-hugging dress was enough to land her on a best-dressed list.

The 26-year-old made a statement with her bold multi-coloured skirt in a move which ultimately paid off, as many admired her head-turning ensemble

The 26-year-old made a statement with her bold multi-coloured skirt in a move which ultimately paid off, as many admired her head-turning ensemble

6. Francis Abbott 

Tony Abbott’s daughter Francis Abbott also made an appearance in 2014  with a patterned skirt paired with a plain white top and matching coloured fascinator.

The 26-year-old made a statement with her bold multi-coloured skirt in a move which ultimately paid off, as many admired her head-turning ensemble.

Keeping things simple above the waist Francis topped off the look with minimal accessories and a headpiece which paired beautifully with her skirt. 

Styling her caramel highlighted locks into voluminous waves, Rebecca wore a jewel encrusted headband by Hatmaker featuring dazzling pink, red and orange stones

Styling her caramel highlighted locks into voluminous waves, Rebecca wore a jewel encrusted headband by Hatmaker featuring dazzling pink, red and orange stones

7. Rebecca Judd

Sartorially savvy Rebecca is never one to put a foot wrong in the Melbourne Cup fashion stakes.

WAG Rebecca went flirty in an orange Alex Perry dress with a floaty skirt and billowing sleeves during the 2015 event.

Styling her caramel highlighted locks into voluminous waves, she slicked the front back to make way for a jewel encrusted headband by Hatmaker featuring dazzling pink, red and orange stones.

A pair of white stilettos and a silver clutch finished off her race-ready ensemble. 

Deep red was the style du jour during the 2016 Melbourne Cup and The Bachelor winner Anna Heinrich certainly kept on trend

Deep red was the style du jour during the 2016 Melbourne Cup and The Bachelor winner Anna Heinrich certainly kept on trend

8. Anna Heinrich

Deep red was the style du jour during the 2016 Melbourne Cup and The Bachelor winner Anna Heinrich certainly embraced the popular colour.

Anna looked sensational in a red strapless gown by Cinq à Sept and a headdress by Viktoria Novak. 

Her sleeveless frock with a mermaid-tail style finish was effortless yet elegant, and she completed the look with a pair of demure nude pumps. 

As an ambassador for department store Myer, Lauren kept her on trend - her fascinator a small shimmering crown instead of a bulky headpiece

As an ambassador for department store Myer, Lauren kept her on trend – her fascinator a small shimmering crown instead of a bulky headpiece

9. Lauren Phillips

Television host Lauren Phillips stunned in 2015 with a rose-gold Asilio dress which was simple and understated, however still turned heads.

The 29-year-old dazzled in her demure, all-matching ensemble which was slightly cinched at the waist and reached her shins.

As an ambassador for department store Myer, Lauren kept look simple and sophisticated – her fascinator a small shimmering crown instead of a bulky headpiece.

Instead of the traditional birdcage look or another golden crown, Nikki stepped out wearing a spring-inspired headpiece adorned with colourful flowers

Instead of the traditional birdcage look or another golden crown, Nikki stepped out wearing a spring-inspired headpiece adorned with colourful flowers

10. Nikki Phillips 

Nikki Phillips stood out from the fashion pack in 2014 with a bold and bright colour for her race-day frock.

The model opted for an interesting cut with one sleeve only – but it was her multi-coloured fascinator which stole the show.

Instead of the traditional birdcage look or another golden crown, Nikki stepped out wearing a spring-inspired headpiece adorned with colourful flowers. 

Her stylish and simple look is certainly one to remember for race-day red carpet enthusiasts.  

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