Despite the relaxed atmosphere of bush racing, Fashions on the Field competitors are gearing up to turn heads at the 2025 Laura Races on 28 June. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It can get hot and dusty trackside at the Laura Races, but a striking outfit will never fail to shine when thousands of punters gallop through the gates of one of Cape York’s must-do social events on 28 June.
With just over a month to go until fashionistas frock up and the barriers fly open, Fashions on the Field co-ordinator Melanie Morgan said she hoped to see competitors style creative looks suited for the Laura conditions.
“We’re a bit more country, we might be a little more relaxed, suited more for the warmer weather, so it’s our own interpretation of fashions in North Queensland,” she said.
“We love to see something that’s not necessarily been seen before, something that might be a little outside of the box, someone sort of challenging the boundaries.”
Ms Morgan said although the dress code for the Laura Fashions on the Field was slightly looser than its southern counterparts, a beautiful headpiece was essential for a day at the races.
“We want our event to highlight fun, we’re not strict like some other Fashions on the Field competitions,” she said.
“Headwear is one of the things we do say is essential; we like to see some millinery and a cohesive outfit to go with it.
“We do like to see that people have gone to the effort, like their makeup is done, they’ve done their hair, but other than that, the event’s about having fun.”
Sarah Bensted and Jono Bell, who judged the 2024 competition, will be returning to take on the difficult task of choosing which racegoers return home with a sash in late June.
Fashionistas of all ages will have a chance to showcase their unique tastes, with categories split into Little Ones (ages 0-5, boys and girls), Little Miss and Little Mister (ages 6-12), Young Lady and Young Sir (ages 13-17), Lady of the Day (ages 18-39), Golden Lady of the Day (40 and over), Couple of the Day (18 and over), and Dapper Male of the Day (18 and over).
