Fashions on the Field

Race days at Mackay Turf Club

... are all about the Fashion

Fashions on the Field Categories

Registrations open in the morning, with Semi-Finals and Finals held later in the day. The Fashions on the Field Event will be advertised prior to each major race day. Keep an eye on our facebook page for more information.

Our Fashions on the Field has grown in popularity over the years with wonderful sponsors coming on-board and fantastic prizes on offer.
We conduct Fashions on the Field at every major race day.

Meet our Fashions on the Field Coordinator - Amanda Katsadoros

Amanda has been competing in FOTF events all over Australia since 2016 from Melbourne to Cairns and many places in between. Amanda is passionate about FOTF and is looking to take the Mackay Turf Club events to the next level.  Encouraging competitors to show their individual and unique styles through their outfit choices will be a focus for FOTF in 2025.
Guidelines will be set and followed by the judging panel at each event. Amanda, along with her husband Alex, are looking forward to a great year at Mackay Turf Club.

Autumn Race Day — Fashions on the Field Criteria

Mackay Amateurs | Saturday 23 May

Autumn racing fashion celebrates refined elegance, seasonal textures, and polished race-day sophistication. Entrants in Fashions on the Field are encouraged to present a complete, cohesive look that reflects traditional racing style while embracing contemporary flair.

Judging Criteria

By Fashions on the Field Coordinator,
Amanda Katsadoros

Seasonal Colour & Fabric

Autumn palettes should draw inspiration from the season — think rich jewel tones, warm neutrals, and earthy hues such as burgundy, rust, olive, navy, chocolate, plum, mustard, and soft blush. Luxurious fabrics like wool blends, tweed, crepe, jacquard, velvet accents, leather trims, and structured satins are ideal. Light summer prints and overly casual fabrics are discouraged.

Millinery & Headwear

Quality millinery is a defining element of Autumn racing style. Structured hats, felt or fabric headpieces, berets, and sophisticated fascinators are encouraged. Headwear should complement the outfit in scale, colour, and craftsmanship, and be securely worn throughout judging.

Garment & Silhouette

Outfits should be tailored, modest, and race-appropriate. Hemlines are typically knee-length or longer, with clean lines and structured silhouettes preferred. Sleeves, jackets, coats, capes, or elegant layering pieces are highly suitable for the season and can elevate an ensemble. Daywear elegance is key — avoid eveningwear styling. 

Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are required. Footwear should be refined, formal, and appropriate for grass surfaces — classic pumps, heeled boots, or elegant flats are suitable. Shoes should coordinate with the outfit and be in excellent condition.

Accessories & Finishing Details

Attention to detail will set standout entrants apart. Gloves, belts, hosiery, structured handbags, brooches, and refined jewellery are welcome additions. Accessories should enhance the outfit rather than overwhelm it, creating a balanced and polished appearance from head to toe.

Gentlemen’s Style

Gentlemen should present in smart racewear such as a tailored suit or sports coat with dress trousers. Autumn tones, textured fabrics, waistcoats, ties, or pocket squares are encouraged. Dress shoes must be closed-toe and polished. Hats are optional but welcomed.

Overall Presentation

Judges will look for harmony, originality, quality, grooming, and confidence. Outfits should be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day while maintaining a high standard of elegance. The winning look will demonstrate thoughtful styling, impeccable fit, and true Autumn race-day sophistication.

Dress to impress — where classic racing tradition meets seasonal style.

Mackay Cup — Fashions on the Field

Saturday 25 July | Full Winter Fashion

The Mackay Cup showcases the pinnacle of Winter racing style — where elegance meets warmth, structure, and luxurious seasonal dressing. Winter racewear embraces rich textures, deeper colour palettes, and sophisticated layering while maintaining the polished standards of traditional race-day fashion.

Judging Criteria

By Fashions on the Field Coordinator,
Amanda Katsadoros

Seasonal Colour & Fabric

Winter fashion favours deep, dramatic tones and refined neutrals. Suitable colours include black, charcoal, navy, emerald, burgundy, plum, chocolate, ivory, winter white, and metallic accents. Heavier, high-quality fabrics are encouraged, such as wool, tweed, bouclé, velvet, brocade, jacquard, leather trims, and structured crepe. Lightweight summer materials and sheer fabrics are not considered winter appropriate.

Millinery & Headwear

Headwear is essential and should reflect the season. Structured felt hats, wide-brim styles, sculptural pieces, berets, and winter fascinators are ideal. Millinery should be substantial enough to complement heavier garments and demonstrate quality craftsmanship. Pieces must be securely worn throughout judging.

Garment & Layering

Winter racewear allows for sophisticated layering and tailored outerwear. Coats, capes, structured jackets, long sleeves, and coordinating separates are strongly encouraged. Outfits should remain elegant and feminine (or sharply tailored for gentlemen) while providing warmth. Hemlines are typically knee-length or longer, and garments should be well-fitted and race-appropriate daywear — not eveningwear.

Hosiery & Gloves

Hosiery is strongly recommended and should complement the outfit — opaque, patterned, or sheer winter styles are acceptable. Gloves are a classic winter accessory and can elevate an ensemble when chosen thoughtfully.

Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Elegant pumps, heeled boots, dress boots, or refined flats suitable for grass surfaces are appropriate. Footwear should be polished, coordinated, and in excellent condition.

Accessories & Finishing Details

Winter styling shines through attention to detail. Structured handbags, belts, scarves, brooches, refined jewellery, and textural accents are encouraged. Accessories should enhance the outfit’s sophistication without overwhelming the overall look.

Gentlemen’s Style

Gentlemen should present in formal winter racewear — tailored suits, wool sports coats, waistcoats, or overcoats in seasonal fabrics and tones. Ties or bow ties are expected, with pocket squares and hats welcomed. Dress shoes must be closed-toe, formal, and polished.

Overall Presentation

Judges will consider cohesion, quality, originality, grooming, and confidence. The ideal winter ensemble balances warmth with refinement, demonstrating impeccable fit and a clear understanding of traditional racing style adapted for the season.

Embrace the glamour of Winter — bold, polished, and unmistakably race day.

NQ Classic Derby Day – Derby Classic

With a black and white palette, Derby Day may just be the most chic day of the racing calendar!

The stripped back theme allows for more creativity than you think. Whether you go with a monochromatic look or a delicate lace, this day is about attention to fine details.

Judging Criteria

By Fashions on the Field Coordinator,
Amanda Katsadoros

Lady of the Day
Lighter materials should complement and be seen throughout the outfit with originality.
  • Appropriate length of dress/skirt – must be knee length or longer.
  • Shoulders can be shown, no cleavage.
  • Shoes can be open (no thongs/wedges).
  • Hosiery optional (gloves can be held or worn).
  • Headwear is essential – seasonal materials (straw, sinamay, acrylics, feathers, metal & leather).
 
Gentleman of the Day

Attention to detailing with presentation and accessories to complement the overall look.

  • Two or three piece suit required, accessories such as pocket square, lapel flower/pins, cufflinks and tie bars can be used.
  • Tie, tailored shoes/boots and socks essential.
  • Headwear essential – straw, panama , seasonal materials.
Best Millinery

Fully complement the outfit by style/design using current trends using appropriate seasonal materials.

 

Couple of the Day

Couples should fully complement each other with accessories in the Black & White colour palette.  

Overall appropriate race day grooming and presentation is essential for both persons.

Headwear is essential.

Melbourne Cup – Bright, Bold & Beautiful

Melbourne Cup is your time to go all out, show us your style & personality through your outfit.  Be Bright, Be Bold, Be Beautiful…

Judging Criteria

By Fashions on the Field Coordinator,
Amanda Katsadoros

Lady of the Day

Lighter materials should complement and be seen throughout the outfit with originality.

  • Appropriate length of dress/skirt – must be knee length or longer.
  • Shoulders can be shown, no cleavage.
  • Shoes can be open (no thongs/wedges).
  • Hosiery optional (gloves can be held or worn).
  • Headwear is essential – seasonal materials (straw, sinamay, acrylics, feathers, metal & leather).

 

Gentleman of the Day

Attention to detailing with presentation and accessories to complement the overall look.

  • Two or three piece suit required, accessories such as pocket square, lapel flower/pins, cufflinks and tie bars can be used.
  • Tie, tailored shoes/boots and socks essential.
  • Headwear essential – straw, panama , seasonal materials.
Best Millinery

Fully complement the outfit by style/design using current trends using appropriate seasonal materials.

 

Couple of the Day

Couples should fully complement each other with accessories in the Black & White colour palette.  

Overall appropriate race day grooming and presentation is essential for both persons.

Headwear is essential.

HOT TIP OF THE DAY: 
The competition is all about being yourself. Let your personality shine … smile and have fun!

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD PREMIER SPONSOR – LADY OF THE DAY & FILLY OF THE DAY

Laser Clinics Australia - Major Sponsor

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD MAJOR SPONSORS

MOJO - our official afterparty sponsor and destination
Quest Motels - Major Sponsor
Starcut Flowers - Major Sponsor