Melbourne Cup: A Return to Traditional Racewear as Pink, Red and Personal Style Lead the Fashion Stakes
From beautifully tailored silhouettes and statement millinery to sculptural couture and striking shades of pink and red, the fashion at the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival was a celebration of individuality.
The fashion at Flemington felt particularly refreshing this year. While the Melbourne Cup has long been associated with colour, flamboyance and extravagant headwear, many of the women arriving at the Birdcage chose a more considered approach.
Traditional racewear made a welcome return, with elegant hemlines, beautifully structured dresses, classic hats and feminine silhouettes. Rather than dressing in bright colours simply because it was Cup Day, many chose shades that complemented their complexion and reflected their own personal style.
And why shouldn’t they? Fashion should be about wearing what makes you look and feel your best.
That didn’t mean colour was forgotten. Quite the opposite. Pink and red were among the standout favourites of the day, appearing in everything from dramatic couture gowns to sleek, modern dresses and beautifully coordinated millinery.
Soft blush, ivory, burgundy and rich jewel tones also made their mark, while a handful of fashion personalities took a more adventurous approach with sculptural designs and unexpected silhouettes.
For Melbourne My Style, the standout looks were those that balanced individuality with an understanding of traditional racewear.
The Fashion That Defined Melbourne Cup 2026
Pip Edwards – Sculptural Couture in Teal
Pip Edwards was never going to arrive at Flemington wearing something predictable.
Dressed in a striking teal creation by J’Aton Couture, Pip brought an entirely different perspective to Cup Day fashion. The sculptural bodice, dramatic pleated detailing and voluminous trailing fabric gave the design an almost architectural quality.
A coordinating wide-brimmed hat, sparkling silver clutch and teal heels completed the look.
Rebecca Judd – Colour Blocking with a Modern Edge
Rebecca Judd took a contemporary approach to Cup Day dressing in a strapless, colour-blocked design by Solid & Striped.
Burgundy, pale blue, cream and red came together in a fitted silhouette, finished with a sheer lower skirt.
A dramatic red ribbon by milliner Ezara J added a playful touch, while her red heart-shaped Alaïa handbag brought another element of personality.
With jewellery by Paul Bram Diamonds and shoes by Lana Wilkinson, Bec demonstrated how colour can be worn confidently without following the usual rules of racewear.
Jules Robinson – A Celebration of Pink
Married at First Sight favourite Jules Robinson brought plenty of colour to Flemington in a striking pink ombré dress.
Moving from deep fuchsia through vibrant pink to the palest blush, the fitted design was complemented by a matching statement hat.
An orange handbag and coordinating strappy heels introduced a contrasting colour that worked beautifully against the pink.
Rozalia Russian – Soft Pink and Traditional Elegance
Rozalia Russian was the picture of classic racewear in a beautifully embellished blush-pink gown by Alin Le Kal.
The fitted silhouette featured delicate beadwork and intricate detailing that caught the light without overwhelming the design.
Her oversized pale pink hat by Melissa Jackson Millinery was a particular highlight, bringing back the kind of traditional elegance that has always belonged at Flemington.
Emily Ryan King – A Statement in Red
Emily Ryan King embraced the popularity of red in a custom Jason Grech creation.
The strapless dress featured a beautifully structured bodice and a full, sculpted skirt that fell to a flattering mid-calf length.
Her dramatic pink and red floral millinery brought height and movement to the look, while pale pointed heels provided a softer finish.
Chloe Pink – Modern Red by Sheike
Standing alongside Emily, Chloe Pink chose a striking red design by Sheike.
The fitted gown featured an elegant cape-style overlay, creating a fluid silhouette while maintaining a beautifully polished finish.
A matching red headpiece and handbag completed the monochromatic look.
Danielle Collis – Classic Red with a Powder Blue Hat
Danielle Collis demonstrated that a simple silhouette can be every bit as effective as an elaborate couture creation.
Her strapless red Oroton dress featured a relaxed, elongated shape, complemented by a beautiful vintage powder-blue wide-brimmed hat.
The contrast between the two colours was particularly appealing.
Styled by Slo Styling, Danielle completed her look with vintage earrings, an Anna Rossi Jewellery brooch, a Valentino handbag and Billini heels.
Hannah Dal Sasso – Pale Pink with Burgundy Accents
Hannah Dal Sasso chose one of the more contemporary silhouettes of Cup Day in a pale pink design by Lea Malmes.
The fitted gown featured daring side cut-outs and a contrasting band of textured pink fabric across the bodice.
Long burgundy leather gloves and a matching pillbox hat by Lauder Taylor Millinery brought a strong editorial element to the look.
Styled by Molly Constantine, Hannah accessorised with a Miu Miu handbag, Franky Amsterdam earrings and Lana Wilkinson shoes.
Julie Bishop – Timeless Dior
The Honourable Julie Bishop once again demonstrated her understanding of elegant occasion dressing.
Wearing Dior, she chose a beautiful white dress with delicate floral detailing, a high neckline and a softly flared mid-length skirt.
A classic boater-style hat, pale pink heels and an embellished Lady Dior handbag completed the ensemble.
It was refined, feminine and perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
Among the more adventurous designs seen throughout the Birdcage, Julie’s understated elegance was a welcome reminder that traditional racewear never goes out of style.
Alin Le Kal – Sharp Tailoring in Gucci
Couture designer Alin Le Kal brought a masculine interpretation of formal racewear to Flemington.
Wearing Gucci, he chose a sharply tailored black double-breasted suit with gold buttons, a black shirt and tie, and dark sunglasses.
Jules Neale – Red from Head to Toe
Jules Neale embraced the season’s colour in a fitted red dress with a feather-trimmed hem.
Coordinating opera-length gloves, a matching headpiece and pointed red heels created a striking monochromatic look.
Mia Fevola – Red Couture with Dramatic Floral Detailing
Mia Fevola was another to embrace red, wearing a striking design by Vivienna Lorikeet.
The embellished mini dress featured intricate beadwork, a fitted bodice and dramatic three-dimensional floral detailing around the skirt.
A coordinating red headpiece by Mensforth Millinery completed the look.
Styled by Alicia Marshall, Mia accessorised with a Jimmy Choo handbag, Billini heels and diamonds from Unique Diamonds Australia.
Jessie Murphy – Pale Pink Couture
Jessie Murphy brought a beautifully feminine approach to Melbourne Cup dressing in a custom design by Cappellazzo Couture.
The pale pink satin dress featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, a fitted waist and sculptural volume through the hips, falling into an elegant mid-length skirt.
A coordinating pillbox hat by Ezara J complemented the structured silhouette.
With a Jimmy Choo handbag, Lana Wilkinson heels and Cartier and Anton Jewellery accessories, the result was polished and beautifully considered.
Bambi Northwood-Blyth – Golden Elegance
Bambi Northwood-Blyth embraced the golden surroundings of the Lexus LANDMARK marquee in a beautifully fitted mustard-gold design by Alex Perry.
The long-sleeved dress featured structured shoulders, a defined waist and an asymmetric hemline.
Millinery by Ford Millinery and classic white pointed heels completed the look.
Holly Mae John – Texture and Individuality
Holly Mae John offered a more unconventional interpretation of racewear in a beautifully detailed ivory ensemble.
Intricate lace, layered textures and corset-inspired detailing created a romantic, almost vintage aesthetic.
A brown fur-style hat and tinted sunglasses introduced a completely different fashion influence, while a structured handbag finished the look.
Rather than following traditional Cup Day colour expectations, Holly embraced her own individual style.
Alicia Marshall – A Tribute to the Melbourne Cup
Stylist Alicia Marshall wore one of the most meaningful designs of the day, a custom Jason Grech creation featuring a signature print paying tribute to the Melbourne Cup.
The striking pink gown incorporated horses and roses throughout the fabric, celebrating the heritage and romance of racing.
Its structured strapless bodice and dramatic fishtail silhouette were complemented by a pink cloche-style hat by renowned milliner Richard Nylon.
It was a design that told a story, combining fashion, craftsmanship and the traditions of the Melbourne Cup.
Bella Henry – A Statement in Metallics
Bella Henry brought a completely different energy to the Birdcage in a striking creation by Justin Tong.
The strapless mini dress was covered in intricate metallic embellishments in shades of bronze, copper and gold, creating a beautifully textured finish.
Her elaborate sculptural headpiece rose dramatically above the design, while a metallic handbag completed the look.
Melissa Rosich – Classic Red Refinement
Melissa Rosich embraced traditional racewear in an elegant red dress with a flattering V-neckline, fitted waist and three-quarter sleeves.
A coordinating red pillbox-style headpiece with delicate veiling added a beautiful vintage influence.
Her neutral patterned clutch and carefully selected jewellery completed the look.
Alicia Loxley – Understated in Emerald Green
A Current Affair presenter Alicia Loxley chose an elegant deep emerald-green dress with a high neckline, softly draped waist and delicate fringe detailing at the hem.
A coordinating headpiece, black pointed heels and a small black handbag completed the ensemble.
The rich green was a refreshing alternative to the brighter shades traditionally associated with Cup Day.
A sophisticated choice that allowed the silhouette and colour to speak for themselves.
Stella Klim – Modern Ivory Elegance
Stella Klim was another to favour a softer palette, wearing a custom ivory creation by Atoir.
The halter-neck dress featured a fitted bodice with delicate embellishments and a beautifully gathered full skirt.
Styled by Styled by Bloom, Stella completed her look with an Olga Berg pearl-embellished handbag and Billini heels.
The overall effect was romantic, feminine and beautifully understated.
Personal Style Wins at Flemington
What stood out most at the 2026 Melbourne Cup was the freedom women seemed to embrace in choosing their racewear.
There was a noticeable return to traditional silhouettes, particularly structured bodices, mid-length skirts, elegant tailoring and classic millinery.
Explore all the fashion from the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival https://www.vrc.com.au/
Written by Melinda Sullivan
Images by Toby Sullivan @Justpose_ unless stated otherwise.
