What to Wear. Where to Go. What to Bring.
Your Insiders’ Guide to the Belmont Stakes
Traveling into the Fashion Capital of the World for horse racing is like a dream come true for us. This year the entire Fashion at the Races team will travel to the big city as we have a lot going on…are you are invited!
Whether you are a New York City local or traveling in from somewhere else, there is a lot to know to make sure you have a fun and smooth race day!
What to Wear:
Bringing out the New Yorker in all of us, monochrome is the style for this race. Whether you are rocking your favorite and always stylish LBD or venturing out with a gorgeous all white number, keep it monochrome to stay on trend. The past two years I have looked for a monochrome print with my first years bought the day before at Nicole Miller Soho and last years purchased from a famed Australian designer, ByJohnny. Both dresses are still hanging proud in my closet and will be taken out for a special occasion. You can never go wrong in black and white.
This is a great track for heels. Level grounding, escalators (to save you from steps) and some grassy areas to give you padding but not sink your heel. As most will travel in on the train (including myself), I would most definitely come armed with a pair of flats. Roll up ballet slippers or my go to Havianas flip flops (also purchased a pair in Times Square last year). 
If you want to incorporate a pop of color- feel free to do so! I have done it in the past with a bold red lip or even a bright colored heel. Again, the trend is black and white but a pop of color just brings out your personal style! Leave the bright florals for Derby and Oaks and bring out the New York style for this race.
Scroll down for a few my dress picks from Neiman Marcus (most are on sale!).
Where to go:
I am giving you tips from my experience and my experience only. I have never had a limo take me to the track so I do not know if this is the easiest way! However, each year I have traveled in on the train and so far have never had a problem. 2014, the year of California Chrome, the train had issues with the number of people trying to get home and apparently this was a disaster. This year- I went to Brooklyn with a friend and missed this experience (thank goodness!).
Grab the MTA Long Island Rail Road train in from Penn Station which will take you directly to Belmont Park. You can purchase your tickets at the station at one of the machines for $14 round trip. Be sure to put the ticket in a safe place as you need it upon arrival and exit. Otherwise you have to wait in a longer line and pay double the price.
Get to the station at least 20 minutes ahead of time to get your ticket (there will be lines) and then get down to the dock. The train ride is about 45 minutes long and it is usually crowded and not everyone gets a seat. If you do get a seat (good job!) and there is an elderly person or small child standing by- PLEASE GET UP AND GIVE THEM YOUR SEAT. This is coming from me and not the train or racetrack- be respectful of those who need it more than you.
The train schedule for the day hasn’t been posted yet but I do know trains run as early as 10:15am and usually go every 15 minutes. I usually do the 10:30 or so train to get to the track and get set up which I think helps beat the major crowd. If you see me- please say hi!!
If you plan on bringing alcohol on the train or to the track (we know there is some flask drinkers out there) just beware.
What to Bring:
It is a long fun raceday and in order to be best prepared you will need to plan ahead. As I said above, having some sort of a flat shoe to change into for your trip there and back will definitely make you a happier gal. The smaller the better as you don’t want to bring a big heavy bag with you to carry around all day. The roll up flats are amazing to have on hand.
Bring your touch up make up just in case something gets out of whack. I also bring my concealer and a lipstick or gloss.
Money, money, money, Moneeeyyyyy! This part is important and its coming from a non-cash-carrier. There are ATM’s on track but they get you on high fees, always have a line and have run out of cash in the past. You can only make bets with cash and most of the vendors only except cash (plus it gets you in and out much faster). Drinks are expensive (usually $12-15)! There are no $4 beers at this joint so be prepared with the amount that you want to spend. Plus, if you get in a bind later in the day, cash is king and can help you get home!
I hope the above information will set you up for a fun and fashionable Belmont Stakes Day! If you have any other questions just shoot me an email at [email protected]! Be sure to follow us on Instagram for inspiration leading up to the big day.
Don’t forget the Longines Fashion Contest will once again take place on Belmont Stakes Day. We will send out all the important information next week!
Shop some of my Belmont Stakes dresses right here: