A fascinator, the right accessories, a stylish pair of shoes - racegoers are still searching for the ideal outfit for the Cairns Amateurs.
Our essential guide to Cairns Amateurs Carnival | High fashion stakes for Cairns Amateurs | Cairns Amateurs targets young members | Arrive at Cairns Amateurs in a helicopter | Fashion lesson from not so amateur designers | Amateurs tent city pops up | Full-strength beer back on agenda for some at Amateurs | Corks pop as Cairns gets Amateurs party started
Last-minute shoppers are keeping stores busy before the racing carnival starts.
Tea Lily store owner Trish Kerr was run off her feet yesterday by women keen to look good for the big social event.
"We're very busy," she said.
Ms Kerr said racegoers would keep shopping until Saturday morning for a hat or a last-minute change of jewellery.
"People can spend anywhere from $89 to over $1000," she said.
"This time of the year is about a celebration of what we do in the fashion industry."
Shopper Karen Jervis, who was looking for an outfit yesterday, said she went to the Amateurs every year.
"I like a bit of a punt and we see everybody we haven't seen for the year because everybody goes to the Amateurs," she said.
Ashlea Harvey said she spent "too much" on her racing outfit, which she hopes will win Fashions on the Field.
"I only got my shoes today," she said.
And racegoers can leave their umbrellas at home because sunnier skies are forecast over coming days.
Weather bureau duty forecaster Doug Fraser said "very isolated" showers were expected over the carnival with skies clearing during the day.
"There's not much rain over the next few days, just the odd shower," he said.
