Pastels, colour, fun and flirty looks and old style glamour are also tipped to make appearances.

And it looks to be fascinators and hatinators – not hats which are the preferred headwear of local women.

Oasis Fashion and Wedding World part owner Lisa Reddicliffe said the store seemed to be selling more classic cuts than anything else.

“Most people seem to be reverting to more fitted classic lines – although there are still girls that like fun, flirty and short numbers,” she said.

“The other thing we’re seeing is lots of colour. We sold a lot of black and white for Derby Day and now people seem to be going for blues and corals.”

Mrs Reddicliffe said fascinators had been walking out the door.

She said this Melbourne Cup day people could expect to see the girly element.

“There will be a lot of frills, layers and ruffles which we haven’t really seen in previous years.”

Step with Style owner and Mount Isa Race Club Melbourne Cup Day lunch committee member Janelle McGregor said she expected the cup to be a bit of a mixed bag.

“Girls are coming in with maxi dresses, and short dresses, plain and floral, dark and light. So it’s very mixed. What we are seeing is lots of pastels. Pale pinks, greens and red have also been popular.”

For those looking to plan Melbourne Cup Day celebrations today, lunchs will be happening at the Mount Isa Race Club, Livingstone’s Restaurant, The Isa Hotel, The Barkly Hotel, Town Leagues Club and The Irish Club.