What To Wear to the Belmont Stakes
This is your ultimate fashion guide for the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga.
Dress To Impress at Saratoga
A day at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is a great opportunity to pull together your best outfit, so lean into your personal style and have fun with it! Don't be afraid to show some flair.
When it comes to choosing what to wear, consider where you'll be sitting at the track. Fans in the backyard tend to opt for more casual looks, while those in more exclusive areas of the track tend to display their elegance and refinement; however, you will see a wide range of exciting looks throughout the day.
Belmont Stakes Fashion Contest
If you're working on an outfit for Belmont Stakes Day (Saturday, June 7, 2025), stay tuned for information about the official fashion contest of the Belmont Stakes so you can participate!
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Women's Attire for the Belmont Stakes
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 for the Belmont Stakes
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 the Belmont Stakes, 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 the races.
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
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