Before last year's Fashions on the Field, couture designer Craig Braybrook declared the event had become so "professional" – the domain of serial entrants – that a novice couldn't possibly win.
And then one did.
Reading The Age – and Braybrook's prophecy – on the eve of the Spring Racing Carnival, Emily Hunter didn't fancy her chances. Despite only being 28, Hunter wrote a bucket list; entering fashions on the field was high on the list.
Wearing a dress sewn by her mother, a custom millinery creation and killer heels, Hunter found herself progressing to the top 10, then the national final. Before she knew it she was walking away with a new Lexus and hundreds of thousands in prizes. The beginners' curse had been broken.
Still, as fashions on the field moves to its new home at The Park, the 10,000-square-metre public "playground" at Flemington, the question is being asked whether "regular" folk will make it a quinella.
Half the story is already written. The state finalists include a first-time entrant whose previous experience is limited to country events, and four regular entrants. So again, it will be up to Victoria to pull a debutante out of the boater hat.
Myer fashions on the field ambassador and judge, model Stephanie Claire Smith, thinks the launch of The Park, where fashions on the field is located, will encourage more impromptu and last-minute entrants to the competition.
Hunter, who works as an executive assistant at a not-for-profit, said the win was not only a huge buzz for her and her family but also for her hometown of Grenfell, in country NSW.
"I just don't think I have the personality that I could ever be prepared for it. I am a bit shy and get a little overwhelmed with the attention. I am not one to be the star of the show," she said.
Still, it takes confidence and a big smile, as well as the right outfit to win.
Fashion bloggers and previous judges Jess and Stef Dadon, of How Two Live, said accessories are often favourites with the judges.
"The girl who won the year we judged was wearing this amazing red outfit – she had this amazing red Chanel clutch. A red hat, which matched her belt, shoes. She didn't miss anything out," said Jess.
Stef said that newcomers have a greater challenge but it's not impossible for them to win "but you have to be strategic".
They also debunked the myth that you need months to prepare a winning outfit. Leaving it late means you can be more weather appropriate, which is one of the judging criteria.
Hunter said she hopes her win encourages first timers to enter, so long as they don't have an expectation of walking away with the grand prize.
"It's about more than the prizes, it's about meeting likeminded people and seeing the fashions up close," she said. "It's like a living work of art.
"It is about how much of your heart and soul you have put in your outfit ... no amount of styling or planning can beat that look someone has when they are truly happy with how it's come together."
Tips for taking home the trophy
You don't have to spend a mint on every item: Emily Hunter won last year's final with a $3 clutch and her sister's earrings, paired back with bespoke millinery and a dress her mother made from Italian fabric.
Be weather appropriate: If it's pouring rain, strappy sandals will not impress the judges. Similarly, pay attention to hemlines and necklines – balance creativity with tradition.
Start with your accessories: Jess and Stef Dadon suggest entrants start with their millinery and almost leave the dress until last.
Research past winners: Google past winners and see what ties them together and what the judges are likely to look for.
Know the judges: They change each year so research their personal style and see what's likely to make them tick.
Don't hold back: According to Stef Dadon, "You want to be a little OTT with it. Once you are among the other contestants the last thing you want to be doing is blending in."
