Fashion on a Budget for the Big ’Cap
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The Santa Anita Handicap (known as the Big ‘Cap in horse racing circles) will be shown on Fox Sports1 on March 8, and if you’re going to the races that day you want to be camera-ready … without breaking the bank. Below are three looks that are perfect for a day of top-notch Thoroughbred action at the Great Race Place for those of us who are sticking to a budget.
Our first outfit recalls the geometric abstract art of the 1960s with decidedly modern twists in California-inspired bright colors. The dress, which is Chiara Fashion, is $15; the booties, which are $33, are from Body Central. The bag has gold accents which pick up on the details of the shoes and is $35 from Target. I love the vintage-looking chain link of the $15 Chicastic bracelet; the pattern mimics the colorblocking of the dress without being too literal. And the black fascinator, which is $43 from Accessorize.com, is the perfect way to top off this outfit and make it totally race-day ready. All in all, this outfit comes to $141 – not too shabby!
Our second look is pretty similar to something you’ll see me in if we ever run into each other at the races. I love wearing maxi dresses – they’re chic but also comfortable, and if you’re like me and love to wander around then a good pair of flat shoes are your best friends when you’re at the track! Here, the American Eagle tank dress is $45, and I paired it with nautical-inspired sandals from Aeropostale for $20. The Aldo handbag is $45 and lends the look an unexpected contrast in color without clashing. I couldn’t resist the $15 Swell.com cuff, which picks up some of the dress’s colors and plays with the color pallet. The wide belt is $5.80 from Forever21, and it lends the outfit some sophistication as well as helps define the waist in a dress that could be a little shapeless otherwise. Top it off with a groovy pair of Dorothy Parker chandelier earrings for $15 and a killer pair of aviators at $9.99 from ShopZeroUV.COM and you have a complete look for $145.79.
I absolutely loved the pattern on the TopShop skirt here. The grey and white is so chic, and at $40 it’s a steal that can be reused in different looks year ‘round. I paired it with the $25 tomato-colored peplum top from Ally Fashion for a pop of color and to add an interesting shape to the look. The $9.99 two-tone CiciHot sunglasses were so much fun and perfect for the outfit, especially because they pick up and replicate the patent leather shine of the $30 Nine West pumps. The grey and white handbag is $49 from GUESS, and the cuff is $7.99 from IndianBeautifulArt.com – both capitalize on the different shades of grey that define this look without becoming too matchy-matchy. All in all, this outfit costs $161.98 – a little more than the last one, but there are so many reusable pieces in this look that I think the cost is justified.
The great news about going to the track is that however you decide to dress, you’re in for a great day! It’s always fun to look your best at the track, and with a little determination (and some well-spent time online) you can score an winning outfit for any style at a price that won’t keep you from playing the ponies.