Best Dressed 2026 | Fashions on the Field

Best Dressed

The ultimate celebration of style, creativity and sartorial flair.

Recognising exceptional style, attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to race day dressing, the Best Dressed award showcases those who bring together fashion, millinery and accessories in a look that is uniquely their own.

2026 Competition

You can enter the Best Dressed competition on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day (Saturday 3 October), Howden Victoria Derby Day (Saturday 31 October), Lexus Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 3 November) and Crown Oaks Day (Thursday 5 November). Daily finalists from each race day will return on Crown Oaks Day for the Grand Final, where one will be crowned the 2026 Best Dressed winner.

Get Inspired

Discover some of last year's standout entries:

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Amanda Smith

NEW SOUTH WALES

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Fiona Schwarzinger

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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Madeleine Leva

NEW SOUTH WALES

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Milano Imai

QUEENSLAND

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Sally Martin

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

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Samantha McMillan

NEW SOUTH WALES

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Stacey Asplin

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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Yvette Hardy

QUEENSLAND

2026 Prizing

ABC Bullion Gold Bar 50g valued at $20,000*
$10,000 Flight Centre Voucher
$5,000 Crown Voucher
TCL 85inch C8L SQD-Mini LED TV valued at $4,999
A day of hospitality within the Royal Enclosure for 2 people during Royal Ascot 2027 valued at a minimum $4,800
$3,000 Highpoint Voucher
An intimate masterclass with Ellette Beauty x Chantelle Baker for the winner and 4 friends. Each participant will also receive a Touch Up Kit, Brush Set, Complexion Stick, Lip Pen, and Lip Brush, total prize valued at $3,000
1x Case of De Bortoli Melba Vineyard 2019 valued at $1,079.70
Sunless Package valued at $901
A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900
A year's supply of Schweppes valued at $500
10 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $250
$200 XX Voucher

* Value correct at the time of publishing

$5,000 TCL TV package
$4,500 VISA Gift Card
$1,500 Highpoint Voucher
A masterclass at Ellette Beauty for the winner and 6 friends. Each participant will also each receive a Touch Up Kit and Brush Set, total prize valued at $1,500
A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900
A year's supply of Schweppes valued at $500
Sunless Package valued at $298
6 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $150
$200 XX Voucher

$5,000 TCL TV package
$2,000 VISA Gift Card
A Day at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate valued at $900
$500 Highpoint Voucher
An Ellette Beauty Touch Up Kit, Brush Set, 2 x Complexion Sticks, 2 x Lip Pens and Lip Brush valued at $500
A year's supply of Schweppes valued at $500
Sunless Package valued at $218
$200 XX Voucher
2 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $50

4th – 10th place will each receive:

$100 XX Voucher

An opportunity to compete in the Grand Final on Crown Oaks Day 2026
2 x VRC Members Enclosure Passes for Crown Oaks Day 2026 valued at $590
$500 VISA Gift Card
$100 XX Voucher
2 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $50

An opportunity to compete in the Grand Final on Crown Oaks Day 2026
$1,000 Flight Centre Voucher
2 x VRC Members Enclosure Passes for Crown Oaks Day 2026 valued at $590
$500 VISA Gift Card
$200 XX Voucher
2 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $50

1 x Case of De Bortoli Melba Amphora valued at $515.70
$100 XX Voucher
1 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $25

1 x Case of De Bortoli Botrytis Noble One 2019 valued at $479.70
$100 XX Voucher
1 x Lovebasiq Smudge Wipe bags valued at $25

Competition Terms & Conditions

Step into Style: Be the Best Best Dressed

Best Dressed Competition: Submission Guide

Whether you're entering for the first time or returning to the Fashions on the Field stage, our Best Dressed Competition: Submission Guide is your essential resource. From judging criteria and eligibility requirements, to key dates and frequently asked questions, you'll find everything you need to prepare your entry with confidence.

ACCESS THE GUIDE