The Wodonga woman said she was honoured to be chosen up against such impressive, and young, competition.

“It’s so nice to win, because we’re older and it’s lovely to be recognised,” she said.

“I thought I would be too old to enter.”

Ms Robinson’s win was made even more sweeter by the story behind her red and black floral fascinator.

“I bought my headpiece online through Facebook and it’s a brand called princess petals, from Tasmania,” she said.

“It arrived in a foster’s box, without beer.”

Winner Marilyn Davis from Bendigo was just as surprised to win – on stage, she admitted she was unsure her cream dress matched her headpiece, made by milliner Angie Jackman.

“When she told me it was red, I said ‘I would have never thought of that’, but that’s why she’s doing the millinery and I’m not,” she said.

“I’m very surprised I won.

“My daughter was competing in the Lady of the Day, so we thought, we’re travelling such a long way I would try too.”

While her daughter, adorning a beautiful on-trend green lace dress and feather headpiece, just missed out on the finals.

At the end of all three competitions, there was still a slice of $41,000 worth of prizes to be won – this year a well-dressed reveller was chosen for a mystery prize.

Kate Schlig from Brocklesby caught the eye of the judges in a blue-grey embellished dress.

“The dress is Alannah Hill, I found the dress it last year and the rest just fell together – then I discovered the hat, which is from New York and it’s authentic 1950s,” she said.

“The hat is velvet, which is very in this season, and I put it together with gloves, so you could say its Pairs or Audrey Hepburn style.”

Ms Schlig is no stranger to style, but this year decided to spectate.

“I really enjoy watching the fashion,” she said.

“I used to compete, but for the last two years I’ve just stepped back, relaxed, had a few champagnes and enjoyed the day.

“I think (the mystery crowd prize) is a great idea – you can still win even if you don’t have the confidence.”