We've cast our eye over the pics from the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House on Wednesday night and come up with our top looks for the night.
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The Midwinter Ball, run by the Parliamentary press gallery and raising money for charity, is traditionally held in June but the May 18 federal election pushed it into spring this year.
It raised $340,000 on Wednesday night for organisations from Vinnies Night Patrol to Guide Dogs Australia to Careflight, the ball raising more than $4.4 million for charity over the last two decades.
It was also a chance for press and pollies to dress-up.
No. 1 has to be Laura Chalmers, wife of shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers, a former press secretary to Julia Gillard and a mum of three.
Her floor-length gown from Montique was gorgeous and her look fresh and natural.
This is the dress if anyone was looking to also buy it: https://www.montiqueclothing.com.au/products/rosetta-floral-gown
"I absolutely loved it - it has pockets!" Laura told us. Got to love pockets.
Coming in at No.2, in our humble opinion, was Labor's Senate Leader Penny Wong, looking elegant in red and black Carla Zampatti. Love the sleeves.
Jenny Morrison, wife of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, absolutely glowing in a Ginger and Smart jumpsuit, a departure from the usual ball get-ups.
Rounding out our top four was Attorney-General Christian Porter's wife Jennifer, not only for her stunning look in sparkling Liberal blue but for also evoking a little bit of retired political fashion plate Julie Bishop.
Jennifer Porter was wearing Rachael Gilbert, the go-to Australian designer for gorgeously glamorous gowns, and also a favourite of Bishop, the former foreign minister.
Bishop wore a Rachael Gilbert dress in similar sparkling blue on Budget night earlier this year.
NSW Labor Senator Kristina Keneally bought her crushed velvet gown "from a vintage shop online for $80".
And special mention must go to Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie who had her Cinderella moment descending the stairs in the Marble Foyer in a gown she bought online.
Senator Lambie looked glamorous in a latte-coloured long-sleeved lace dress, known as "The Mermaid"
She bought it from discount designer website https://www.tbdress.com/
And the Senator definitely made an elegant entrance.
Megan Doherty
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
