1. Wear a hat.
Spring race wear is all about The Hat. It’s a NO NO to go to the races without a hat. A big, broad brimmed hat that sits on an angle is always flattering. Or try a 70’s style floppy hat, a trilby or a fascinator that makes a statement. Keep away from small, little fascinators. They are definitely not fascinating. Go for a hat that tones in with the rest of your outfit. If you have a dress with a lot of bright colours and prints then go for a simple hat in one colour.. Conversely if you have a simple outfit you can go for a more outrageous multi coloured hat. Keep away from felt hats which are too wintery. Don’t wear a lot of jewellery with a hat. Get rid of earrings, or huge necklaces. Go for simple cuffs, or stacks of bangles up your arm. Don’t wear over the top sunglasses. Keep it simple. That hat should be the focus.

Where to Buy: Remember you don’t need to spend a fortune. If you are on a budget head to Portmans for their cute little miniature top hats that sit perched on the side of you head for $39. Or head to Country Road for their 70’s straw hat and buy a pretty flower brooch to attach to it. Head to Saba, Bardot, Cotton for cute trilbys and try Portmans, Sportsgirl . Mimco and Witchery for cute hats and fascinators.

2. Wear a dress.
A dress is perfect for the races. It’s the season of The Dress so there is an incredible selection of dresses in every store. The only problem? Deciding which one is for you. From over top graphic prints, to pretty floral or chic, simple black the choice is yours. But beware there are a few rules. Keep away from anything too short, too flimsy and anything with too much cleavage. Don’t wear anything that reveals too much flesh. No midriffs or cutouts. It’s not tasteful. Keep to a dress that is knee length or just above. No Maxi dresses. Please. No evening dresses with sparkles. And please nothing see-through. Think about the weather. It might rain so always have a chic stone trench or a jacket at hand to throw on.

Where to buy: Head to Cue, Veronika Maine, Saba, Witchery, Jigsaw, Country Road and Morissey for fabulous dresses.

3. Wear shoes that don’t sink in the grass
Shoes with a heavy or wide chunky heel are hot right now and they are ideal for the races. Go for wedges, platforms or any shoes that are tough and add an edge to a pretty dress. Pointy toe stilettos will just sink in the grass. And they are so out of fashion they are nearly back in. Go for bright colours or patent black. Or try heels in a pretty flesh pink. It’s all about the statement shoe this season so don’t hold back. Be adventurous especially if your dress is simple. Don’t worry about matching shoes and bags. Please don’t wear flats unless you have a good excuse. Please don’t wear thongs. Please don’t wear sheer flesh coloured pantyhose. Go for bare legs or wear black opaque tights worn with peep toe heels- it’s chic de la chic.

Where to buy: Head to Nine West, Mollini, Midas, Mollini and Wanted for fabulous shoes at great prices.

4. Carry a small bag
An oversized clutch or shoulder bag are both perfect for the races. You don’t need or want a big oversized tote. Too cumbersome and too big to lug around. Go for a chic, 70’s style shoulder bag with a chain strap or a simple clutch you can simply tuck under your arm. A small little box clutch is also right. A bag in a bright colour, in patent, or with interesting texture and hardware will add va va voom to any outfit. Again don’t worry about matching bags and shoes. And don’t worry about matching your bag to your hat either. As long as it all tones in together you will be the picture of style. A good rule of thumb is to stick to 3 colours. More than 3 is very tricky and 2 can be too matching. Black and white always looks chic but break it up with a dash of red with a bag or shoe. You will be a winner!

Where to buy: Head to Oroton, Mimco, Midas, Country Road or try Equip for the cheap but chic option.

What: The Dress

Why: Because the dress is the only thing you want to wear this summer. Because this season it’s all about the new femininity and is there anything prettier than a dress? Because a dress is so versatile you can take it from Day to evening in a flash (just by switching accessories.) Because it takes 2 seconds to throw on in the morning. And that makes it a no-brainer.

Which: You need 3 dresses this summer:

1. The little black dress.
Everyone needs a little black dress. It never goes of style. That’s why they call it a classic. Look for a simple shape, a flattering cut and stick to knee length because that makes it versatile. Layer it over white shirt for work, take it out at night by throwing on a statement necklace or try the little black dress with gladiator flats for a casual weekend look.

2. The long floral Maxi dress:
This is the hot piece for summer and it’s something we haven’t seen in years. We love it. It’s easy to wear, covers up white lumpy legs and there is nothing like a pretty floral print to perk up the day.But this dress comes with instructions: Never wear with heels. It’s flats or nothing. Please don’t wear this to the office. Please don’t wear this shopping (14 yr olds are excused). This dress is for the beach, the pool or the backyard BBQ. Keep it simple and forget about jewellery. You may add a chunky brown plaited belt. But remember all that floral is a statement in itself.

3. The bold bright shift dress.
You need a bright dress in a bold colour. It will pop out of wardrobe and bring a smile to all your black. Think of it as you would blank canvas. Then throw on fabulous chunky beads, stacks of bangles or keep it simple. Unadorned. Stick to knee length and go for a simple shape. You don’t want anything too frou frou. Why? Because Ruffles and pleats might be all the rage but they Make accessorising tricky. Throw on clashing wedges and a bright bag. Mix up the colours. Have fun. Isn’t that what dressing is all about?

Stylist Fiona Milne has shopped and shopped to bring us the best wardrobe updaters for the summer season that won't break the budget!

Equip tan bag with gold studs $49.99 (very Balenciaga/Chloe)

Target snakeskin wedges with holes $39.99 (Fendi?)

Target black peeptoe wooden platforms $39.99 (Lanvin)

Cotton on black double buckle wide belt with punched holes pattern $14.95 (LOVE IT..Alaia)

Country Road blue brown disc necklace $49.95 (Marni)

Bardot fringed black and white scarf $39.95 (Balenciaga)

Diva wooden bracelts $14.95 each (Marni)

Bardot trilby $34.95 (groovy!)

Diva pearl and diamante braclets $29.95 each (Balenciaga)

Just Jeans brown leather belt (Miu Miu and Lanvin)

Portmans gold gladiators $39.95 (everywhere!)

Bardot grey oversized cluth $39.99 (Miu Miu, Prada)

What's What have collected some of the most popular questions and relating answers, tips and tricks from our professional fashion stylists. Read on to gain helpful advice that will make dressing, be it for day-to-day or a special event, so much easier and enjoyable.

QUESTION:I am short (5'1) and a size 12 and have trouble finding a look that suits me, any ideas?
ANSWER:The key to dressing when you are shorter is to give the illusion of height through your clothes. You can achieve this by wearing coats, skirts and dresses with a hemline no longer than just below your knee, anywhere in-between this point and your feet will make you appear shorter. The same rule applies to pants - cropped styles will also have this effect while pants with a wide leg that end as close to the floor as possible teamed with a heel will make you appear much taller and leaner. Cropped cardigans and jackets will highlight your waist and elongate your legs. With patterns and prints, choose delicate smaller ones over big and bold as they will be overbearing. And make sure your clothes fit you well- if they swamp you they will just make you appear shorter!

QUESTION: I tend to find almost all pants gape in my lower back. I would love to know of some inexpensive pants that fix this. I have also recently had a baby, so my tummy is not all the fab at the moment either.
ANSWER: Go for a high-waisted style pants. Not only will they hold in your tummy but they are cut to fit your waist as opposed to your hips so they won't gape! Almost all of the retailers are carrying a high-waisted style at the moment so have a try of a few to see retailers cut suits you best.

QUESTION: I'm a column and need advice on how to make my waistline look narrower (smaller) than my hips and existent as I don't have one. Thanx for the help.
ANSWER:There are lots of things you can do to create a more curve at the waist. Wearing belts at the waist over cardigans, jumpers, coat and shirts is the most obvious way. Other ways you can try are wrap style tops and dresses, pleats and gathering at the waist on tops or dresses and jackets that fasten low with a single button and tops with sash details at the waist.

QUESTION: I love belts however I don't seem to be able to find ones that suit me. Is it my body shape or am I not finding the right ones? I’m a cello.
ANSWER:Being a ‘cello’ means you have a short waist, so opt for a thin belt to accentuate a longer waist by wearing it lower on the waist (not under your bust). Avoid big belts are they will only make your waist look shorter. Look out for textured belts such a patent, metallic or snakeskin to give your outfit an edge this season. To eliminate the fuss of wearing a wearing a belt, try wide-waisted dresses with halternecks. The wide waist band/cummerbund will visually lengthen your waist, whilst the halterneck will lift your breasts. Check out Events, Ojay, David Lawrence, Country Road and Myer.

QUESTION: I have put quite a bit of weight on in the last year around middle, also have a 36D bust, what costume should I be looking for?
ANSWER:Choose a halter neck one piece cossie in a single black or a lively floral print with a dark background. Black is super slimming and the floral will distract from body flaws. The halter neck will support your fuller bust and enhance your cleavage appeal. Go for a swimsuit with gathered fabric in the midsection to reduce the appearance of bulges and create the illusion of a defined waist. Look out for matte fabric and avoid shiny metallic fabrics. Check out Seafolly, Jets, Cheetah, One Teaspoon at David Jones and Basque at Myer.

QUESTION: I’m a column with an average stomach and an average bust. I’m looking for swimwear, but not a one piece, that will look good on my figure?
ANSWER:Being a “column” you are perfectly proportioned, so you don’t need to play down any part of your body! Take advantage of strong blocks of colour and have fun with it, so enhance your curves with boldly contrasting asymmetrical patterns. Halter neck or bandeau, are flattering styles for you. Look out for ruching, gathers and padding to create cleavage.

QUESTION: What shoes would go best with a cream lace dress? Im hoping for some shoes which will add youth and fun to my outfit. Hopefully a bright colour?
ANSWER: I love serious heels with a cream lace dress. You can do a bright colour like red or go for black patent which is a hot look for summer. Platforms or wedges are the shoe of the season. You want to break up the prettiness of lace with a more hard edged shoe so go for gladiator style or anything with interesting details such as studs and lacing. Anything in shiny patent is important and anything that adds a tough edge looks young and fun! Try Mollini, Shoobiz, Nine West, Betts and Zu for some fabulous heels.

QUESTION: My whole life I have had to live with these big muscular calves. I have always wanted to wear boots, and after reading Trinny and Susannah they suggest long boots are a must for thick ankles and big calves (my problem) however where do you find boots that cater for large size calves? I have tried on many and the widths are just not wide enough.
ANSWER: Try the Airflex range at Betts as they often do a wider calf. Also try Target, Tony Bianco at Myer, ZU and Diana Ferrari. If you are still having problems take them to a boot maker as they can often re-shape them to fit your leg.

QUESTION: I am 43 and going to a family wedding in Melbourne in September. I have on lay-by a very simple pale pink silky dress and matching jacket. It looks like an outfit Audrey Hepburn would wear. I have a pair of silver grey evening sandals and matching bag already at home. I am clueless with clothes and usually buy something black which I am sick of wearing. I am also suffering midlife crisis. Do you think this outfit will be OK and can I wear sandal toe pantyhose or are they too tacky. I really can't afford to buy more shoes or bags. What jewellery should I wear with it. The jacket has a very simple diamante clip-no buttons.
ANSWER: If Audrey Hepburn would wear it you can't go wrong! To lift the lightness of the pale pink and silver accessories, choose pewter or charcoal jewellery like a diamante cuff or a statement necklace. You can pick these up fairly cheaply from shops like Diva, Equip or Portmans. I would ditch the pantyhose and get a lovely manicure instead. Have a great time!

QUESTION: Can you please help, i have 4 days to get organised for a friends wedding! I haven’t exactly been hitting the gym, and I’m in great need of a "black" dress if you get my drift!. I’m size 12 and quite short.
ANSWER: The LBD - the undisputed must have for every women's wardrobe! Check out some hot styles from Myer & DJ's like Karen Walker - she has a hot style in silk taffeta you can look great in. Or if you are on a budget, check out Cue, Country Road, or even Portmans, which have great dresses in store now. To make that the most of your LBD, check out Diva - they have the most amazing costume jewellery that will complete the look at faction of the price. Hot new peep toe pumps from Wittner or Mollini will polish off the look.

QUESTION: I have a design interview and a fashion dilemma. My previous work clothes are either too causal or tailored and stiff. What’s the perfect classic combo?
ANSWER: For any interviews the first rule of thumb is to look neat, clean and tidy. Clean shoes, clean short, nails and clean neat hair. For a design interview you want to look funky and chic but you also need to look responsible, professional and to be taken seriously. I would suggest that you try a pretty full 50's style skirt but forget the petticoat! Go for black. Wear with a chic little denim blazer or a plain black blazer. Go for heels or flats in a colour but whatever you are comfortable with. Try a simple white Tee or a knit under the jacket and add a belt in patent. Go for dark colours like black , brown and navy. Head to Veronica Maine or Portmans for skirts, Witchery for a denim blazer and you will find some great knits in Cue.