But longstanding Victoria Racing Club members and Fashions on the Field devotees are concerned any dilution of dress codes will do more harm than good.

Emma Scodellaro, 44, is a veteran of fashions on the field and says the Facebook group she runs for competition enthusiasts, It’s All About the Sash, “went crazy” after the Jockey Club announcement in the UK. “Let’s hope it doesn’t happen here,” she said. “Even though racing fashion people move with the trends and push the boundaries, they are still traditionalists at heart. People are scared the [dress] standard in the members will lower. They don’t really manage that when you are there - at Flemington they do - but at some, pretty much anything can get into the members.”

However, Scodellaro acknowledged that more needed to be done to attract young people to both the races and fashions on the field, which has a largely over-30s demographic. She thought relaxing the dress code on some days, but not during Melbourne Cup week, could be a good compromise.

“People should be encouraged to embrace their personal style, with some guidelines,” she said.

Public relations consultant and VRC member Tara Bishop says she enjoys seeing people putting their personal stamp within the confines of the members’ dress code. “I know ties are not de rigeur in many places at the moment, but I still like seeing them worn at the races.”

Though Bishop agrees with the sentiment for change. “If relaxing a few rules makes people feel more comfortable … that can’t be a bad thing. I am confident many would still opt for the dressier end of the sartorial spectrum.”

Neil Wilson, chairman of the VRC, says the club regularly surveys its members and the majority want stricter, not looser, dress regulations.

“The overwhelming feedback we get from the vast majority is that they want the dress code to be at least what it is and some are asking for us to make it tighter,” Wilson told RSN radio earlier this month.

“Our members’ area is compulsory, so people are not allowed in if they don’t meet the dress conditions, and they know that when they sign up as a member.”

But Wilson says Flemington is big enough to cater for everyone. “It’s a choice that you can make at Flemington,” he said.

“You can come to Flemington and find a spot and wear what you wish, everything from chicken suits on Cup day which we see each year … right through to very serious and very formal wear with top hats and tails.

“This talk of ‘fans want this’, well our fans as members want to be in a place where people are complying with the regulations that are commensurate with what they consent.”

A spokeswoman for the VRC said there are no current plans to change its dress code, though it does make some exceptions on days when the forecast is in the 30s. She also emphasised that there are no dress requirements in general admission areas of the track.

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Scodellaro said if racing organisers want to attract younger people to the sport, dress codes were only part of the issue. She said organisers need to look at encouraging more families to attend, and also to better address education about equine welfare among Generation Z. “When you’re in the inner circle [of racing] you know how well the horses are loved. But some younger people may just see the outside issue and not delve deeper.”

Wilson said he also feared what any changes would mean for Australia’s fashion industry. “Racing is actually a fashion category worldwide, and it’s a massive economy, and it’s very important to our industry that there are milliners and designers that work exclusive in the racing area,” he said.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival accounted for $51.9 million in retail sales, including fashion ($34.1 million) and grooming, according to the VRC’s annual report released this week. It estimates more than 230,000 fashion items were purchased by people attending the races.

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