The Melbourne Cup is one of the most hotly anticipated days on the Australian social calendar. The race that stops the nation has people all around the country dressing up in their best fashions to attend race tracks, restaurants and functions to celebrate the big day on the first Tuesday afternoon in November.

While the day is mainly about the running of the race that stops the nation, as it is known, the fashions on the field draw just as much attention from the punters as the horses do. It is the best opportunity in the whole year to get glamorous for an outdoors event.

The fashions that show up at the race track have become more than just a chance to show off, since 1962 they have been a competition with the VRC Fashions on the Field event almost as much of a focus as the actual race. Each year there are several categories of dress that have prizes awarded to those judged the best fashions. It is a prestigious event that draws international sponsors.

From simple beginnings in the sixties the fashions at Melbourne Cup now attract attention from global fashion industry figures at the event attracts celebrities from all over the world. These days the major sponsors of the event are Myer department store and Emirates Airlines and it has become the most glamorous outdoor event in Australia.

Besides the ladies fashions it is also an occasion to lash out and treat yourself to a lavish luncheon and let the champagne flow freely. Australia's best restaurants and venues are booked out on this day for Melbourne Cup lunches where people come to celebrate together and watch the race on a big screen. In order to get into your preferred location, you need to be organized and book your seats well in advance.

The race is held at Flemington horse racing track and there are a great many tents and marquees that are sponsored by major businesses and allow people to mix business with pleasure. But there are also a number of private tents where regular folk are able to glam it up for the day too.

Each year more than $140 million is bet on the Melbourne Cup in Australia alone and each year the figures seems to be growing. The race has been operating for almost 150 years and it shows no signs of slowing down yet as Australia continues its love affair with the first Tuesday of November. For a day of sophistication like no other Flemington is the place to be and if you can't be there then glued to the TV screen is the next best thing.