What To Wear To The Races

When deciding what to wear to the races, one crucial detail matters, will you be seated in the infield or not? A good example of this dilemma is the Kentucky Derby. At Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky, there is an area on the inside of the track known as the infield and then spectator seats that surround the track. The fashion in the infield is a drastically different from those sitting in the spectator seats.

1. What to Wear to the Races in the Infield. People viewing the races from the infield dress more casually than those surrounding the track. The infield is muddy during the rain and completely without covering, so fans are subjected to the elements at all times. This designates the fashion to being practical rather than fashionable. Hats being the major staple of the races, are worn to reflect the wearers personality and taste, are usually hand-made and appear more outlandish and humorous. Clothing in the infield is comfortably casual. Shorts, tank tops and things worn to beat the heat are acceptable. Concerts and events are usually held in the infield, making the fashion different according to the event.
2. What to Wear to the Races in Box Seats. Most people watch the Kentucky Derby on TV if they don’t attend the event themselves. From this, it is safe to surmise that men usually wear suits to the races on big race days. Men’s hats are only worn on major race days, like the Triple Crown, and are usually solid in color and frequently reflect those worn during periods like the Roaring 20’s. For women, the most important thing to remember is matching. Fashion at the races is about color co-ordination and  flashy hats that make a statement while pulling together the rest of the outfit. Women tend to dress in spring dresses and Southern-Belle style hats. Silk flowers and ribbons are common and feathers are a modern day touch to decorate wide brimmed hats. In recent years, smaller hats have made a breakthrough in fashion at the races. As long as it matches the outfit, any size hat is suitable.
3. What to Wear to the Races on a Regular Day. If it’s not a big race day, like the Kentucky Derby for example, fashion tends to take another direction for both men and women in the box seats area. Hats are still acceptable for women, though less obtrusive. Men tend to wear khakis and button-down shirts or polo shirts rather than full suits. Women still wear spring dresses, skirts, floral prints and pastels just not so flashy. The biggest thing to remember when deciding what to wear to the races is originality. Your outfit needs to say something about you, needs to draw attention (in a good way) and represent you as a fan coming to urge on your favorite horse.