Expect an over the top approach to Melbourne Cup dressing

After a false start in the fashion stakes on Derby Day, larger Melbourne Cup crowds are expected to bend tradition and dress in a spirit of celebration for the biggest event in the Spring Carnival.

Many style spectators hoped for a return to tradition, with wide-brim hats, prim long-sleeved dresses and sensible shoes rather than stilettos, but model Montana Cox is looking determinedly forward, rather than at trends of the past.

“I don’t know if I would call it a return to tradition or, at least, racegoers won’t be thinking that way,” Cox said. “The smaller crowd that will be at Flemington have been waiting a long time for this moment so expect more than a nightclub dress (as much as I like them) but not traditional. So much has changed since we were all there and people will want to show that in what they wear.”

As an ambassador for Champagne brand Mumm, Cox is contractually obliged to stand out in their brand colour red, choosing a revealing Effie Kats design for the Melbourne Cup media launch at Flemington racecourse, but expects others to freely follow her bold approach.

“I’ve noticed my friends have become way more maximalist with their style over the past few months. I think we’ve spent so much time indoors, online shopping, and now we want to be bold and wear it all at once.”

Derby Day’s sparse crowds support Cox’s fashion forecast, with the dressed up members of the crowd choosing loose bows instead of hats, figure-flattery over function and towering high heels, with plastic plugs to stop them from sinking into the turf over flats and platforms.

Even designer Rebecca Vallance, whose tailoring is the go-to for contemporary conservative style, with Paris Hilton smartening up in one of her suits on a recent visit to the White House, is encouraging an unbuttoned outlook at the track.

“Most people are ready to pack away the tracksuits and put their best foot forward,” Vallance said. “Everyone is just so excited to be dressing up again as restrictions ease. The exciting and optimistic atmosphere is influencing fashion with many dressing up and dressing for joy. Think fashion forward extravagance, plenty of colour, print and vibrancy.”