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MYER Ambassador Kris Smith says it is "mind-blowing" the work Ballarat racegoers put into making pieces for their outfits.
Competitors' home sewing, millinery construction and crafty modifications impressed Mr Smith in his Fashions on the Field duties yesterday.
"You could've lined everyone up and ask me who made their own clothes and I wouldn't have known," Mr Smith said.
"There are a lot of very talented people in this competition."
The former rugby league international-turned-model was guest judge for the Myer Fashions on the Field, which featured sashes for best millinery, Lady of the Day, Local Lady of the Day and Man of the Day.
This was Mr Smith's first visit to Ballarat and he was unsure what fashion style to expect.
"The fashion here's really good. Every time I come to a country town, I am never sure how much effort people will put in and every time I am blown away. Always an amazing effort goes in," Mr Smith said.
"It's been nice to watch and lots of fun."
Experienced metropolitan campaigners were out in force but regional ladies held their own in the fashion stakes.
Neon and bright colours dominated the Ballarat style palate with bold floral prints.
Mr Smith said most fashions competitors pieced together really interesting outfits - but he was keen to ensure combinations were still race appropriate in competition.
Similar fashion trends continued through the marquees and spilled onto the lawns with cool pastels also a key feature this spring.
Sequins added spark to some outfits and loose, flowing skirts were also favoured.
Warm weather brought out short skirts in full force - some a little too short for a day-time event.
Comfort was the key, especially on the public lawns where some clever ladies packed a stylish pair of flats to alternate with their outfits.
Men were generally stylish and sunsmart with hats, most to match their suits. Some simply went for t-shirt, jeans and baseball caps.
One trio opted for sombreros to contrast their Hawaiian shirts.
"We're dressing down for the hot weather and we didn't want to dress up the same as everybody else," Rodney Owen said.