fashion

The 16 items our team is buying for spring racing season.

Westfield
Thanks to our brand partner, Westfield

Spring is finally here and that means two things: racing season is almost upon us, and our wardrobes are in need of an update.

Neither of these things need to cost you an arm and a leg, so we’ve put together three different racing outfits using three different budgets. Let the race inspiration begin!

Michelle Andrews. Outfit budget: $300.

My style is what I like to call ‘minimalistic glam’. Of course, that sounds way more fashion-forward than what it actually is – it’s also known as ‘I want to look fancy without putting in much effort or washing my hair’.

Given I spend 93 per cent of the year in black skinny jeans, I relish the chance to get dressed up. ESPECIALLY when it’s racing season.

My problem is this – I want to stand out without looking like I want to stand out. This season, I’m all about block colours in earth-toned hues – rich reds and deep purples make me freakin’ giddy.

Lucky for me, the Westfield SS16 collection is packed full with beautiful block colours so finding a great races outfit for $300 was no problemo!

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"This season, I’m all about block colours in earth-toned hues - rich reds and deep purples make me freakin’ giddy." Image: Mamamia.

Sheike Claudia Maxi dress - $149.95.

This dress is Giving. Me. Life.

I’m obsessed with the slinky, strappy look and that wine colour. The lattice detail on the back is eye-catching but subtle, and makes me feel like I don’t need to pile on the accessories. Win.

To browse more maxi dresses available from Westfield, click here.

Portmans  Leaf Headband with Pearl Trim   - $39.95.

I’m not a huge fan of big, elaborate fascinators, so give me an understated head piece and I’m all yours. This tiara is dainty enough to match the thin straps of my dress and will look amazing with a messy bun ‘do.

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To browse more headpieces available from Westfield, click here.

Colette by Colette Haymen Gloria Clutch - $24.95.

I love pairing gold with crimson colours, so I just couldn’t go back this chic clutch.

To browse more clutch bags available from Westfield, click here.

Novo Londrina Heel - $59.95.

These heels are the perfect height for a day out, and tie in beautifully with the gold on my head piece and bag. They really bring the whole look together.

To browse more heels available from Westfield, click here.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm Rose Plum - $21.00.

I’ll be keeping my makeup fresh and low-key, so what better than this tinted, nourishing lip balm? The rose-plum shade will provide the perfect final touch.

To browse more lip balms available from Westfield, click here.

TOTAL: $295.80.

Natalia Krslovic. Outfit budget: $400.

This year has marked a turning point in my personal style. Previously a girl who was happy to rock jeans and vans to almost every occasion, I’ve been exploring my softer side with more feminine cuts and prints. Spring has finally sprung and it’s already infiltrated my wardrobe: florals are everywhere.

What better way to usher in the sunny season than dressing up for a day out on the green with my girlfriends and a glass of bubbly. Here’s what I’ll be wearing this racing season.

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"I’ve been exploring my softer side with more feminine cuts and prints." Image: Mamamia.

Talulah ‘All I Need’ Midi Dress in Floral - $220.00.

I have a huge weakness for prints, so stepping out in this Talulah floral number is a no brainer for me. I’ve already fallen in love with its open back and delicate spaghetti straps.

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To browse more floral dresses available from Westfield, click here.

Sportsgirl NYC Heel - $79.95.

Every woman should have a great go-to pair of nude heels in her wardrobe and I think I’ve just found mine. These simple strappy heels will complement the vibrancy of the dress, while their chunky stems will mean I won’t be sinking into the grass come race day. Plus I’m sure I’ll be wearing them to death this summer.

To browse more nude heels available from Westfield, click here.

Forever New Anna Asymmetric Rose Fascinator - $59.99

This light pink rose fascinator is young, fun and goes perfectly with the dress. If you’ve got long hair like me, this headband will also keep your strands at bay should the Spring wind make an appearance on race day.

To browse more fascinators available from Westfield, click here.

Witchery ‘Amelia’ Coin Purse - $29.95.

When it comes to going out, the one thing I can’t stand is having to tow around a huge clutch. I mean, where do you put it when you sit down to eat or visit the ladies’ room? On the table? On the floor? This pretty in pink coin purse is the perfect solution – big enough to hold the necessities, but small enough not to be a nuisance.

To browse more coin purses available from Westfield, click here.

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The Body Shop lip gloss in Lychee - $4.95.

While the floral print takes centre stage of this outfit, all this look really needs is some fresh, natural-looking makeup. This tinted lip gloss from the Body Shop will give you a pop of colour to polish off your look.

To browse more lip glosses available from Westfield, click here.

TOTAL: $394.84

Candice Mehta-Culjak. Outfit budget: $500.

Here’s a fact I never thought I’d admit to publically: I look to Charlie Brown for fashion advice. It’s not so much his trademark bumble bee chevron sweater that I look to emulate but rather his unflinching ability to shake off fads and remain the best and most comfortable version of himself.

There’s a certain beauty in settling into a sartorial cookie-cutter and for me that cookie-cutter has always been a neutral palette of black, ecru, and off white. So, when it came time to pick out an outfit from Westfield for the upcoming Spring Carnival all I had to ask was, “What would Charlie Brown do?”

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"What would Charlie Brown do?" Image: Mamamia.

Bardot Marlena Strap Cami - $40.00.

Like discovering an obscure cheese for the first time (stracciatella, anyone?), wearing separates feels like an incredibly well kept secret. And if you, like me, are looking to break your co-dependent relationship with the dress, this decidedly feminine camisole happens to be an excellent place to start.

To browse more camis available from Westfield, click here.

Saba Nicola Culotte - $99.00.

True or false: too few women wear pants to fancy-pants occasions. I’ll answer: true.

To browse more culottes available from Westfield, click here.

Tony Bianco Atkins Heels - $199.95.

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Black. Strappy. Heels. Need I say more?

To browse more stilettos available from Westfield, click here.

Mimco ‘Our Watch’ Inspire Pouch - $99.95.

With 100 per cent of all profits from this clutch headed towards ending violence against women and children, you’ll know that you’re part of the change. And it also happens to be damn practical for tucking away your racing form guide.

To browse more women’s clutches available from Westfield, click here.

Bardot Thin Velvet Choker - $16.95

With this choker coming in at just $16.95, I am officially giving myself permission to dip my toe into the proverbial trend-driven pool.

To browse more chockers available from Westfield, click here.

The Body Shop Skinny Felt Eyeliner - $19.95.

This time around I’ve decided to leave the fascinator at home because, as they say, ‘le freak, c'est chic.’ Think of it as wearing navy to an all-white party - all you really need is a sleek cat eye and a polished ponytail to stand out from the pack.

To browse more eyeliners available from Westfield, click here.

TOTAL: $472.41.

What are you loving for this years' spring racing?