Bold reds, structured florals, midi dresses and ornamental headpieces have dominated Flemington Racecourse for Melbourne Cup 2021.
After two years of arduous lockdowns, vaccinated Melburnians are celebrating their freedom with their biggest event yet.
Of course, while some people have their eyes on horses, we have ours firmly peeled on the frocks that tickle the course chic.
The race that stops a nation is known for featuring some of the best Spring-inspired looks, and the colour explosion is enough to lift anyone’s spirit.
Every year our favourite A-list celebrities like Delta Goodrem, former winning jockey Michelle Payne, and other beloved television personalities wow us with their cocktail party inspo looks.
After so much time inside this year for those living in major Australian cities, the day is undoubtedly filled with more jest and uninhibited fun than ever.
However, there are still valid calls to say Nup to the Cup despite the distracting jovial excitement.
To save you from scrolling endlessly on Instagram, here are the best looks found on the course and Instagram from Melbourne Cup 2021.
Andy Lee Rebecca Harding
Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding
The couple were all smiles as they posed in their Sunday (Tuesday) best. Rebecca chose a more laid back and 60s inspired dress to attend the big race.
Georgia Love
Georgia Love and Lee Elliott
Georgia’s matching headband and dress were an absolute winner, while Lee confidently braved quarter-length shorts.
Kate Waterhouse
Kate Waterhouse
Kate wore a daring plunging square neckline and chose a plump pink bow over a more traditional fascinator.
Melissa Leong
Melissa Leong
Melissa looked like a sight to behold in her Cappella Azzo couture dress, and we’re particularly infatuated by her graphic eyeshadow.
Erin Holland
Erin Holland
Erin put it best when she captioned this look styled by celebrity stylist Donny Galella, “GREEN WITH ENVY.. 💚🐎.”
The dress by Khirzad Femme has a unique take on ruffles, and we appreciate its billowy structure.
Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem
Melbourne Cup darling, Delta, posted on her Instagram story a laid-back floral dress, which she captioned “Happy Race Day!”
While fans were initially shocked to discover she chose to don such a casual dress, they were pleasantly surprised to find out her avant-garde plans.
Delta Goodrem
Delta pulled off her official arrival to the even with a bang by wearing this lime green pantsuit with a campy oversized dusty pink bow and hot pink hat.
Delta Goodrem Race Day Instagram Story 2021
Michelle Payne
Michelle Payne
Michelle wore this metallic blue number on the Flemington Racecourse, and although not everyone can pull this off, she looks picture perfect.
Sarah Harris and Tristan MacManus
Sarah Harris and Tristan MacManus
This Channel Ten duo look dapper in their race day looks. Sarah strikes in red, and we think she should wear the bold hue more often.
Angela Bishop
Angela Bishop
Angela is one of the few stars to opt for a short and drop waist bohemian dress for her race day attendance. However, she totally pulls off this whimsical look.
Candice Warner
Candice Warner
From her home in Sydney, Candice shared her look on Instagram, and she looks ever a lady in her bold red dress and oversized hat.
Tayla Damir
Tayla Damir
The former Love Island star arrived at the event in an orange graphic patterned dress, which she appropriately styled with gold accessories and an ornamental headpiece.
Oliva Molly Rogers
Oliva Molly Rogers
The former Miss Universe Australia took abridged inspiration from the late 50s and early 60s with her daffodil yellow dress and canary yellow shoes.
Jessica Rowe
Jessica Rowe
Sydneysider Jessica couldn’t make it to Melbourne, but she shared her homemade Melbourne Cup outfit with her Instagram followers.
She captioned her crafty and eccentric look, “Sunny side up!! My homemade Melbourne Cup outfit in honour of my Victorian pals who are seeing life open up again! The hat is from my Mothers Day ‘breakfast in bed’ collection 🤣🍳.”