If you are planning on attending Breeder’s Cup at Keeneland this year, here are a few tips on what to wear. 
Having designed for clients attending horse races for over 20 years, I have experience in advising ladies what to wear.
Each year, the dress code differs in my opinion.
Why is that?
Each year the location for Breeder’s Cup changes. Some years it is held at Del Mar in San Diego, other years it is held in Kentucky.
As you can imagine, the weather in Kentucky in November is vastly different from California. In Kentucky, the highs are generally around 54 degrees while in California the average is 75 degrees.
Theme wise, think East Coast glamour or Cheltenham in England.
Here are my general tips:
- Dress warmly. The weather at Keeneland can get cold quickly. I credit this because it is a.) close to the Lexington Airport (directly across the street actually) and the Limestone building. Layers are your friend.
- Bring out those boots! I love wearing boots at Keeneland. Think riding boots. We love the Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren riding boots.
- Wear thick socks under those boots. If your feet stay warm, the rest of you will!
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Color wise, wear what you love. I am a fan of neutrals such as navy, camel, black and greens. They are simple to accessorize and take away many fashion headaches,
That being said, I also love emerald greens, olive greens and muted greens. Blues can be navy, royal or even a muted robins egg blue. Red is always striking in my opinion. A rich wine color or ruby really stands out in photos.
Okay, the fun stuff…..hats and fascinators!
I love Fall because it is an easier season in many ways.
Let’s start with the Don’ts…
- Do not wear a straw hat, spring hat or sinamay fascinator to Breeder’s Cup. It is the Fall season and you will look out of place.
- Do not feel you need an ostentatious and over the top hat or fascinator. Breeder’s Cup is all about classic elegance vs. the Derby’s more “showy and over the top” hats and fascinators. Too much is too much.
- Too many colors on a hat or fascinator looks garish in my opinion for Breeder’s Cup. Think the Princess of Wales, elegance is sometimes less.
Okay, the Do’s…
- Pheasant feathers (the long ones) look great on fall hats.
- You can wear a wool/fall Fedora, which will work with many outfits.
- A small velvet headband can be very elegant.
- Fascinators can be wonderful. A few feathers in fall tones, think pheasant and peacock can look stunning with a fall dress/coat.
Please feel free to peruse my entire Fall 2022 hat collection here to find your perfect look for Fall and Breeder’s Cup!
