4 Affordable Melbourne Cup Outfit Ideas | Spring Racing

Spring racing season has just snuck up on us this year, hasn’t it? I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older (possibly) or because I now have two kids (probably) but the years just seem to fly. Around this time every year I do a bit of a spring racing ideas feature, just in time to give you some Melbourne Cup outfit ideas. Today I’ve got four little looks I think you’ll like – all affordable and a little bit different, and perfect if you have a Melbourne Cup event to go to – whether it’s a work function, at the race course, catching up with girl friends or heading to a restaurant style event, I’ve got some inspiration for you. All of these would also work well for the other spring race events too.

In terms of trends this year, headbands, flowers and subtle headpieces are very on trend; in addition to hats of all descriptions. I’ve featured three dresses and a skirt and bodysuit combo, however if you want to step outside the box a pants-suit or jumpsuit would be amazing and very on trend this year.

I always advocate for headpieces because really, there’s so little opportunities to wear them in modern life, however I’ve also included an outfit without a headpiece this year. I think some gorgeous statement earrings are a fab stand-in and especially if you’re going straight from work – or straight back to work – it’s a nod to the day without feeling too over the top. What do you think – are headpieces a must?

Also, I’m currently 22 days in Frocktober (the spotty dress in look four is my dress for today) – if you’d like to sponsor me by donating to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation I would be ever so grateful! My page is here. 

Look 1

Races with the girls

Dress: *Billy J Valentina dress AUD$75 {I’m wearing 10 and I am 158cm tall}
Headpiece: Colette AUD$10.20 
Earrings: *Ruby and Lilli AUD$14.95 (black sold out)
Heels: Senso from Gumtree
Bag: *Colette, sold out however this one would also work AUD$39.99

Look 2

Straight from work

Dress: *Little Party Dress Crush dress AUD$69.95 {I’m wearing 10} 
Heels: *FRANKiE4 Alana heels in blush AUD$219.95 {I’m wearing 7}
Clutch: Colette, similar here AUD$34.99 
Earrings: Colette AUD$14.99 available in store, these AUD$5.39 are also great

Look 3

The dressy event

Bodysuit: *SheIn bodysuit AUD$19.38 {I’m wearing M}
Skirt: an oldie from the archive, similar here at ASOS AUD$50  
Heels: oldies, similar here AUD$42
Headband: Colette AUD$9

Look 4

Casual spring racing event

Dress: *You Rock Style Audrey dress AUD$89.95 {I’m wearing 10}
Heels: Target, not current, similar style here AUD$50
Hat: K Mart, not current, similar here at Dotti AUD$29.95
Bag: Rubi, not current, similar here AUD$25

*gifted

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click to buy I may earn a small commission however you do not pay any extra. 

What do you think – would you wear any of these? Do you have a Melbourne Cup function to attend?