What to Wear to the Horse Races
If this is your first time attending a horse race and you put “What to Wear to the Horse Races” in the google search box than you have come to the right spot.
Fashion at the Races was started to give horse racing fans and newbies an additional avenue to look at the racing world. The tradition of horse racing goes all the way back 1800’s and fashion was always a part of that world.
If you are attending for the first time- don’t stress out! Depending on what track and what type a day it is, you will want to change your fashion accordingly.
Questions for you:
Is it a big day? ie Kentucky Derby? Santa Anita Derby? Preakness Stakes?
or are you just attending a random Sunday with friends or family?
The bigger the day, the bigger the fashion. Hats and fascinators aren’t necessary although they are so much fun to incorporate into your outfit and rock on the day.
If its just a friends/family hang out, grab a sundress, a fancy pair of sandals, maybe a sun hat and go have some fun!
Dress for the weather! Unless you have fancy seating inside, you may be out in the elements a bit. If there is a cool breeze in the air, expect to feel it at a racetrack. Bring a shawl or stylish coat along just in case.
Check the Dress Code: Racetracks do have certain dress codes for certain areas. If you are in an area named ‘The Clubhouse’ – usually a Clubhouse is a step up from General Admission and therefore you must dress the part. Just search the racetrack you are going to and then dress code. See what comes up.
For example, Keeneland requires all men to wear jackets and ties, ladies no spaghetti straps or tube tops, dresses or dress suits.
Saratoga in New York has a much more relaxed clubhouse dress code. Jeans and shorts are allowed in this one.
If you are in General admission- pretty much anything goes. Anything above that, just do a quick Google Search to be sure.
5 Quick Tips on Dressing for the Races
Women
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Be comfortable-no one looks good in “someone else’s” clothes or shoes
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Leave the night club dress at home. Think classic and feminine when putting together you race outfit
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Wear headwear! Hats and Fascinators are very fashionable and take any outfit from pretty to STUNNING!
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Dress for the weather–if its going to be hot, bring reinforcements for makeup and sunscreen. If its a bit chilly, don’t be in a short dress shivering!
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Lastly, SMILE. Smiling gals are the prettiest 🙂
Men
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Put some effort into your outfit. A baggy tee and shorts are for another event. Put on your fitted jacket, rock a pocket square, and show off for the races.
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Tie your tie or bowtie correctly–need help? Check out this link: http://www.tie-a-tie.net/
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Make sure your suit fits. It’s so easy to recognize when your suit isn’t fitted.
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Sunglasses or Fedora’s do provide some relief from a sunny day.
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Smell good! We are all attracted to good smells…don’t find yourself in the other category and don’t overdue the Axe Spray!
