How to Create An Affordable Spring Racing Outfit 

Can you believe Spring is only nine days away? Spring is my absolute favourite season – warmer days, flowers, parties, weddings and of course spring racing. Although I don’t get to the races too often anymore, I really enjoy watching the fashions on the field and getting right into the trends for the year. (Read my older posts on spring racing here.)

This year I thought I would create an affordable look from head to toe, to show that you don’t need a lot of money to create an unique, on trend and comfortable outfit that will win in the fashion stakes. (PS. Stay tuned for my tips on what to wear to spring races for men.)

I’ve also compiled some of my best tips to create a spring racing look.

My top tips for what to wear to the spring races (on a budget): 

• Know the dress code, and if there is a specific colour or flower that lends to a theme, work to that.
• Start with one item you really love (it can be either a dress, top, skirt or headpiece) and work the rest of the outfit around that.
• Please try a hat or headpiece. I know they can add extra $$$ to your outfit, but there is so few opportunities to really wear headwear or hats these days. And I’m a bit of a sucker for tradition. There are many affordable options out there – I’m wearing one below!
• Dress to the occasion and be respectful of tradition (without being boring!). Very short dresses, cut outs, mesh and see through garments have their time and place but I don’t think the race track is one of them. There are always exceptions to the rule, but I tend to err on the conservative side when dressing for more special occasions or to dress codes.
• Consider hiring a designer dress. Companies like Glam Corner offer designer dresses for hire for a great price – check Glam Corner’s under $100 hire section. (Side note: I’ve actually hired a dress from this company for an upcoming wedding, I’ll let you know how it goes in a future blog post.)
• Buy a simple dress that can be glammed up with headwear and/or jewellery. That way you can always wear the dress again. Try a block colour midi dress for ultimate versatility. Try Little Party Dress, ASOS, The Iconic, St Frock, Billy J Boutique or Lace n Heels for great dress options.
• If you’re not a dress gal, try a midi skirt and top, sleek pants and a gorgeous top or even culottes.
• Block heels and low-mid heels are right on trend and are perfect for the races. You’ll be on your feet quite a bit and will likely be standing on grass.

2016 spring racing trends
This year’s spring fashion will see a whole LOT of pastels. Arguably the biggest colour this year, dusty rose pink will be HUGE, as will neutrals and lilac. If you’re not a pastel gal, white is also very on trend, and rich emerald green, navy and red will also be big. If you’re looking for texture, you cannot go wrong with lace, or floaty, boho styles will be right on trend to. And say hello to oversized sleeves and off the shoulder shapes. For headwear, floral crowns, metallics and panama or boater style hats will be big news.

2016 Melbourne Cup Carnival
The four major race days in the Melbourne Cup Carnival are:
AAMI Victoria Derby Day: 29 October
(Black and white, offical flower is the cornflower.)
Emirates Melbourne Cup: 1 November
(Major race day, go for modern and fun, offical flower is the yellow rose.)
Crown Oaks Day: 3 November
(‘Ladies Day’, offical flower is the pink rose.)
Emirates Stakes Day: 5 November
(Family friendly day, relaxed glamour, offical flower is the red rose.)

My outfit
When I looked to create an affordable spring racing outfit I started with the headpiece – I just loved this gold lily piece by emerging local designer Emma Alice Headwear. I then came across this gorgeous dress at Lace N Heels boutique and at $69.95 I thought you couldn’t really go wrong – this dress will also look great with sandals for any relaxed (yet polished) spring or summer occasion. The headpiece ties in with the floral design of the dress and the colours work back well. I’ve paired the outfit with neutral accessories – simple block heels and a dressier box clutch from Colette for affordable glamour. (A box clutch dresses up an outfit which could otherwise be considered quite casual.) What do you think?

*Lace n Heels Mabel dress AUD$69.95 {I’m wearing a 10}| *Emma Alice Headwear lily headpiece approx AUD$50 – contact for prices | *Betts heels AUD$79.99 {I’m wearing size 7}| Collette clutch AUD$34.99

Do you like spring racing season? Have you been to the races lately? What did you wear?