Pops of colour, floral prints and lace were popular choices by Taree’s Melbourne Cup fashionistas on Tuesday.
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Hundreds flocked to the Manning Valley Race Club for what is one of the Manning’s biggest social events of the year.
Fashions on the Field judges Tahlea Pearson, Matilda Kiernan and Gemma Pearson who were observing the punters, said boater hats and various styles of crowns, whether floral, beaded or lace, were definite head wear trends.
They said Taree’s Melbourne Cup celebrations were a “good excuse to dress up” and were impressed by the effort of many of those attending.
Last year’s Fashion on the Field winner, Ellena Tyler, and her sister Jess had sourced their outfits online from racewear websites.
“There’s a little marketplace that we get inspiration from,” said Jess.
Ellena chose a black dress saying, “I like the old style, classic, 1950s look.”
For Jess it was a more modern, chic style with a plunging neckline.
The sisters worked together to come up with their look.
“We have to run everything by each other and it is a process of elimination. We get the dress and everything fits around that,” said Jess.
Some fashion choices were more personal. Leanne Watts’ butterfly fascinator was custom-made in memory of her mother who loved butterflies.
“It feels like she is here with me," she said.
Not to be outdone, the men’s fashion ranged from suits and formal wear to more casual attire and even thongs.
Ben Davidson from the Blue Mountains was in Taree for the Melbourne Cup race meeting and to celebrate his mum's birthday, wearing a top hat and a three-piece suit.
VIDEO: Fashions on the Field finalists and winners
The winners of the Fashion on the Field were announced just after 2pm.
The best dressed gent was Addison Sharpe and the runner up Robindro Chatterji.
Winner of the women’s Fashion on the Field was April Gallagher and the runner up Elise Gucul.
The TAB tote operators and bookies were kept busy with people placing bets throughout the day, both for local races and the Cup.