Across Australia, the Melbourne Cup -- the crown event in the Spring horse racing carnival -- is cause for celebration, but the "race that stops the nation" is, at times, overshadowed by the clothes of those track-side.
Fashions on the Field is an integral part of Cup day -- nay the entire Spring racing carnival -- and it's the only place a woman can wear a giant chess piece on her head and a man can deck himself out in a maroon, floral, leather (yes, all three at once) suit and get away with it. It's a wonderful time of year.
Large, wonderfully designed hats called fascinators are the must-have accessory for all women at the cup, and some go to exceedingly great lengths to stand out.
Some look lovely
But guys, perhaps it's best that fedoras stay in the bin.
Unfortunately, dogs pull off fascinators better than we ever could.
Detection Dog 'Chloe' spent all morning finding the right fascinator to match her lead & collar #fashionsonthefield pic.twitter.com/IGVtXEA5yT
— NSW Police (@nswpolice) November 3, 2015
Hell, whole outfits just look better on dogs.
Giddy up! Happy #MelbourneCup day! #melbournenow #fashionsonthefield #myerfotf @hachi_melbourne #hachimelbourne pic.twitter.com/kvUUC0Xa21
— Frankie Lil Sausage (@FrankieSunny_) November 3, 2015
Colour coordinating with your friends to resemble tomatoes is in for 2015, darlings.
Also in: Michael Jackson-inspired gloves. Case in point: David Guetta.
The hottest fashion accessory for 2015, though? True love!
Australia's Bachelorette for 2015, Sam Frost, and her beau, Sasha Mielczarek, finally out parading each other around in public after months of hiding away from the spotlight. Truly touching.