There is few more prestigious horse racing events on the calendar than the Breeders’ Cup. Therefore, it attracts an audience more fitting for a Kentucky Derby, with a larger than average demographic of non-racing experts.
That will be no different once again this year, as Del Mar hosts the prestigious and lucrative season-ending event in the United States. Action on track will come thick and fast, with Grade One races set for both Friday and Saturday, with the feature coming in the form of a hugely international renewal of the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
But, what are some of the key factors that should be taken into account when it comes to what to wear if you’re a first time visitor?
General Information
A key tip to live by when assembling your outfit for the Breeders’ Cup is that you will want to stand out. You can check all the information you need on TwinSpires.com.
The event is one of the most important fashion events of the year, meaning that you are able to be as creative as you wish with your outfit.
Therefore, no colour is too bright when it comes to picking a stylish outfit for the day, as standing out from the crowd is the order of the day.
Many are taking into account the colours associated with the Breeders’ Cup, meaning bright colours such as purple and yellow are evident across the track at the two-day meet.
Dress Codes
Like any major horse racing event that is broadcast across the world, there are a number of strict dress codes that must be followed in order to gain entry through the gates at Del Mar.
On the official site, it claims that ‘business casual, is the minimum requirement, but an emphasis is put on encouragement to wear your ‘race-day best’. As a general rule, visitors should avoid wearing sporty clothes, meaning that track suit bottoms and running shoes are a big no-no.
Wearing clothing that is deemed too sporty will see visitors refused entry. Furthermore, sporting team jerseys of any description aren’t allowed. Trainers are accepted, providing that they are smart and in-line with your outfit. However, for the most part, men will wear dress shoes and women will wear high heels.
Women’s Dress Tips
Unlike events such as Royal Ascot, women are empowered to wear what makes them feel most comfortably at the Breeders’ Cup. Therefore, there is no restriction regardless of whether you want to wear a pantsuit or dresses of any length.
For the most part, it is an event on the calendar where visitors feel most free to express themselves, as Louboutins are as common as dramatic cape dresses. But, the order of the day for all visitors is to express themselves and make yourself comfortable. Hats are always a popular go-to for female visitors, with many believing the bolder to be the better.
A general rule that many live by is the boldness of the colour, which will make it easy to pair with a plaid wool overcoat. But, it is worth remembering that this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup will be hosted in sunny California, meaning that the need for a warmer jacket will be reduced when compared to recent hosts of the event such as Keeneland and Churchill Downs.
Men’s Dress Tips
It will be considered more straightforward for male visitors when it comes to the likely dress wear at the Breeders’ Cup. Like all major events on the schedule, men will feel more at home at the horse racing in a suit, with a waistcoat being optional based on how comfortable they feel.
Looking the part on track is key for most men when they go to the racing, as it will make them feel more comfortable when making wagers on the racing. There is no such thing as being too dressed up at the racing, and the brighter the colour, the more in touch with the Breeders’ Cup message you will feel. Purple and yellow colours are incredibly popular options for male visitors to the Breeders’ Cup, with a yellow pocket square being an incredibly popular fashion accessory in recent seasons.
Traditional colours such as navy blue and black are also common, but the event is a perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Accessories are also popular with male visitors, with the most synonymous being the fedora. As well as this, sunglasses are regarded by many as essential, as they will not ensure that you look the part, but also so you can clearly see the action on track at a sun-drenched Del Mar.
Key Items To Remember
A day out at the Breeders’ Cup will make for a long day on your feet, meaning many female visitors will typically pack a pair of flats for later in the day after spending the majority of the meet in their heels.
Suncream will be essential at Del Mar this year, while battery packs are also advised to ensure that you never miss an opportunity to take a picture, while also ensuring that you have life on your phone to make any wagers.
