Off to the Races, in Heels! 5 Key Elements to Horse Racing Outfits
If you are headed to the races and are unsure what to wear, check out this guide on the essentials for all horse racing outfits.
Did you know the first horse racetrack in the U.S. was built in 1655? It was called the New Market and was established near today’s Long Island, New York.
Horse racing has survived the centuries and continues to be a popular contemporary sport. In fact, it’s considered a rather high-class event.
If you plan on attending a race, you might be wondering what you should wear. If it’s high class, can you get away with jeans and a t-shirt?
We’re here to fill you in! Keep reading below to learn five elements that all horse racing outfits should have!
Horse Racing Outfits Style Musts
Both men and women are expected to follow certain fashion cues when they show up for race day. In fact, dressing down will actually make you stand out more than dressing up.
It’s important to note that races often have their own individual dress codes. While many are simply implied, others won’t grant entry unless you adhere to their written code.
- Experimental Colors and Patterns
It happens time and time again—you spot a unique dress you like, but you don’t buy it because you fear you’ll never have an occasion to wear it to.
A horse race is the perfect place to experiment with fun dresses or pantsuits. While you’d forgo a white dress to a wedding, the same dress can bring bright energy to your horse race ensemble.
Patterns can give your outfit a more traditional feel. Floral patterns are especially good if you want to channel retro vibes.
- Daytime-Oriented Styles
While smokey eye makeup and sequined dresses can make for an excellent outfit, they are not ideal for a horse race.
Since horse races are held mostly during daytime hours, it’s best to opt for lighter makeup and clothing. If you’re not sure if an item is appropriate, ask yourself if it’s something you’d wear to a nightclub. If the answer is yes, it’s best to avoid it for a horse race.
- Practicality
During a race, you might envy the rider’s outfits. You’ll see them sporting fit jackets and pants, such as the ones from Country and Stable, instead of formal wear. However, formal wear doesn’t have to be uncomfortable!
You can expect to be on your feet most of the day, as you peer over the railing to get a better view of the horses or trek through the grass. In this case, you’ll want to wear shoes that put an emphasis on practicality. Wedges or ballet flats are good footwear options if you want to create an elegant but practical look.
When choosing dresses, avoid ballgowns that drag on the floor. You want to look somewhat formal, but a dress that hangs too low will be a nuisance to keep clean as you walk around during the races.
If you find dresses uncomfortable and impractical, consider a pantsuit instead. They’re just as classy as dresses, and they come in plenty of fun styles!
- Emergency Kits
An important element for your outfit is a small clutch that you can keep emergency supplies in. Include some safety pins and bobby pins for any outfit or hair emergencies that require a quick-fix.
Races are long events, so you should fill your clutch with makeup products in case you need to do any touch-ups.
You may end up with blisters depending on your choice of footwear. Stash some bandaids in your clutch to combat this setback!
- Headwear
Horse racing outfits aren’t complete without a headpiece! This is one of the most traditional aspects of horse racing fashion.
A large hat is a classic choice. Wide-brimmed hats are more common, but contemporary styles are accepted as well!
If you want to go even more modern, you can skip the hat altogether! Some women wear large bows or headbands as alternative headpieces.
Off to the Races
With the five key elements above in mind, you’ll have no trouble crafting your own horse racing outfits! You’ll never have to worry about showing up underdressed to one of the season’s biggest events!
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