Australia’s political heavyweights laid it all out on Wednesday night at the Midwinter Ball in Canberra.
Thigh-high slits, dazzling sequins and plunging necklines were popular with the ladies, with some nailing their eye-catching outfits more than others.
Political commentator Peta Credlin, human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, Bill Shorten’s daughter Georgette and Jim Chalmers’ wife Laura were among the best dressed of the night.
Liberal Party deputy leader Sussan Ley, independent Helen Haines and Animal Justice Party member Georgie Purcell were not far behind in their beautiful dresses.
Georgette shorten
Bill Shorten’s 21-year-old daughter stole the show with her glamorous ensemble.
The young blonde showed the party room how to be daring without losing elegance with a shiny silver dress with a plunging neckline.
She also proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look good: her dress sells for $60 at Zara.
Georgette Shorten proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to be the queen of the ball when she dazzled in her $60 dress.
Georgette opted for simple accessories: she wore antique gold dangling earrings and a shiny clutch.
She wore a trendy furry coat and completed the look with bright red nails for a pop of color.
She wore her hair up, with a few slightly curly strands left loose to frame her face.
Jennifer Robinson
Human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, who has been described as Julian Assange’s saviour, looked angelic in a floor-length cream Zimmermann gown.
Human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, who has been described as Julian Assange’s saviour, looked every bit as elegant in a floor-length cream gown by Australian designer Zimmermann.
The Victorian-inspired satin gown, which cost $1,500, featured long sleeves and a neatly cuffed neckline.
The 43-year-old opted to add a light gold belt and wore three delicate bracelets and simple, pointed-toe shoes to complete the look.
She wore her blonde hair up in a bun and kept her makeup on with a natural, shiny look.
Georgie Purcell
Georgie Purcell, 30, a member of the Animal Justice League, took a risk by opting for a dramatic black dress with a thigh-high slit.
The sleeveless satin dress allowed the Victorian politician to show off her profusely tattooed arms and legs.
Georgie wore her hair slicked back, an ode to the fleeting wet look trend of 2022, and opted for a simple gold necklace and earrings.
Georgie Purcell, a member of the Animal Justice League, took a risk with her dramatic black dress that showed off her tattoos.
She completed her look with a pair of striking ultramarine blue heels.
Fans also couldn’t help but notice Georgie’s other accessory – her new partner, Labour MP Josh Burns, who clung to her arm like a tight handbag for the photos.
Peta Credlin
Peta Credlin proved she still has what it takes in the most expensive outfit of the night: a stunning $1,300 sleeveless gown by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance and Cartier rings.
The political commentator cut a relaxed and confident figure as she smiled for the cameras.
Peta Credlin proved she still has what it takes with the most expensive outfit of the night
The 54-year-old opted for a natural, on-trend makeup look and wore her hair loose in curls.
The dazzling outfit was elegantly finished off with a fine gold watch and clutch bag.
Sussan Ley
The Liberal Party deputy leader dazzled in a tight velvet dress by Australian designer Carla Zampatti.
The $1,050 dress fell gently over the 62-year-old’s shoulders, floating just above the floor.
A striking hammered gold button highlighted the asymmetrical neckline and added a point of interest to the otherwise classic look.
Liberal Party deputy leader Sussan Ley dazzled in a tight velvet dress by Carla Zampatti
Sussan kept the accessories light and opted for a single pair of large gold hoops that perfectly matched the gold button on her dress.
She opted for loose curls and a pair of simple black heels to complete the look.
Amelia Dobson
Banking executive Amelia Dobson stood out for all the right reasons in her stunning buttercup yellow gown.
The 38-year-old, who attended the ball with her long-term partner David Littleproud, stood out as one of the best-dressed women there.
Bank executive Amelia Dobson stood out in her buttercup yellow dress
She wore her hair in tight curls and did not wear any extra accessories that night.
Helen Haines
Independent MP Helen Haines also looked stunning in a gold dress as she stepped out at the ball.
She wore a thick gold bracelet and wrapped a black fur stole around her shoulders to protect her from the cold.
The 62-year-old wore her grey-blonde hair down but blow-dried it into a big wave for the evening.
Independent MP Helen Haines also looked stunning in a gold dress.
Laura Chalmers made sure all eyes were on her on Wednesday night when she appeared at the Midwinter Ball in Canberra.
Laura Chalmers
Laura Chalmers made sure all eyes were on her when she… She showed off her style credentials in a $3,375 ensemble as she posed alongside her husband, Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
The journalist wore a pale blue Rebecca Vallance dress valued at $1,500, which had been altered to better suit the mother of two’s taste.
She opted to keep her accessories minimal, carrying a $150 Oroton clutch and completing the look with a pair of $1,725 beige Le Silla heels.
She wore her long blonde hair for the event and added a bold lipstick to her otherwise natural makeup look.