What to Wear to Saratoga This Summer
A summer day at Saratoga is a great opportunity to pull out all the stops fashion-wise, so lean into your personal style and have fun with it!
Saratoga Fashion: Outfits, Hats, Dresses, & More
When it comes to choosing what to wear to Saratoga, a major consideration is your ticket type and where you’ll be sitting. Fans in the backyard tend to opt for more casual outfits, while patrons in more exclusive areas of the track exhibit their elegance and refinement with their outfits; however, you will see a wide range of exciting outfits throughout the day. Certain ticketed sections do have specific dress codes, so be sure to check before planning your look.
A race day look for ladies typically features a sundress or jumpsuit in a summery color, print, or pattern. Add your favorite jewelry and accessories to make it your own. There’s no limit to how elaborate you can go with your race day look, so be imaginative with bright colors, flowy fabrics, jewelry, a standout bag or purse, and a statement hat. A day at the races can include a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are paramount!
For gentlemen to elevate their outfit, a properly fitting jacket is essential. Lean in to the summer spirit by opting for lighter, more vibrant tones and fabrics throughout your coat, shirt, and pants. Ties are certainly optional, but they offer a great opportunity to add contrast and color. A dressy hat, pocket square, watch, or statement belt will give your look a major pop and attract attention in the best way! There is no such thing as being overdressed at the racetrack, so use this opportunity to go all-out.
Women's Attire 👒
Elegant: The Crown Jewel
Make Saratoga your personal runway and transform into the star of your dreams. There’s no limit to how elaborate you can go with your race day look, so be imaginative with bright colors, flowy fabrics, jewelry, a standout bag or purse, and a statement hat. This is your time to shine!
Regarding headwear: horse racing and hats go hand in hand, and a fascinator or hat is the centerpiece of any statement racetrack outfit. Whether you choose a piece that’s subtle or extraordinarily inventive, trust your style instincts and make it your own. Visit the on-track milliners to get inspired or to pick out your next look.
Consists of:
- Elaborate dress
- Heels, wedges, or sandals
- Statement bag, purse, or clutch
- Attention-grabbing hat or fascinator
- Soft or full glam look
Suitable for:
- Premium Hospitality Areas
- Box Seats
- Clubhouse & Grandstand
- Apron & Frontside
- Paddock
- Winner’s Circle
Casual: The Grand(stand) Gal
A casual race day look for ladies typically features a sundress or jumpsuit in a summery color, print, or pattern. Add your favorite jewelry and accessories to make it your own. Bags should be functional and fashionable to match whatever you’re wearing.
A day at the races can include a fair amount of walking, so sandals, sneakers, flats, and wedge heels are all practical footwear choices. There are concrete pathways throughout Saratoga, though if you plan to walk across any grassy areas in the backyard or paddock, stilettos may not be the best choice!
Consists of:
-
Sundress, jumpsuit, or other summer attire
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Accessories
- Hat (optional)
Suitable for:
-
Backyard
- Apron & Frontside
- Clubhouse & Grandstand
- Premium Hospitality Areas
- Box Seats
- Paddock
- Winner’s Circle
Men's Attire 👔
Elevated: The Well-Connected Gent
To elevate your outfit, a properly fitting jacket is paramount. Lean in to the summer spirit by opting for lighter, more vibrant tones and fabrics throughout your coat, shirt, and pants. Ties are certainly optional, but they offer a great opportunity to add contrast and color.
Race day is the perfect occasion for adding stylish accessories you may not typically wear. A dressy hat, pocket square, statement belt, or designer watch will give your look a major pop and attract attention in the best way! There is no such thing as being overdressed at Saratoga, so use this opportunity to go all-out.
Consists of:
- Sharp jacket or blazer
- Collared button-down shirt
- Tailored trousers or slacks
- Loafer, Derby, Oxford, or other formal shoe
- Dress belt
- Sunglasses
- Accessories
- Tie (optional)
- Panama, fedora, or other smart hat (optional)
Suitable for:
- Backyard
- Apron & Frontside
- Clubhouse & Grandstand
- Premium Hospitality Areas
- Box Seats
- Paddock
- Winner’s Circle
Casual: The Backyardigan
A casual racetrack outfit puts comfort and breathability first. This staple look for guys features a short-sleeve button down or polo, chino shorts, and comfortable shoes such as sneakers, loafers, or boat shoes for roaming the backyard and frontside. Don’t forget a pair of shades to keep your eyes protected.
Casual doesn’t equal drab: have fun with prints and patterns! You’re guaranteed to see a host of extravagant shirts during a day at Saratoga.
Consists of:
- Short-sleeve button down, polo, or T-shirt
- Chino shorts or khakis
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat (optional)
Suitable for:
- Backyard
- Apron & Frontside
- Grandstand
Saratoga Dress Code
Backyard, Apron, Clubhouse, Grandstand |
The Porch, Easy Goer, Club Terrace, The Stretch |
| Shirt and shoes required | Neat casual attire; no tank tops, cut-offs, short shorts, or abbreviated wear |
Turf Terrace |
1863 Club |
Box Seats |
| Ladies: Dresses, skirts, slacks, or pantsuits | Ladies: Dresses, skirts, slacks, or pantsuit | Ladies: Dresses, skirts, slacks, or pantsuit |
| Gentlemen: Collared shirts required; suits/sport coats optional | Gentlemen: Collared shirts required; suits/sport coats optional | Gentlemen: Collared shirts required; suits/sport jackets encouraged |
| Vests, polo shirts, sweaters, nice jeans, and slacks are appropriate. | No jeans, shorts, rompers, or abbreviated wear permitted. | No jeans, shorts, rompers, or abbreviated wear permitted. |
