If you caught a glimpse of Emely Nott's latest fascinator at Wellington Boot weekend, you might have noticed a bird in it wearing a hat that matched Emely's dress.
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It is this attention to detail that the Wellington-born film producer is renowned for at the Boot.
She combs Sydney for months to get her ensemble ready, finding accessories everywhere from op shops to the Sydney markets where she met her favourite milliner years ago.
She also believes that while you can reuse a dress, it's always worthwhile to splurge on a fascinator.
Her Sydney friend Marissa Takemoto goes for a newer look and one of her pet hates is mixing patterns.
"I don't like three different patterns. It is one of the things that really gets on my nerves. My 15 year-old brother is learning to date and I am teaching him what he should and shouldn't wear," she said.
In both the city and the country the pair have seen the highs and lows of fashion, including one ensemble that involved a teal crop top, leopard-print skirt and bright orange high-heeled shoes.
Their biggest tip is to dress for your body type and leave your shoes on at the races.
Judge of fashions on the field, Sharon Lenton (from Sharon Lenton Events) picked Sara Jackson's ensemble as her favourite of the day, declaring her winner of the ladies' 18-35 section.
"I just love going to the races. Living in Bourke there aren't many opportunities to get dressed up," Ms Jackson said.
Like Ms Jackson, Ms Lenton said the races were one of the few places in Australia where people still dressed up.
"This is what fashions on the field is all about," she said.
"The races are a place where ladies can dress up as ladies."
