Throughout the years, the Melbourne Cup Carnival has seen its fair share of fashion missteps, providing plenty of fodder for style critics. The 2024 event was no exception, as it delivered an array of eye-catching and questionable fashion choices.

At the forefront of last year’s infamous “worst dressed” list was DJ Perri Lee, whose outfit seemed more suited for a whimsical fantasy land than the prestigious grounds of Flemington. Known for her distinctive fashion sense, Lee turned heads with her bold ensemble.

She donned a striking bright pink off-the-shoulder dress that cinched at the waist before erupting into a cascade of tulle layers. The dress featured a sheer central panel that daringly revealed her midriff, flouting traditional dress code norms with aplomb.

To complete her fairy-tale look, Perri Lee accessorized with a matching pink purse and a veil adorned with a bow, perfectly echoing the vibrant shade of her dress. Her choice of attire certainly did not go unnoticed, cementing her place in the annals of Melbourne Cup fashion history.

The centre panel was sheer, showing off her stomach as she threw caution to the wind in the dress code department.

The frock was paired with an equally fairy-style pink purse and veil which featured a bow in the same shade as her dress. 

Last year’s worst dressed list was led by DJ Perri Lee, who looked like she took a wrong turn and ended up in fairyland, not Flemington 

Also a shocker was former WAG Brodie Ryan (pictured in 2024), who donned a Leo Lin strapless gown that did her no favours

Also a shocker was now-former WAG Brodie Ryan, who donned a Leo Lin strapless gown that did her no favours.

The satin material reflected the light awkwardly and the floral details distracted the eye.

Her choice of necklace was connected to her hat detailing which confused onlookers and her square clutch went against the look completely.

Brodie did nail her understated hair and makeup look though and appeared naturally elegant despite the awkward hat and dress combo.     

That same year, Melissa Leong embraced her quirky dress code-snubbing style as she headed to the Lexus Marquee in the Birdcage.

The burnt red shade of the Viceta Wang dress suited the 42-year-old, however the off-kilter take on the red colour trend is where the wins stopped for the television personality.

Her navy blue hat and textured maroon bag clashed and her choice of accessories, chain necklaces, looked more suited to a music festival.

The rosettas and frill detailing at the front added to the mismatched textured and almost casual feel to the outfit.

Melissa Leong embraced her quirky dress code-snubbing style as she headed to the Lexus Marquee in the Birdcage last year

But if you were to going to give an awards to the worst dressed Melbourne Cup attendees of all time, it would undoubtedly be Gabi Grecko in first place, who shocked onlookers in The Birdcage in 2014 alongside her then-partner Geoffrey Edelsten 

But if you were to give an award to the worst dressed Melbourne Cup attendees of all time, it would undoubtedly be Gabi Grecko in first place, who shocked onlookers in The Birdcage in 2014 alongside her then-partner Geoffrey Edelsten.

The former prostitute, who enjoyed a romance with the late businessman following his split from wife Brynne, donned a clown-inspired corset and feather headdress.

Strutting through the celebrity enclosure as proud as a peacock, jaws collectively dropped to the floor.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Crystal Kimber made an early shot at worst dressed with an outfit featuring a few too many bows. 

Crystal’s dress, shoes and headpiece were gorgeous as standalone pieces, but there were so many elements it made it hard for any one part to shine on its own.

In 2006, Bec Hewitt surprised attendees in The Birdcage by making a memorable entrance alongside her tennis star husband, Lleyton.

She wore a strange top resembling a boob tube paired with white bike shorts.

Not only did the Home and Away star seem to misinterpret the event’s theme by wearing black and white — colours traditionally reserved for Derby Day — but she also violated the Victorian Racing Club’s strict dress code.  

Crystal Kimber (pictured in 2023) made an early shot at worst dressed list two years ago with this outfit which featured a few too many bows

Bec Hewitt (pictured in 2006) shocked Melbourne Cup racegoers back when she made a grand entrance to The Birdcage with her tennis star husband Lleyton wearing a bizarre boob tube-inspired top teamed with white bike pants

According to the VRC’s website, clothing items such as short jumpsuits, midriff-baring garments, and shorts are not allowed. 

To complete her unconventional outfit, Bec paired the ill-fitting top with a white jacket, black and white sandals and a rhinestone-studded black clutch.

She accessorised with a ruffled fascinator in her tightly curled hair and wore a white Dior watch.

In 2021, champion jockey Michelle Payne donned a monochrome turquoise ensemble that included a futuristic icicle fascinator and a tiered halterneck dress reminiscent of a chocolate box wrapper.  

She looked angelic with her golden tan and elegant updo, but fell short of the mark with her garish colour theme and bizarre accessories.

Meanwhile, Bec Judd, a regular at racing carnivals, has suffered a few fashion disasters in her time, despite her well-known impeccable style. 

In 2009, she made a statement on the Crown Oaks Day red carpet in a unique tulle-covered smock dress that showcased various shades of beige. 

She completed the unforgettable look with a matching beige sinamay fascinator adorned with feathers and lace. 

Champion jockey Michelle Payne (pictured in 2021) made a rare misstep in a turquoise ensemble which featured a futuristic icicle fascinator and a tiered halterneck dress reminiscent of a chocolate box wrapper 

Bec Judd (pictured in 2009) stormed Oaks Day red carpet wearing a curious tulle-covered smock dress in various shades of beige

The Biggest Loser star Tiffiny Hall (pictured in 2014) also wore an eccentric hat to Melbourne Cup Day

Ashley Hart (pictured in 2014) made a head-turning appearance at Flemington Racecourse wearing a blue dress with a strange tulip-shaped peplum that did little to flatter her model figure

Meanwhile, The Biggest Loser star Tiffiny Hall wore a eccentric hat to Melbourne Cup Day in 2014. 

While the personal trainer sensibly made sure to wear an understated frock with the eye-popping hat, many fans were left wondering whether the hat should have been worn at all.

The same could be said about several outfits worn by model Ashley Hart, who is known for her love of wacky race-day dresses and out-there headpieces.

In 2014, the sister of Jess Hart made a head-turning appearance at Flemington Racecourse wearing a blue dress with a strange tulip-shaped peplum.

A year later, she once again landed on the worst dressed list after wearing a dizzily-printed dress with an array of mismatched accessories.