Cold and drizzly conditions have done nothing to dull the revelry and glamour at Melbourne Cup as punters arrived early to nab the best spots trackside.

Racegoers clad in bright dresses, loud hats and sharp suits rushed through the gates of Flemington Racecourse early on Tuesday, more than six hours out from the famous race.

Friends Tiffany Price, Linda Kerr and Tamara Farrelly were overjoyed with the atmosphere after cruising down from Sydney to attend the race for the first time.

Clad in sleeveless dresses, the trio quickly came up with a plan to stay warm: drink plenty of beer.

"It's about the look, not about how cold you are," Ms Price told AAP.

While many men took the chance to flex their fashion muscles, Wayne Fernance left his outfit up to his wife and ended up with a bright p

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