It’s the race that stops the nation but as always, the real competition was happening trackside.

Melbourne Cup 2025 saw Australia’s biggest names descend on Flemington in a flurry of feathers, fascinators, high-fashion hits (and a few spectacular misses).

From daring cut-outs and sculptural millinery to bold pops of crimson and electric blue stealing the spotlight, the Birdcage was a runway of risk-takers. 

As celebrities battled it out for best dressed bragging rights, some soared to fashion glory while others left onlookers wondering… what were they thinking?

Celebrities, designers, It girls, models, and WAGs outdid themselves in satin, hoods, and statement bonnets as they strutted through the turnstiles in their very best racing garb. 

Couture clashes, fearless fashion choices and headline-making moments made this year’s Melbourne Cup one of the most stylish – and talked about – yet. 

Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson led the arrivals in a dazzling light blue Jason Grech gown. Its figure-hugging silhouette was paired with a fabric-draped hood instead of a traditional fascinator. 

Moraya, who was crowned in 2023 and went on to claim runner-up at the global pageant, is no stranger to commanding attention. 

Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson led the arrivals in a dazzling light blue Jason Grech gown. Its figure-hugging silhouette paired with a fabric-draped hood instead of a traditional fascinator 

And she brought that same show-stopping energy to Flemington, proving she knows exactly how to make an entrance worthy of the Melbourne Cup. 

Following suit in blue to match the emerging theme of the day was racing heiress and fashion royalty Kate Waterhouse, who shone in a satin Alin Le’ Kal dress.

Although the neckline was dangerously low (and against the dress code), her class-factor was raised considerably by her Ezara/J hat, gold Pandora jewellery, Jimmy Choo patent shoes and bag to complete her look.

Television darling Sylvia Jeffreys got the memo in a powder blue A-line gown with matching headband. Her simple gold jewellery complemented the look perfectly.

Ladies in red included former champion jockey and commentator Michelle Payne, with a statement headpiece and equally stunning textured dress, and TV presenter Samantha Armytage in Carla Zampatti feathers and a bespoke bonnet by Nerida Winter.

Turning up the heat was Aussie-Balinese model Stella Klim who wore a custom Atoir gown. It featured a racy-cut out on her back adorned with statement pins. 

The striking look, by stylist Paul Verscace, was completed with Lana Wilkinson heels, an Embellish Atelier headpiece and a glossy Izoa Australia clutch.

Perri Lee turned heads in a striking red corseted dress with a dramatic puff skirt, teamed with red lace heels and matching gloves. She completed her look with a statement fascinator and veil, and a bold gold clutch – pure Melbourne Cup glamour! 

Racing heiress Kate Waterhouse embraced the day’s blue theme in a stunning satin Alin Le’ Kal dress, adding class with an Ezara/J hat – even if the daring neckline bent the dress code. TV favourite Sylvia Jeffreys also opted for blue in a chic A-line gown and matching headband

AFL WAG Jessie Murphy completely set the entrance on fire with a backless, layered red dress paired with simple gold statement earrings and a voluminous 60s inspired ponytail.

Bec Judd kept it demure this year in head-to-toe burgundy, leather gloves, tights and a sleek blow-wave to complete her look. A classy ensemble, but very much on the safe side for a lady who normally never shies away from lace and a low-cut neckline.

Stylist Lana Wilkinson mixed business with boldness in a full-mustard Effie Kats ensemble, complete with statement jewellery from Schiaparelli, and her own unreleased heels. 

Ladies in red included jockey Michelle Payne (centre) in a striking headpiece and textured dress, Samantha Armytage (left) in Carla Zampatti and model Stella Klim (right) in a custom Atoir gown with a daring back cut-out

Perri Lee wowed in a vibrant red corseted dress with a puff skirt, red lace heels, matching gloves, and a statement fascinator – Melbourne Cup glamour at its finest

AFL WAG Jessie Murphy completely set the entrance on fire with a backless, layered red dress paired with simple gold statement earrings and a voluminous 60s inspired ponytail

But between the Melissa Jackson Millinery hat, the purple satin YSL clutch and the colour, it was a perfect spicy combo for Cup Day. 

Jaggad co-founder Michelle Greene and her husband Steven were positively glowing trackside. 

Michelle’s impossibly glossy locks, courtesy of celebrity Melbourne hairstylist Marie Uva, stole the show, and honestly, we’re ready to book an appointment immediately. 

Bec Judd kept it classic in burgundy, pairing leather gloves, tights and a sleek blow-wave for a demure look. Stylist Lana Wilkinson mixed business with boldness in full mustard Effie Kats top and skirt, statement jewellery, and her own unreleased heels

Jaggad co-founder Michelle Greene and her husband Steven were positively glowing trackside. Michelle’s impossibly glossy locks, courtesy of celebrity Melbourne hairstylist Marie Uva, stole the show

Those that missed the mark

A Current Affair host Ali Langdon nailed the colour theme in blue – but seemed to forget she was heading to the races, not the rodeo. 

For someone who rarely puts a foot wrong, this was a surprising misstep from Australia’s sweetheart. 

Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian chose a custom Steven Khalil gown for Cup Day – though the floaty chiffon design looked suspiciously like it had escaped from last week’s Halloween party rather than the Birdcage. 

A Current Affair host Ali Langdon nailed the colour theme in blue – but seemed to forget she was heading to the races, not the rodeo. For someone who rarely puts a foot wrong, this was a surprising misstep from Australia’s sweetheart 

Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian wore a custom Steven Khalil gown for Cup Day, but the floaty chiffon look seemed more fitting for Halloween than the Birdcage. Former WAG Hannah Dal Sasso also turned heads in a Tulle Addict dress, serving ‘mummy’ vibes as she posed at the entrance 

The same could be said for former WAG Hannah Dal Sasso, whose dress from Melbourne designer Tulle Addict was giving ‘mummy’ vibes as she posed outside the entrance to the cup.

In a popular pop of red colour, TikTok star and host of Stream Queen, Elle Rae, looked a vision in her satin red, floor length gown, but was let down by the visible creases. We’ll blame the Uber ride for this one though.

We would love to give the same grace to Brooke Warne, but the unflattering shape of her Forever New dress and chunky silver men’s watch let the look down more than the creases did. 

Chelsea Becirevic, on the other hand, channelled major Jessica Rabbit energy, and while we love a daring moment, the dangerously high thigh split and those pleather-style black gloves took the look from sultry to slightly overcooked. 

TikTok star and Stream Queen host Elle Rae stunned in a satin, floor-length red gown – though visible creases let down the look (we’ll blame the Uber). Brooke Warne’s Forever New dress, paired with a chunky silver men’s watch, was even more undone by its unflattering shape than by any wrinkles 

Chelsea Becirevic, on the other hand, channelled major Jessica Rabbit energy, and while we love a daring moment, the dangerously high thigh split and those pleather-style black gloves took the look from sultry to slightly overcooked 

Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant are reality TV’s perfect match, but their outfits were far from it. Bella Henry and Hannah McKnight brought vibrant colours and fun headpieces, yet ill-fitting dresses and Hannah’s white block heels let the team down. Still, they looked like they were having the most fun

Statuesque DJ, artist and milliner Ellen Patterson was certainly an interesting vision in the Birdcage sporting a jacket and pants by designer Alex Dowsing of the Suitsuu brand, and a headpiece she created herself

Statuesque DJ, artist and milliner Ellen Patterson was certainly an interesting vision in the Birdcage, sporting a jacket and pants by designer Alex Dowsing of the Suitsuu brand, and a headpiece she created herself.

‘I love the races because everyone is dressed up to the nines,’ she told The Sydney Morning Herald. 

‘Everyone is self-expressed and dressing up. It is an ocean of colour and textures and creativity.’ 

You go girl.

Jules Robinson and Cam merchant are our reality TV faves, but the duo might need to sack their stylist after this fashion faux pas. For a couple who are a perfect match, their outfits were far from it. 

While we loved the pops of colour and fancy headgear from Bella Henry and Hannah McKnight, it was their ill-fitting dresses… and Hannah’s white block heels that let the team down. But hey, at lease they looked like they were having the most fun.

Love it or loathe it, Melbourne Cup fashion never fails to deliver, and this year was no exception. 

Whether it was soaring sartorial highs or daring missteps best left at the stable door, the stars once again reminded us why Cup Day remains the country’s most glamorous (and unpredictable) runway.