There are few more popular social events on the horse racing calendar than the three legs that make up the Triple Crown in the United States. The series gets underway on the first Saturday in May when they Kentucky Derby is staged at Churchill Downs.
The Preakness Stakes is held two weeks after the race in Louisville, while the series concludes with the Belmont Stakes, which will be held at Saratoga once again in 2025. Due to the races being major events on the social calendar, they are also notable events for fashion lovers.
Therefore, the planning to put together an outfit for the day at the races begins long before heading to the track, with many picking out their outfits months in advantage. But, what are some of the most important factors to take into account when deciding on what to wear to one of the Triple Crown races?
Dress Smartly
For the most part, according to TwinSpires, there are no strict dress code measures in place when attending a race meet. However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t give fans an opportunity to dress to the nines. Instead, many will use a trip to the races as the perfect excuse to go overboard.
While many courses don’t implement strict dress codes in this modern day, it is always encouraged to dress smartly regardless. Collared sheets and trousers are the preferred choice for men, while females will look to pick out their finest dresses and heels.
Do I Wear A Hat?
Seeing hats at the races is a common trend, with almost all of those in attendance at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby opting to wear headgear. However, with the exception of certain enclosures at Royal Ascot, the wearing of a hat isn’t essential. Still, this doesn’t stop female fans from spending months on end trying to find the perfect headpiece to compliment their outfit for the big day.
In fact, many of those that will look to wear a hat will actually determine the headwear that they wish to wear long before putting together the remainder of their outfit. Ordering hats can be a long process, as you will first need to research the type of headwear that you wish to wear. Therefore, it is important to get this process started as soon as you have ordered your tickets for a Triple Crown race.
Bright Colors
A common theme across all Triple Crown races is bright colors. In fact, for many, they believe that the brighter the color, the more that they will stand out from the crowd.
The Kentucky Derby is usually staged in front of a backdrop of vibrant colors, and that is no different when the Triple Crown Road show moves on for the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
For women, bright pinks and yellows are preferred options, with the former being the standout selection if you’re attending Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks.
Bright colors remain a prominent selection among fans when attending the remaining two legs of the Triple Crown, and it continues to the Breeders’ Cup later in the year. Men will also look to wear brighter colors to races in the Triple Crown, with flashes of vibrant colors evident based on their selection of tie and pocket cloths.
It is always encouraged to dress brightly, as a day at the racing for the Triple Crown gives Racegoers an opportunity to show their creativity and expression in their fashion choices.
Dress For The Weather
A day at the races requires being outside for an extended period of time. This is never an issue when the sunshine is out, but fans should take into account the latest forecasts before leaving the house. This is especially the case for women, who are wearing dresses for the summer seasons.
A change in temperature or the start of rainfall could make those dressed for the summer have a reduced experience, meaning that it is important to take into account the weather. If there are signs of light rain, then it could be worth taking an umbrella to the track. Meanwhile, if there are scattered showers throughout the day, then it could be worthwhile taking a jacket to ensure that you don’t get too cold.
Remember The Essentials
After putting together your outfit for a day at the races, it is then important to consider when else you will need to bring to the track. Portable phone chargers are essential for those looking to make bets on their phone or take a lot of pictures.
Meanwhile, extra sun cream is always worth packing to protect you from the blazing sun on track. For women, it could also be worth considering taking a pair of flip flops, which could come in handy if your feet get tired after wearing heels all day.
