Oaks Day LIVE: Fashionistas flock to Flemington as Swan Tom Papley bumped from Tabcorp guest list

Giddy up ladies, it’s Oaks Day! Day three of the Melbourne Cup carnival is up and running at Flemington with a more civilised start as gates open to the track at 11.30am.

Fillies dressed to the nines are streaming onto the course for what is traditionally ladies’ day, where high fashion, frocks and florals are the order of the day.

Rain overnight and into the early morning are clearing, with blue sky starting to peek through.

While the champagne is already on ice in the Birdcage, some of us are still getting ready.

There’s a certain thrill (and, sure, anxiety) that comes with leaving big decisions to the last minute. If you’re heading to Flemington this morning and still haven’t decided what millinery to pair with your outfit, here’s some expert advice that will help make the choice a little easier.

If you’re wearing something floral today, Natalie Bikicki, award-winning milliner and founder of Natalie Bikicki Designs, recommends matching your millinery to one of the less obvious colours in the print.

“It often creates a more interesting result than matching the dominant shade,” says Bikicki. “With a busy floral, I’d usually choose a clear, sculptural shape to give the eye somewhere to rest.”

Leo Lin, founder and creative director at Leo Lin, agrees. “Let the dress lead,” he says. “With one of our hand-drawn florals, choose clean, sculptural millinery, like a pillbox or simple brim, that picks up one colour from the print. With a solid pastel, let the headpiece shine.”

Now, go get dressed – the day is about to begin.

Good morning and happy Oaks Day! I’m Gyan Yankovich, lifestyle editor at The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, and I’ll be reporting on all things fashion, all day.

Officially known as the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s home of style, Oaks Day is more than a chance to exercise your right to dress head to toe in pastels, it’s a celebration of the joy of racewear.

The Fashions on the Field finals will be held today, with Best Dressed and Best Suited winners crowned in the grand final this afternoon. Registrations open at 11.30am and close at 12.30pm, so there’s still time to throw your hat – metaphorical or otherwise – in the ring.

G’day everyone and welcome to our Oaks Day live blog as we take in the fashion, style and fun from this wonderful race day.

I’m Roy Ward and I’ll be tapping away as our excellent fashion and CBD reporters bring you all the big moments and styles.

First race is 1pm AEDT but we will have plenty to come before then.