Launceston fashion expert Sue Rees' number one tip for navigating the nation's biggest horse race was for women to wear comfortable shoes.

"Even if the weather is warm you've got to wear them for a long time. New shoes can be much less comfortable than a pair you've worn before," she said.

"Women are getting smarter and taking bigger bags to pack a pair of flats. Over the years, I have seen many leaving the course carrying their shoes."

Fascinators will be larger than in previous years, but Ms Rees said many punters would swap them for brimmed hats, or headbands known as Alice Bands.

"Florals are very much in, I noticed that when I was overseas in September and it's very feminine," she said.

Coordinating accessories can make a $50 outfit look like a $200 outfit, Ms Rees said.

But she always warned putting on "everything but the kitchen sink" could make a $300 outfit look like a $50 one.

"The woman coordinate so well, everything right down to their shoes and accessories are beautiful," Ms Rees said.

Although all eyes are often on women's fashion, Ms Rees said the men's racing wear had come a long way in recent years.

"They are so accessorised now, it's beautiful," she said.

"Their shoes and ties go well beyond the traditional suit."

Ms Rees pick for the Melbourne Cup is Mirage Dancer.

Sue Rees Modelling and Deportment Academy model Liana House was dressed in an off-the-shoulder, straight-line classic floral dress with a 7/8 sleeve by Kachoo Style owner Jodie Farquhar.

Ms Farquhar said this year's Cup fashion would be dominated by floral patterns.

"The Melbourne Cup is all about individual style and standing out," she said.

"There's lots of bold colours, but it won't be so much about the colour standing out, it'll be all about floral."

Ms Farquhar said having individual style and dressing uniquely was the best way to stand out.

"It needs to have wow factor," she said.