Fashion lights up Flemington for the Melbourne Cup

Fashion Lights Up Flemington for the Melbourne Cup

The 165th Melbourne Cup unfolded under gray skies as rain soaked the city before easing just in time for the main event. Despite the wet start, thousands of spectators filled Flemington Racecourse, eager to showcase bold fashion statements.

Even in damp conditions, style took center stage. Attendees braved puddles and drizzle to uphold the race’s reputation as a centerpiece of fashion and culture in Australia. Many ensembles turned heads, with some designs appearing to defy gravity itself.

Strict Dress Code at Flemington

The Victoria Racing Club maintained a firm dress code for the members’ enclosure, regardless of the weather. Clothing considered too casual or functional was not allowed.

Gumboots, parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproof jackets, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks, and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets are forbidden.

Famous Faces in Attendance

Former MP Julie Bishop joined the fashionable crowd at Flemington.
Tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis sported a relaxed look with sunglasses.
Former Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne returned to the site of her 2015 triumph.

Many pairs of attendees showed bright spirits and coordinated outfits, some even seemingly unfazed by the rain's attempts to dampen the mood.

Author’s Summary

The Melbourne Cup’s 165th year blended high fashion with wet weather, proving that the race’s glamour and spirit endure no matter the forecast.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 2025-11-03