Melissa Leong Turns Heads in Salmon Cut-Out Dress
The former MasterChef Australia judge wore a dramatic side cut-out gown to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Fashion
Melissa Leong wore a salmon-coloured dress with a side cut-out and a dramatic folded neckline to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday. The sleeveless look also featured a white fluffy embellishment on one shoulder.
Why it matters
The appearance drew attention to Leong, who departed MasterChef Australia in 2024 and has since moved into other television work. Her fashion choices at the event are a visible example of the bold styling seen at Australia's most prominent racing occasion.
The dress was salmon-coloured with a side cut-out and a skirt falling to the ground, worn at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday. The extraction does not name the designer or retail price of the garment.
The players
Melissa Leong
Australian television personality and former MasterChef Australia judge who later hosted the spin-off series Dessert Masters.
Flemington Racecourse
Racecourse in Melbourne that hosts the Melbourne Cup, one of Australia's most prominent horse racing events.
The details
Footage shared to Instagram stories showed Leong receiving a last-minute beauty touch-up before posing on a staircase in the Lexus marquee inside The Birdcage. She later hosted the spin-off series Dessert Masters after leaving the main MasterChef programme.
Timeline
2022: Leong had a blow-up with the MasterChef hair and make-up team.
2024: Leong announced her MasterChef departure on Instagram.
Tuesday: Leong attended the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.
Fashion Tradition
The Melbourne Cup has long been a showcase for bold fashion, with attendees using the Flemington Racecourse stage to make statements. Leong's salmon-coloured cut-out dress follows that pattern of visually striking race-day dressing across Australia.
For readers planning their own race-day outfits, the look shows how a bold cut-out and statement neckline can be styled for a formal outdoor occasion. The sleeveless design and embellishment offer a practical reference point for those selecting Melbourne Cup attire.
The takeaway
A single statement piece such as a side cut-out or embellished shoulder can anchor a complete race-day look without requiring elaborate accessories. The choice reflects how standout details can carry an outfit at high-profile outdoor events.
Further reading
Explore more on Fashion trends from across Australia.
