Tutus, grey suits brighten Derby Day

There have been a few tweaks to tradition on Derby Day with full tutus, grey suits and boater hats making their mark.

Usually a black and white affair, those who chose black were regretting it as soon as the midday sun shone down on Flemington racecourse.

The heat wasn't an issue for Neighbours star Olympia Valance, who was tucked away in the Emirates marquee far from the elements.

She was sporting a black long-sleeved lace dress with a full tutu skirt.

"The dress is so big that it's all about the dress for me today," she told AAP.

For the men, grey was the in colour for suits, with black pocket squares or ties keeping with the theme.

Comedian Andy Lee left his outfit to the professionals but wasn't game enough to sport a hat.

"I'm nowhere near cool enough to pull off a hat," he said.

"We leave that for the Osher Gunsbergs of the world."

While headpieces were the most popular choice for headwear, numerous black boater hats were spotted around the birdcage.

Bec Hewitt was sporting the on-trend hat at the Lavazza marquee.

There wasn't much colour - that will be saved for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.