It’s all about red for Anna Heinrich, Jennifer Hawkins and Bec Hewitt at the 2016 Melbourne Cup. Pictures: News Corp Australia

From florals to fascinators, the Cup is all about colour, character and couture.

Jennifer Hawkins looking red hot at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins led the red trend in a pants suit by Australian designer Misha Collection, paired with a wide brimmed Melissa Jackson Millinery hat.

The 32-year-old former Miss Universe said she decided to go with a red hot pant suit because it’s “something different”.

“The cup is about having some fun. Derby Day is a bit more classic, but for the Cup everybody lets loose,” she told news.com.au

“I think the fashion rules are a bit relaxed when it comes to pants now, but I still think they can be really classic and traditional. And it’s like 1970s and I love it.”

And the back. Picture: Julie KiriacoudisSource:News Corp Australia

Lindy Klim jumped on the red bandwagon for the Cup. Picture: Julie KiriacoudisSource:News Corp Australia

Not quite red, but Elsa Pataky, wife of Chris Hemsworth, dabbled in hues of orange and pink and a black brimmed hat. Picture: Julie KiriacoudisSource:News Corp Australia

Fellow Myer ambassador Rachael Finch, who is pregnant with her second child, said she loved Hawkins red hot “sexy” look.

“I love the suit look. I think pants on a woman is incredibly sexy and it’s modern and new aged,” she told news.com.au.

“It’s sexy, it’s beautiful and it’s comfortable as well.”

Rachael Finch showed off her baby bump in a emerald green skirt and top ensemble by Jonathan Simkhai. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.Source:AAP

Finch, 28, veered away from the fire engine red, and instead showed off her baby bump in an emerald green skirt and top ensemble by Jonathan Simkhai, and golden crown by Viktoria Novak.

While we’re used to seeing loads of bare flesh at the Spring Carnival — I mean, if this year’s Derby Day is anything to go by — but the ladies attending the Cup have opted for midi-hemlines, brimmed hats and of course a wash of pink and red hues were clearly the colour of choice.

The Bachelor's Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich in the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy.Source:AAP

Jodi Gordon looking stunning in pink for the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for the VRCSource:Getty Images

Jodi Gordon opted for a pretty pink frock by Marina Didovich, and a bow by Kim Fletcher Millinery.

Bec Hewitt got the red frock memo, and wore a stunning floral dress and matching bomber jacket by Christah Lea.

Bec Hewitt looking red hot for the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Media-ModeSource:Media Mode

Red is a winner: Mel McLaughlin at the Emirates Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

Jessica Gomes left the colour at home and instead went for a black and white look for Melbourne Cup. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.Source:AAP

Earlier this week, Emma Freedman — the daughter of five-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Lee Freedman, placed her tips on what to wear when it comes to Australia’s biggest race day event.

Michelle Payne pretty in pink. Picture: Julie KiriacoudisSource:News Corp Australia

David Panton and Julie Bishop at the 2016 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Christian GillesSource:News Corp Australia

“There has been a definite resurgence in ruffle dresses, whether it be the whole dress or just parts of it, such as a sleeve or a hem,” the ambassador for Australian fashion label Rebecca Vallance told news.com.au

Nadia Bartel went for a blue frock as she entered the Lavazza Marquee. Picture: Julie KiriacoudisSource:News Corp Australia

“Lace frocks are always a popular option too. I think lace is a wonderful option as it is feminine, delicate and has a formal touch to it.”

As for millinery, so far the cup is all about the fascinators. With Jodi Gordon, Mel McLaughlin and even Kate Waterhouse opting for subtle crown-like headpieces.

Kate Waterhouse in the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day wearing Gucci. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.Source:AAP

Check out all the frocks from the 2016 Melbourne Cup below:

And for the best and worst from the general public: