The ground was gravel at some points, asphalt or grass at others, and one group of young women were schooled in their high-heel gait by a member who called ''heel-toe, heel-toe'' as they promenaded.
Some of the men, meanwhile, looked a little uncomfortable and out of place in their suits, a beer in one hand, a race guide in the other.
But the Wingatui Melbourne Cup day in Dunedin was not just a social event and a chance to wear skimpy clothes on a cool day, there was racing too, even if it mostly occurred in the background.
Otago Racing Club chief executive Hannah Catchpole said students had ''come out in force'' and the crowd was well-behaved.
The event had been overhauled last year, and this year was about ''fine-tuning and tweaking''.
On fashions exhibited on the day, she described them as ''a mixed bunch''.
''We've got some fantastic colours. I have to say the students are making me feel a little cold,'' she said.
Sergeant Kevin Davidson, of Mosgiel, said the event had been ''a very quiet, well-behaved day''.
About six people were thrown out, and there were three arrests for minor matters.
One was a minor assault, and the other two for trespass, after people tried to re-enter after being thrown out.
Compared to previous years, crowd numbers were down, but behaviour was better.
''It was really, really good.''
Ms Catchpole said about 3500 to 4000 people attended.
On crowd behaviour, she said patrons were learning they would be asked to leave if intoxicated.
Vernetia Cairney, of Dunedin, won the Fashion in the Field event.
Organiser Joe-Anne Gorman described it as ''one of our better years, very creative and colourful''.
