Unexpected 80s-inspired gown wins best dressed at Melbourne Cup

It’s the race that stops the nation but you’re not alone if you think that the crazy hats and fancy fashion are just as important.

Before we even woke up this morning, thousands of punters were dressing themselves to the nines in hopes of making this year’s “Best Dressed” list.

While hundreds of famous faces flooded the Flemington racecourse for one of the biggest dates on the Australian calendar, it was a newcomer who took home the big prize.

Holly Stearnes from Melbourne wowed the judges and went on to become the Myer Fashions on the Field winner for 2017.

 

SO SO OVER THE MOON to win the Myer Fashions on the field on Melbourne Cup Day!!! Thanks to @fabfemme_australia for my beautiful millinery!! Interviews on Channel 7 and 10 tonight!!! #melbcupcarnival #myersfashionsonthefield #myerfotf

A post shared by Hols (@hollystearnes) on Nov 6, 2017 at 6:41pm PST

We have to admit that we’re loving her 80s-inspired frock.

Stearnes opted for a $560 pastel pink and yellow Nicola Finetti dress.

In addition to her classy makeup, the beautiful blonde topped off her look with an incredible pink fascinator and practical pair of gold heels.

 

SO SO OVER THE MOON to win the Myer Fashions on the field on Melbourne Cup Day!!! Thanks to @fabfemme_australia for my beautiful millinery!! Interviews on Channel 7 and 10 tonight!!! #melbcupcarnival #myersfashionsonthefield #myerfotf

A post shared by Hols (@hollystearnes) on Nov 6, 2017 at 6:37pm PST

In second place was Carle Rutledge, who turned heads in an eye-catching blue and orange number.

Last year’s winner Oliva Moor, who wowed crowds with a homemade design, came third this year.

 

Today’s winners! ???? L-R 3rd, @oliviamoor 1st, 2nd @madamhat #melbcupcarnival #myerfotf #fashionsonthefield #springcarnival #racewear #racingfashion #bestdressed #racingstyle #millinery #hat #flemington #melbournecup #ontrackontrend

A post shared by ontrackontrend (@ontrackontrend) on Nov 6, 2017 at 5:25pm PST

Read more: Homemade dress wins Melbourne Cup Fashions on the Field

Of her win, Stearnes could hardly contain her excitement.

She took to social media with a series of posts to explain how much the win meant to her.

“SO SO OVER THE MOON to win the Myer Fashions on the field on Melbourne Cup Day,” she gushed.

She also posted a photo of her with a TV interviewer and encouraged her followers to tune into the evening news to catch her look in full.

Read More: All the best looks from the Melbourne Cup

Fans online agreed that Stearnes deserved her win.

One person on Instagram wrote: “Well done Holly!! Very exciting for you, lovely lady.”

Another comment read: “Such a superstar! So deserving beautiful.”

A third fan added: “Knew you had it in the bag.”

What did you think of the fashion at this year’s Melbourne Cup? What’s your go-to dress for a special event?