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Simple way to save up to $9k on a Melbourne Cup outfit

Eliza Bavin
·Personal Finance Editor
Updated ·2-min read
A composite image of Australian currency and women wearing colourful outfits at the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
There's still time to nab a fabulous Melbourne Cup outfit without breaking the bank. (Source: Getty)

Aussies are more budget-focused than ever as the rising cost of living puts pressure on our wallets, but just because we’ve had to tighten the purse strings doesn’t mean we have to give up on enjoying ourselves.

And as the build-up to the Melbourne Cup enters the final straight, there are plenty of ways to save and still rock fashion on the field.

In fact, a glamorous $10,000 designer outfit - with dress, handbag, fascinator, jewellery and heels - can be hired for as little as $1,000.

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Luxury dress-sharing platform The Volte’s co-founder, Bernadette Olivier, said bookings “have gone bananas” ahead of race day.

“Sales are up 400 per cent and new dress listings have risen by 600 per cent,” Olivier said.

Olivier said more women than ever were looking to wear a designer dress, but didn’t want to fork out the big bucks to buy one new.

“There’s been a real shift in consumer behaviour,” she said.

Facebook Marketplace also saw a 72 per cent spike in second-hand listings in the first half of 2022.

Breakdown by numbers

The popular Alemais Marion Bodice dress race retails for $645, but can be rented through The Volte for $220 - a saving of $425.

Keeping with the equine theme, the Dior Saddle Bag retails for $5,800 but can be rented for $250 from handbag-sharing platform The Designer Hire spot - a saving of $5,550.

Steal this $1,100 blush pink fascinator from the royal milliner, Philip Treacy, for $300 - saving $770.

New Valentino Rockstud leather pumps retail for $1,490, but they can be hired for just $190 from The Designer Club - saving $1,300.

Chanel CC Crystal Pearl earrings cost $615 new, but can be rented from All The Dresses for just $125 - saving $490.

Cost if new: $9,650

Cost for hiring: $1,085

Savings: $8,535

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