The Melbourne Cup is as much about fashion as it is about racing. Over the past decade, Flemington's Birdcage and lawns have become a catwalk where timeless style meets daring innovation. While trends come and go, certain looks have defined the era, leaving a mark on both racing culture and mainstream fashion.
But Cup Day fashion isn't just about the last ten years—it's shaped by the bold choices of decades past. Who could forget when Jean Shrimpton stunned Flemington in 1965, wearing a simple white shift dress that stopped above the knee, with no hat, gloves, or stockings? At the time, it caused outrage among traditionalists, yet it set the tone for modern Cup style: daring, elegant, and ahead of its time. That moment cemented fashion's place as central to the Cup's identity, a tradition still alive today.
Then, 1985, Princess Diana brought international glamour and royal brio to the Cup. Wearing a powder-blue ensemble with a broad-brimmed hat it was an outfit that became instantly iconic. It cemented the Cup's reputation as a global style stage.
2013 – The Rise of Monochrome Minimalism
Black and white dominated the early 2010s, with celebrities and socialites opting for bold contrasts and geometric lines. Monochrome dresses paired with sharp fascinators set the tone for a new era of understated chic.
2015 – The Floral Renaissance
Floral prints, from delicate watercolours to bold botanical patterns, bloomed across the Cup. These looks bridged the gap between spring racing traditions and modern streetwear, influencing wardrobes well beyond the track.
2017 – Suits Steal the Spotlight
This was the year women in sharply tailored suits turned heads. From velvet blazers to slim-cut trousers, Cup Day blurred gender lines, pushing forward a confident, androgynous aesthetic that still inspires fashion houses today.
2019 – Statement Millinery
Hats and fascinators reclaimed their starring role, with sculptural designs in metallics and vibrant colours. Designers used feathers, plexiglass, and even laser-cut leather, making headwear the defining accessory of the year.
2022 – Sustainable Chic
Post-pandemic, the emphasis shifted to re-wearable fashion and ethical labels. Vintage pieces, recycled fabrics, and minimalist tailoring reflected a wider cultural shift toward sustainability without sacrificing elegance.
2024 – Colour Explosion
Last year was all about colour confidence: citrus oranges, fuchsia pinks, and emerald greens. Mixing and clashing palettes replaced safe neutrals, echoing global runway trends and bringing vibrancy back to the Cup field.
Why These Looks Last
From Jean Shrimpton's trailblazing shift in the 1960s to sustainable chic in the 2020s, Melbourne Cup fashion has always been about more than one day—it reflects cultural shifts, challenges traditions, and influences the way Australians dress. The best looks endure because they inspire everyday style, from weddings to brunches to boardrooms.
As the 2025 Cup approaches, expect another round of statements that will outlive the day itself.