Place Your Bets: Can We Find the Perfect Racing Outfit for Under €100?

The race season is far from over with the biggest one yet to come.

The Galway races being a week long festival also means some serious fashion. Whether you want to wear the latest trends, the hottest Irish designers or wear something you already have, fashion is always a priority at the races. But I'm a firm believer in getting the look for less where we can, so I've put together my favourite look for this year's races for under €100. What? Yes, it's all about the bargain.

• Let's start with the dress - €49

I found this beauty of a dress currently available from iclothing. Not only is it a sweet shade, it's the shape that hooks me. The a-line is a universal shape and the fact that this has a nice textured fabric makes it more interesting. And take note of the diagonal panelling along the torso to bring the eye in and flatter the waist line. This has a longer length which goes below the knee. This one needs a heel to elongate the calves!

• And now for the shoes - €24.99 (total so far, €73.99)

Getting comfortable shoes, which are stylish and not too expensive is quite the challenge. So I decided to try out the comfort of new styles from some of our favourite high street shops and decided on these block heel slip ons from New Look.

The heel isn't too high, très importante for being on your feet all day. Added bonus is that they are nude (they are a little lighter in colour in real life) and the silver adds a bit of detail. You could also go for a pink-ish nude shoe or a metallic with the dress if you wish!

• What about the hat? We've only €26.01 left to spend?

Now you can have a search for a summer sale bargain in the shops where most of the occasion wear collections are significantly reduced. But I prefer the timeless option. This might look like a summer beach hat, but it can be quickly transformed. Get yourself this hat or a similar one from Penneys (you can always go for a tan or taupe straw hat to pick out the shoes) for just €5. Then pop to Hickeys or even the stationery section of Easons and get some baby pink ribbon to match the dress. Swap out the cord on the hat as it is for the ribbon and tie a pretty bow at the back. Leave the ribbon nice and  long so it' hangs down the back. DIY! The ribbon should cost about €2.99

• Accessories! Ah thanks to hat DIY we have €18.02 to spend!

Keep these to a minimum and let the dress do all the talking. I see far too often that we tend to over embellish our oufits which draws attention away from the beauty of the outfit. With this colour, and to balance the look, try light silver or rose gold shades to complement it. I like to layer up chain bracelets (a la Olivia Palermo) to create a dainty look. You can pick these up at Parfois, New Look, River Island or Penneys for less than €10.

So it's doable! And, this look is not just for the Galway Races, it's perfect for a wedding too.

Do you think it's worth seeking out the bargain or splurging on a race look? Share!!