Haskell Fashion on a Budget

Triple Crown hero American Pharoah is headed to Oceanport, N.J. on August 2 to compete in the prestigious Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. If you’re planning on heading to the Shore’s Greatest Stretch to see the champ in person, I’ve put together a few race-ready outfits to have you looking good at the track without breaking the bank. Every piece in the sets below is $50 or under, so you can plan an outfit and still have plenty of cash left over for cocktails, a bet and a souvenir of the afternoon.

15Haskell01 by penelopemiller featuring uv protection glasses
If you’re an American Pharoah fan, it can be fun to show your support by using the colors of the big horse’s silks in your look. I started with a beautiful turquoise peplum dress by Pink Queen for $22, and added the vivid gold Akira sandals ($15) and a 4EHats fascinator ($43.99) to recreate the distinctive Zayat Stables colors. Accessorize with a $28 white Luc Luc handbag, a silver cuff by Nordstrom for $38, a fabulous pair of vintage-inspired shades for $13 by Bolt and finish everything off with a swipe of this $4.50 Pout crimson lipstick. All together, this look will run you $164.49, leaving you plenty of dough to play the ponies!

15Haskell02 by penelopemiller featuring gold wristwatches
Beachside racing is the perfect time to show off a bright sundress and statement hat; that’s why I chose this $44 Pilot UK frock and added a $4.98 Hee Grand wide-brim topper. The Serrv straw handbag ($44) complements the dress, and I accessorized with a resin necklace for $30 from Express, a watch for $20 by Merona and a killer pair of $28 lavender wedges from Qupid. Don’t forget the sunnies ($9.99, Necessary Clothing) and you’re off to the races for just $180.97.

15Haskell03 by penelopemiller featuring leather sandals
Hot summer days mean cool and comfortable clothes, and the racetrack is no exception to this mindset! I love this floral skirt ($21, Maykool) and $14 River Island crop top. A pair of flat sandals ($29, Dorothy Perkins) will keep you on your feet and the $34 Luc Luc bag adds a pop of color. The cage-style bracelet ($9.90, Look Book Store) keeps things modern and the $20 River Island sunglasses are a perfect finish to this $127.90 outfit.

15Haskell04 by penelopemiller featuring crystal earrings
Maxi dresses are my thing: I wear them to as many racing events as possible since they walk that fine but essential (to me) line of being both stylish and incredibly comfortable. This version from G2 is just $12 from Amazon, and it pairs perfectly with the $48 Dolce Vita sandals. Throw anything and everything into this $30 straw Magid bag and keep the sun out of your eyes with a crisp fedora ($18, Junior Amici.) Up the boho vibe of the dress with some silver jewelry; I used this cuff ($21, Dolls Kill) and earrings from LAUREN by Ralph Lauren for $41. All together, this look totals $170 from top to toe.

15Haskell05 by penelopemiller featuring hair fascinators
I always love a pencil skirt – there’s something so chic and ladylike about them, and they’re timelessly stylish and almost universally flattering.  This pink version is available on eBay for $12.82, and I paired it with a $16 floral blouse from SheInside. The Wild Diva shoes are a $35 take on the famous, covetable, and ridiculously expensive Valentino Rockstuds; and I added a $49 Mark Ceil handbag plus a Monsoon fascinator for $28. Keep the look high-fashion with cat’s eye sunglasses ($8, Go Jane) and finish everything off with a $30 chain necklace from River Island. The whole ensemble will run you $178.85, which should leave plenty of betting money for the afternoon!
Bonus: Morning workouts

15Haskell_Morning by penelopemiller featuring a brown purse
If you want to go to the track in the morning to see American Pharoah for a pre-Haskell workout, comfort is key here. A good pair of jeans (2Luv, $31) and a pair of Chucks ($50) are a perfect start; I added a T-shirt for $18 from ChicNova plus a $15 J Tompson hoodie to  ward off a dawn chill. Grab a cross-body bag (I love this one for $44 from Accessorize.com) and don’t forget your free Haskell hat courtesy of Monmouth Park! All together this look is $148 (but it’s very easily recreate-able with the contents of almost any closet!) A camera to capture memories is a must, and a huge coffee to perk you up is highly recommended.
I hope you enjoy the Haskell Invitational; and remember, if you can’t make it to Monmouth Park on August 2, you can tune in on NBC to watch the race on the Road to the Breeders’ Cup series leading to the World Championships this fall!