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Score a Spring Racing outfit for under $100

vinniesThe Spring Racing Carnival is an iconic fixture on the Australian social calendar – it’s also notoriously expensive.

According to a study by ME Bank, 21 per cent of racegoers plan to dip into their savings or borrow money to cover the cost of a day out.

• Australia’s best blogger on how to create the perfect Spring Racing look

Meanwhile, 13 per cent of people don’t know how they will pay for race day and seven per cent are relying on their winnings to fund their spending.

Along with the price of transport, alcohol, tickets and food, buying a new outfit for each of the days of the Spring Racing Carnival can push your budget well into the hundreds.

The pressure to look put-together, fresh and on-trend can be high as men and women vie to claim a coveted fashions on the field prize and strict attire rules are enforced.

But is it possible to look chic on the cheap?

We show you how to nab a top-to-toe look – hat, bag, shoes, dress – for under $100…all from your local op shop.

Outfit one: Derby Day

IMG_1356

Jacket and skirt: $49.25

Top: $8.25

Hat: $13.25

Clutch: $14.25

Shoes: $14.25

TOTAL = $99.25

Tips: It’s great if you can score a two-piece outfit because it removes the pressure of having to match everything.

Be on the lookout for skirt and top combinations or even pantsuits – often they are cheaper because they are sold together.

If you find an outfit with a retro vibe, embrace the vintage feel and accessorise with some throwback pieces, like this quirky turban.

Outfit two: Oaks Day

races outfit 2

 Dress: $13.25

Headpiece: $7.25

Clutch: $7.25

Shoes: $22.25

TOTAL = $50

Tips: Pick a colour scheme before you start shopping so you have some guidelines to stick to when sifting through the endless racks of hidden treasure.

Look out for a colour or pattern you love and then everything else will fall into place.

If you find footwear tricky, aim for a shoe in a neutral tone like beige, nude or pale pink. It will match pretty much everything.

Outfit three: Stakes Day

races outfit 3

Dress: $29.25

Headband: $10.25

Shoes: $8.25

Clutch: $9.25

TOTAL = $57

Tips: Let’s be honest – you’re not going to fit everything in the store. You might be too tall or short or your feet might be too big to fit some shoes. Take it as a challenge and let it lead you.

If a pair of statement shoes are the perfect fit, build your outfit around them so they stand out.

People often ditch clothes or shoes that they feel are too eye-catching or loud for them to wear on a daily basis. Luckily, the races are the perfect time to show off so don’t be scared to try things you wouldn’t normal wear – like these electric blue shoes.

After all, the money goes to charity so you can’t really go wrong!

Outfit four: Melbourne Cup Day

races outfit 4 .

Dress: $35.25

Hat: $14.25

Shoes: $13.25

Clutch: $11.25

TOTAL = $74

Tips: Often the dresses you find on the racks of a secondhand store are from a different decade, so the cuts may be better suited to a different silhouette or look.

Don’t be deterred if something isn’t sitting right – with the money you’ve saved on clothing you can afford to take something to a tailor for a slight alteration.

Similarly, a quick dry clean will remove any marks or stains that could be worrying you about your secondhand purchase.

Just ensure it isn’t too big of a job otherwise you could end up busting your budget.

Outfit five: Cox Plate Day

races outfit 5

Skirt: $32.25

Top: $4.25

Hat: $29.25

Shoes: $8.25

TOTAL = $74

Tips: Sometimes, the easiest way to craft an outfit is by picking a focal point and keeping it simple elsewhere. If you buy a really formal skirt or jacket, you can afford to wear simpler, more casual clothing.

Pairing this dramatic skirt with a simple singlet is a shortcut but it still looks cohesive and classic.

Having fun with your outfit and wearing playful accessories will lift any old secondhand clothes and make them look brand new.

TOTAL FOR ALL FIVE OUTFITS = $354.25

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