Kelly claimed the title in a hotly contested category of Fashions on the Field in a two-piece outfit by Acler, with a matching bespoke wide-brimmed boater by Hat'itude in Kyneton.

Winning in Bendigo meant Kelly achieved her ultimate goal, after entering Fashions on the Field competitions for about three years.

"It's a great feeling - I was very shaky when they announced my number," she said.

Read more: Bendigo Cup 2019: All the results and the colour

Kelly entered her first competition at the Kyneton Cup and has since discovered a community of race day fashion lovers.

Fashions on the Field was also an opportunity to dress up and be creative, she said, and putting together the outfit was the fun part.

The millinery and Lady of the Day sashes were claimed by the same woman, Rai Jones, in her first time at the Bendigo Cup.

Her look was the unanimous favourite among the judges when deciding the Lady of the Day.

Rai's Love Lotus headpiece of cherry blossoms held special meaning for the Essendon resident, who is in just her second season of race day fashion competition.

"I lived in Japan, I met my husband there, and we got married under the cherry blossoms," she said.

Rai wore a dress by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz.

Elegant Lady of the Day went to Jacqueline Kibbis for the second year in a row.

This year she sported a monochromatic pink outfit, based around the hat she mad herself. "I just like the bright colours this year," Jacqueline said.

Flashback: Take a look at the 2018 Bendigo Cup Fashions on the Field

Meanwhile, Nathan Strahan from Rose River was deemed the best-dressed of the blokes, winning Man of the Day.

This was Nathan's second time at the Bendigo Cup and his second Fashions on the Field sash at the event, having also won back in 2017.

"I'm a diesel mechanic by trade, so it's a good excuse to get dressed up... It beats overalls. Can't beat a day at the races, either," he said.

This year's Fashions on the Field also included a People's Choice award, which was taken out by last year's Man of the Day, Michael McAlpine.

Michael, who sported a white and mustard-striped jacket, said he was "ecstatic" to have been chosen as the crowd favourite.

Judges had a difficult task when it came to determining the winners of this year's Bendigo Cup Fashions on the Field.

There were dozens of entrants across the five categories, sporting beautiful outfits, dashing suits and eye-catching headwear.

Bendigo milliner Belinda Smith sat on the judging panel and said she looked for something special when making her determination.

"Just a different look - a whole package, but something to make it a little unique," she said, adding that small touches and grooming were also considered.

Judge Clare Casey agreed, using the example of Lady of the Day winner Rai Jones as someone who brought a little extra something that endeared her to the panel.

But Belinda said there were "quite a few really beautiful outfits" in this year's competition, among both the women and men.

"It is incredibly hard and you really appreciate the effort (the entrants go to)," Clare added.

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