If you fancy yourself as a fashionista, a lover of fashion or just love to dress up, why not enter the Thoroughbred Park Melbourne Cup Day Fashions on the Field?

Thoroughbred Park will play host to the biggest day on the Australian horse racing calendar, Tuesday 5 November, featuring some quality local races.

As a highlight of the event, it’s the perfect chance to dress to the nines and compete for a prize for your outfit.

There are three categories to choose from; best dressed, best suited and millinery.

Entrants in the best dressed category must be 18 years or older.

The judges will be looking at the style and originality, the appropriateness of the outfit for a day at the races, the attention to detail of the hat, bag, jewellery and shoes, the use of millinery, grooming and deportment.

The tip for this category is to consider a timeless and elegantly coordinated outfit.

In the best suited, the judges will look at the style and originality, appropriateness of the outfit for a day at the races and attention to detail of the accessories, such as cufflinks, lapel flower, hat and a handkerchief.

Jackets in this category are optional but a bowtie or tie are essential.

For the final category, millinery, the judges will evaluate the style and design of the headpiece, the originality of the concept and its overall wearability.

Entrants will also be judged on the quality and workmanship of the millinery, including the technique, line and trim and its appropriateness for the races, the individual and the outfit. 

All competitors in this category must have appropriate racewear to complement their headwear.

The judges on the day are fashion model Kody-Leigh McGlone, former Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker and his wife Brittney, and women’s health physiotherapist and pilates instructor Kate Spilker.

Head of Fashions on the Field, Kristen Davidson, said anyone was welcome to enter.

“Give it a go, what do you have to lose?” she said.

“It’s such a beautiful supportive community and we want to see fresh local faces making Canberra proud.”

The winners and runners-up will each receive a prize of a range of goodies.

Registrations to enter the contest can be made at the desk next to the main stage on the front lawn on race day from 11am-12:20pm.

The best suited heat will run at 12:30pm, followed by heat one of best dressed at 1pm and heat two at 1:45pm, with the winners announced at 2:30pm.

Ms Davidson said the trends she expected to see this year were sculptured, colourful unique pieces.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing local milliners and fashionistas collaborating,” she said.

“We love to see local businesses succeed.”

For more information or to make a booking, visit thoroughbredpark.com.au