Melbourne Cup 2025: The biggest fashion moments from Flemington as stars and punters enjoy a day at the races

It’s the intersection of sport and fashion in Melbourne’s event calendar, so naturally thousands of eager race fans and familiar faces have gathered at Flemington Racecourse to celebrate the biggest horse racing event in Australia.

As they continue to flood the gates, we’ve seen a kaleidoscope of colour, outlandish hats, and larger-than-life personalities who clearly put more thought into their outfits than the race itself.

Craziest outfits

One gentleman donned every colour of the rainbow, caught strutting in a striped suit with matching tie in a bold look.

While others went the psychedelic tie dye approach, with three gentleman seemingly transported from the 60s and 70s to arrive on race day in colour-coded suits and novelty hats.

TV and internet personalities

Former Married at First Sight Star Jules Robinson resembled an exotic chocolate wrapper, while her husband Cameron Merchant played it safer in a grey suit.

Loveable larrikin Karl Stefanovic didn’t veer too far from his breakfast show digs, spotted cosying up to wife Jasmine who rocked an off-white suit and black sheer under shirt.

Former MasterChef host and author Melissa Leong cut an imposing figure in a green, full-sleeve gown.

The Block stars Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie did not miss the opportunity to make a shared fashion statement, rocking flamboyant yet composed patterned suits.

TV host and sports commentator Brihony Dawson donned a rose-encrusted blue suit and red Hollywood shades.

Host of The Golden Bachelor Samantha Armytage wore a red number and matching head piece.

Racing royalty

It’s impossible to forget the brother-sister duo of Michelle and Stevie Payne, who the public quickly fell in love with in 2015 following Michelle’s winning Melbourne Cup race as the rider of Prince of Penzance.

Model Kate Waterhouse — daughter of legendary horse trainer Gai Waterhouse — rocked a rich blue number with a deep v neck.

Race aficionados Deborah and John Quinn presented in their typically classical race day attire, with Deborah posing in all white with a black hat, and John in a black blazer, top hat and peach vest.

Victoria Racing CEO Kylie Rogers doubled down on purple, complimenting her skirt and top with a large fascinator that masked the majority of her face.

Sports stars

It’s not a fashion event in Melbourne until Bec Judd arrives, with the JAGGAD co-founder posing in a deep red number alongside her husband and AFL champion Chris.

Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo sported a blue checked blazer, with a red tie matching his partner Chelsea Becirevic’s vibrant boob tube dress.

While retired Geelong forward Tom Hawkins wore a classic suit alongside his wife Emma who appeared pretty in pink.

Tennis ace Thanassi Kokkinakis presented dapperly in a burgundy blazer, equipped with a gold brooch, and matching black bow tie and pocket square.