The event usually brings in dozens of participants to Bendigo to show off their best outfits.

But with spectators banned from the racecourse due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Bendigo Jockey Club is encouraging residents to dress up and post a photo from home.

Marilyn Davis usually attends the Bendigo Cup with her daughter to compete in Fashions on the Field.

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She posted photos to social media with the hashtags #bendigolocalfotf and #CRVfashionsoffthefield to participate in this year's event.

"I didn't decide until the night before I posted the photos," Mrs Davis said. "I'm not very tech savvy but people were saying I should."

Mrs Davis said while she was disappointed she wouldn't be able to attend the racecourse on Wednesday, she would be watching the race from home.

"We love the races and the Fashions on the Field community is a really lovely group of women and men," she said.

"They are like a big family. They're very welcoming and all very happy for everyone who has success."

Teagan Hall is also participating in the online competition wearing a dress and fascinator from her aunt Natalie Sullivan.

"I did Fashions on the Field last year for the first time and I loved it," Miss Hall said. "One of my friends was doing the virtual Fashions on the Field and she messaged me that I should enter.

"I thought I would give it a go. I messaged everyone wondering if they had any dresses and my aunty came over.

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"She gave me a few dresses and I found the red one which I loved."

Kelly Carty will be one of the judges for the Bendigo Fashions off the Field. She said there were a range of prizes on offer, which would be worth more than $3000 in total.

Mrs Carty said the event, which would be open to entrants until Sunday evening, was a great way to have fun for the Bendigo Cup.

"Who doesn't like getting dressed up for the day?" she said. "I love feeling like a princess, especially when we've all been in activewear for so long.

"It can be so much fun putting an outfit together and taking some beautiful photos of yourself. You can be so creative and bring out your personality a bit. So have some fun and enjoy the happy moment."

Mrs Carty said more information about Fashions off the Field could be found at country.racing.com/bendigo/bendigo-cup/fashions-on-the-field

The Bendigo Jockey Club will announce the winner of the event on Monday.

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