The fashion highs (and lows) from the Dally M red carpet

The Dally M Medal kicked off in spectacular style on Wednesday evening as the NRL’s glamorous wives and girlfriends battled it out for the coveted sartorial crown. 

The glittering sporting event at the stunning Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney provided plenty of eye candy for onlookers who were treated to a host of glorious gowns, form-fitting frocks and smart suits as the guests filed into the venue.  

Classic silhouettes, modern jumpsuits and understated sex appeal proved to be the winning formula on the night and while many got it spot on, others missed the mark.

Former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin was one of the best dressed ladies in attendance at the awards ceremony, in a gorgeous backless jumpsuit

‘She’s wearing a Melbourne couturier called Cassandra Renee. We went for a very fashion forward look, it is a pant/gown combination and I am so excited [about it],’ Tegan’s stylist Donny Galella (right) told FEMAIL

Former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin was one of the best dressed ladies in attendance at the awards ceremony, in a gorgeous backless jumpsuit.

‘She’s wearing a Melbourne couturier called Cassandra Renee. We went for a very fashion forward look, it is a pant/gown combination and I am so excited [about it],’ Tegan’s stylist Donny Galella told FEMAIL.

‘The colour is so unique and spectacular and I have had earrings custom made by Affinity Diamonds to match the dress and Tony Bianco shoes complete the modern look.’ 

Red was also flavour of the evening, with a host of women arriving flaunting their curves in bold fiery designs (L-R Anne and Paul Gallen, Darius Boyd and Kayla Boyd)

Anastasia James, wife of Gold Coast Titans’ star Ryan, looked every bit the golden goddess in a floral number by Holly Rose Couture; the look accessorised by pieces from Shannakian Fine Jewellery.

Monochrome designs were also a hit on the night, with Emma Freedman, Erin Molan and Kathryn Lawrence among those rocking gorgeous black or white gowns.

Also looking whimsical in white were Carley Widdop, wife of Gareth Widdop, and Lakaree Smith, partner of Josh Addo-Carr, who both ensured eyes were on them for all the right reasons. 

‘Carley is wearing Cassandra Renee Couture – I fell in love with the dress’ embroidery and detail,’ Donny said. 

Ashleigh Sudholz, partner of Tariq Sims, stunned in this navy number – the dress featuring sequin embellishments, sheer billowing sleeves and a daring plunging neckline

Red was also the flavour of the evening, with a host of women arriving flaunting their curves in bold fiery designs.

One woman keen to embrace this trend was Kayla Boyd, wife of Darius Boyd, who showed off her assets in a form-fitting ruby gown embellished with hundreds of crystals scattered across the bodice and skirt. 

She accessorised the look with a tasteful diamond necklace, the blogger choosing to forego earrings for the occasion.   

Other looks missed the mark, however, with many playing it safe or, worse, stepping out in garish OTT numbers that did little to complement their enviable figures.

Nicole Slater’s pastel blue ball gown fit her to perfection and her simple accessories allowed the bold dress to shine. The unique pattern matched her bold personality, however it did divide onlookers with its quirkiness 

Aaron Woods’ partner Sarah (pictured) wore a daringly split floor-length evening gown with a sheer-inset panel at the bust while Samantha Lynch’s black and silver dress was heavily embellished and over-done

Bronco’s star Sam Thaiday’s wife Rachel also jumped on board the jumpsuit trend, however the busy design failed to complement her petite frame while Terry Biviano covered up in a sheer feathered frock that disguised her curves.

Aaron Woods’ wife Sarah rocked a very racy off-the-shoulder black number however the boxy design paired with the plunging neckline and daring thigh-high split left little to the imagination. 

Her makeup and hair were flawless, with the glamorous WAG scraping her locks up into a chic bun and opting for a natural lip and sultry smokey eyes. 

Bronco’s star Sam Thaiday’s wife Rachel also jumped on board the jumpsuit trend, however the busy design failed to complement her petite frame and she looked uncomfortable as she posed for paparazzi  

Megan Barnard (pictured left) chose to play it safe wearing a blush pink floor-length sleeveless gown that washed out her skin tone while Terry Biviano covered up in a sheer feathered frock that disguised her curves and phenomenal legs  (right)

Others dividing the fashion world included Nicole Slater in her heavily patterned pastel blue ball gown, Megan Barnard, whose pastel dress lacked tailoring and washed out her skin tone and Grace Buhrer, whose form-fitting number cut across her chest and appeared ill-fitting in photographs. 

The Dally M Medal Awards take place annually, this year at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal for the very first time. 

The Medal is awarded to one player dubbed ‘Player of the year’ and for 2018 Valentine Holmes, Kalyn Ponga, Damien Cook and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are considered the leading contenders.