SOME of country racing's most colourful characters may not know one end of a horse from the other. But they sure can dress to impress.

Following close on the hooves of the actual horses, Fashions on the Fields is the second most important feature of every country race meet.

"It's a fabulous competition," long-time Fashions on Fields judge Annie Dawson says.

"It's wonderful to see young men and women putting so much effort into looking good."

The glamorous public relations consultant from the Sofitel hotel in Melbourne has spent more than 10 years judging the fashions at country and metropolitan racing cups and says she has had an "absolute ball".

Annie's colleague, guest relations manager at the Sofitel, Terence Murphy, grew up in Casterton and has always loved country racing.

"I would go along to the Dunkeld and Casterton Cups as a kid," Terence says.

"Country race days are such a great experience and really help to rekindle old relationships."

Working alongside Annie, Terence says he was amazed by the ability of Fashions on the Field to fuse art and fashion together in a fantastic display of community spirit.

"It's a really good way to be seen and, my god, you can see how much time they put in to their outfits," Terence says.

Terence and Annie judged at this year's Casterton Cup and Terence says the winner was a "pretty young lass" who oozed a "naturalness that clearly wasn't contrived".

And fashion isn't just for the young fillies.

Best dressed at last year's Ballarat cup was local lad Zoy Frangos who outshone the girls in a persian blue, vintage Soho suit.

"I didn't plan to go in it, but I thought, 'hell, why not, it's a great prize'," Zoy says.

After taking out the Ballarat Fashions on the Field, Zoy went on to win last year's inaugural overall Country Racing Victoria's Fashions on the Field competition.

The only male in the running, Zoy received 40,000 online votes, coming up clear winner over the 25 other cup finalists from around Victoria.

Winning a trip to last year's Dubai Cup and a total prize pool of more than $10,000, Zoy says he is definitely glad he went in the competition.

"It's a good extra thing for people to get involved in," Zoy says.

Taking his fashion fame overseas Zoy entered the Dubai Cup Fashions on the Field but says he didn't quite fit in.

"It's a lot different to the Aussie event," Zoy says.

"In Dubai it was all rich older men and their younger women.

''Sugar daddies.''

Zoy says he will stick to the Victorian competitions and maybe try his luck at the Ballarat Cup again this year.

"It's good to wear a nice suit and strut your stuff and, who knows, you might impress a few girls along the way."

Annie agrees with Zoy that the prizes are worth the effort and says that more young men should get involved.

"It's really nice for girls to come on the arm of a well-dressed man," Annie says.

With this year's Spring Carnival peaking at a frenzy this month, Annie and Terence have well and truly scoured the fashion scene here and overseas to stay ahead of the latest trends.

"This year it's all about the 'hatinator'," Terence says.

"It's a pillbox with feathers protruding and perhaps some elegant netting.

"No big hats or fascinators.

"And you can't just get away with sticking a flower or a feather in your hair."

During her 10 years as judge, Annie says she has seen the trends change from a more classic, elegant look to today's far more edgy outfit designs.

"It's a pity," Annie says.

"Racing fashion has moved into cocktail dresses and we are seeing fewer tailor-made garments."

But Annie says this is the result of a general fashion trend and that just about any outfit can still be made extremely glamourous and elegant.

Both Terence and Annie agree though that the No. 1 rule on race day is that the fashions be weather appropriate.

"It's ridiculous to see a tiny silk dress on a rainy day," Terence says.

"And the shoes should always be in keeping with the outfit," Annie adds.

"An elegant shoe can really set off the entire ensemble."