The BEST dressed celebrities at the 2024 Melbourne Cup – as Australia’s A-list storms the Birdcage in sultry satins, sexy strapless numbers and A LOT of red

The who’s who of Australia’s fashion scene stormed the famous Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, where they competed in the real stakes – the sartorial type – in the glamorous Birdcage.

And while many were shocked by statement mini dresses, bizarre cuts and thigh-high slits, Nicky Hilton, Elizabeth Hurley and Laura Dundovic were among those who turned heads for all the right reasons.

Australians tuned in at 3pm for the ‘race that stops the nation’, but most were much more interested in the show taking place on the track.

Celebrities, designers, It girls, models and WAGs outdid themselves with bold bright colours, ruffles and figure-hugging dresses as they paraded around Flemington in their very best racing gear.

Event ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus was hard to miss as she arrived in a stunning ruby ​​ensemble paired with a silver clutch.

The off-shoulder three-dimensional floral details on the mini dress are reminiscent of Loewe, Giambattista Valli and Chanel’s Met Gala and spring-summer ’24 haute couture shows earlier this year.

Similarly, model and journalist Kate Waterhouse – daughter of horse trainer Gai Waterhouse and bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse – turned heads in a fitted crimson Versace dress.

Waterhouse accessorized her outfit with Bvlgari jewelry, red Louboutin pants and a light scarlet headscarf.

Red was all the rage on the carpet, with many more stars choosing crimson for their striking looks.

Former Love Island Australia star Tayla Broad paired a long strapless dress with black gloves, pointy shoes and minimal makeup.

Olympic canoeist Jessica Fox looked like an absolute knockout as she stepped into the marquee in a cute monochrome outfit with a boxy mini shoulder bag and chunky hoop earrings.

Model Hannah Dal Sasso, former girlfriend of Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis, was right on theme with a bright red corset dress and satin floral embellishments. Her hat saw her rocket to the top of the best-dressed list.

Dal Sasso also wore sparkling fascinator pearl earrings.

But the star of the day, Elizabeth Hurley, bucked the red theme as she stepped out in a sunny yellow ensemble.

Despite eschewing conventional workouts in favor of gardening, light walks and Pilates, the star impressed with her impeccably toned physique and toned arms.

The famous English model, 59, showed off her elegance in a figure-hugging off-the-shoulder midi dress with a statement floral ruffled neckline.

She secured a huge yellow floral fascinator in her brunette locks and shielded her eyes with a pair of round sunglasses.

American socialite and designer Nicky Hilton, sister of Paris Hilton, also stunned in a pastel yellow piece by Rebecca Vallance.

The suit-like top was decorated with four buttons, fake pockets and a fabric belt.

The pleated skirt flowed underneath and was beautifully complemented by the diamond necklace around Hilton’s neck and statement metal heels.

TV presenter Laura Dundovic turned heads for all the right reasons in a statement white dress by Toni Maticevski and a sparkling silver Bvlgari bag.

The Miss Universe alumni wore bright gold Chanel earrings, Jimmy Choo heels and a statement snowy headband that flowed down the back of her dress.

Pink and purple shades were also a popular choice for race day.

Chelsea Becirevic made a striking appearance in a pastel pink satin corset dress with a unique bow behind her.

Becirevic, dubbed Australia’s ‘hottest WAG’, opted for a bright pink fedora and white and gold Chanel bag to complete her look.

Fashion influencer and former model Rozalia Russian stuns in a subtly draped long dress with a deep asymmetrical neckline.

Her Yves Saint Laurent strappy heels matched her pastel dress and fascinator perfectly, bringing the monochrome look together.

Today Show host Sylvia Jeffreys was pretty in pink, wearing a tea-length Rebecca Vallance dress that hugged her waist with a fabric belt.

She paired her outfit with a Nerida Winter headpiece, white strappy shoes and a leather mini bag.

Television presenter and radio host Jacqueline Felgate wore an ankle-length patterned mauve dress with a beret and a mesh net.

She wore a pair of pink single-stud Valentino pumps and a Gucci supermini Dionysus bag with her blush outfit.