San Diego's ritziest event is rapidly approaching! Wednesday, July 18 will mark Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack. If you've ever attended this glamorous daytime event, you already know that the outfit you wear is just as, if not more, important than the bets you place. Across the county, San Diegans are preparing to celebrate the season in style. Dust off that crazy hat and scroll down to see what we're wearing to the biggest party in racing!
Opening Day' s unofficial fashion motto is "see and be seen." There's no better time to experiment with an out-there outfit. The easiest way to look and feel your best at the races is to start with your personal style and build from there, making accessories your key to Opening Day fashion. Use them to lightly accent your outfit or completely deck out your ensemble.
Let's start with the over-the-top. Bigger is better as far as Opening Day is concerned as there is no such thing as "too much" at this event. If you're feeling extra daring in the hat department, your creativity could be rewarded over $5,000 in prizes! Enter the famous Opening Day Hat Contest in one of five categories: Best Racing Theme, Most Glamorous, Most Outrageous, Best Fascinator and Best Flowers. Entrance to the competition is not only free, but each each contestant will also receive two free admission passes to return to the races.
In order to put your best hat forward, make sure your extravagant head-piece is color-coordinated with your outfit for maximum effect. Minimize your other accessories to let your hat or fascinator take center-stage!
Do you lean towards sleek silhouettes and clean lines? Are neutrals more your style? Opt for a crisp white button-down tucked into a fitted tea-length skirt. Top it off with a cream-colored fascinator to keep things simple, yet festive.
Not so into the classic look? Go for a more bohemian vibe through an alternative two-piece set or flowy maxi dress. A looser skirt is sure to keep you cool in the heat, and a festive print lets you stand out among the crowd. A floppy or panama-style hat tops this ensemble off perfectly.
Maybe skirts aren't your thing — no need to worry. Palazzo pants are a great alternative to the conventional dress or skirt. They're dressy enough to keep you in line with the dress code while being thinner and looser than traditional slacks for ultimate comfort in hot temperatures. Cropped wide-leg pants are also currently having their moment of fame and are perfect for keeping those hemlines out of the dirt.
When choosing your Opening Day look, keep in mind that you're in it for the long haul. No one wants to be tugging at their dress or stumbling in sky-high stilettos all afternoon. Be mindful of the dress code and functionality. Check out our list below of what not to wear to make sure you show up prepared.
- Stilettos. Opt for wedges or platforms instead: your feet will thank you.
- Big hats in small seats. If you're in tighter seating, a small brimmed hat will be more comfortable than large brim, and allows for much more optimal viewing for those around you.
- White. This is a personal call, but we recommend choosing neutrals rather than worrying about getting that white dress dirty all day.
- Non-breathable materials. If possible, choose cotton and linen over satin and polyester.
- Overly Formal attire. The Del Mar Races don't call for formal wear, so no need to break out the gowns.
- Overly Casual attire. While the dress code isn't black tie, you also shouldn't show up looking like you're attending Coachella. Keep it upscale and leave the cutoffs and halter tops at home.
- Anything that doesn't make you feel confident and beautiful. Experiment with your Opening Day look, but don't take the fun out of it. If you love what you're wearing, you'll look even better.
