fashion

The seven celebrity Melbourne Cup outfits that broke the fashion rules brilliantly.

For most people, the races is the one time of the year you can really dress up. As in, cross-reference-your-outfit-against-a-strict-dress-code kind of fancy.

The Victorian Racing Club dress code encourages its female members to “maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity of the Members’ Enclosure,” with some obvious items like leggings, thongs, runners, slippers and pants tucked into socks or footwear (really?) on the ‘no entry’ list.

Other dressing ‘rules’ include no shorts, leather or untailored pants, garments showing midriff, casual jackets and shorts jumpsuits/playsuits.

One look at the spring racing fashion this year and it’s already clear this season is the most rebellious yet – and we’re loving it. (Post continues after gallery.)

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From literally breaking the rules a la Jennifer Hawkins to bucking tradition like Em Rusciano, here are the seven most risk-taking outfits from Melbourne cup that definitely paid off.

1. Alexandra Nation

There are no ‘rules’ as such against women wearing pants (at least anymore) but it’s still skirts and dresses that female guests in the members and birdcage traditionally opt for. Which is exactly why we’re applauding The Bachelor‘s Alex Nation for this flowy Carla Zampatti two-piece, semi-sheer pants set.

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2. Em Rusciano

Men of the races, pay attention. THIS is how you do a suit.

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3. Bec Hewitt

Would that bomber maybeee fall under ‘casual jacket’? Either way, we don’t care – she looked gorgeous.

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4. Jennifer Hawkins

Not only did Hawkins do away with traditions in her incredible red Mischa Collection jumpsuit, there was also some sneaky midriff on show.

Red on red today for @myer ❤️️ Thank you @mishacollection !! (& tagged) Looking forward to the D Floor !! ????

A photo posted by Jennifer Hawkins (@jenhawkins_) on

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5. Kate Peck.

The TV host went for a Yeojin Bae blush mini dress with a matching sleeveless trench coat.

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6. Nadia Fairfax

Forget dainty heels, it was Gucci boots for blogger Nadia Fairfax.

Booties are awesome to dance in! #TRUTH @netaporter #GucciGoodness AT @emirates ❤

A photo posted by NADIA FAIRFAX (@nadiafairfax) on

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7. Margaret Zhang

So too did fellow Fashion Bloggers star Margaret Zhang, in Tony Bianco booties.

Che Guevara chic, anyone? ????????

A photo posted by Margaret Zhang 章凝 (@margaret__zhang) on


The group prove that sometimes breaking the rules really does pay off.

Image: Instagram.