United States · 5 outfits
What to wear to Del Mar Opening Day
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
General admission (Hats Contest)
Women
The dress code
No general-admission dress code is published by Del Mar. Opening Day's Hats Contest judges creativity and originality across the whole ensemble; hats may be bought, borrowed or custom-made and must be of reasonable size and appropriate content. Categories: Most Glamorous, Best Flowers, Best Fascinator, Best Racing Theme / All Others.
Outfit 1
Most Glamorous entry
- Dresses
- fitted white crepe midi dress
- Headwear
- oversized black-and-white sculptural hat, sized to pass through a doorway
- Shoes
- black block-heel sandals
- Bags
- black clutch
- Jewellery
- pearl choker
Why it passes. Built for the Most Glamorous category: the judges consider the whole ensemble, and the hat stays 'of reasonable size'.
On the day. Sunny, 18-25 C, sea breeze: secure the hat with an elastic.
What regulars wear. Monochrome nods to Del Mar's Old Hollywood founders.
Outfit 2
Best Flowers entry
- Dresses
- coral cotton sundress, midi
- Headwear
- wide brim covered in silk bougainvillea and hibiscus
- Shoes
- espadrille wedges
- Accessories
- sunglasses
Why it passes. Flowers are their own category; original design is what is judged.
On the day. Wedges for the Plaza de Mexico paving and paddock lawn.
What regulars wear. Southern California blooms rather than roses.
Outfit 3
Best Fascinator entry
- Dresses
- turquoise silk slip dress with a light blazer
- Headwear
- feather and crin fascinator on a band
- Shoes
- metallic flat sandals
- Bags
- straw crossbody
Why it passes. Fascinators have a category of their own.
On the day. Blazer for the marine layer after 5pm.
What regulars wear. Del Mar blue and gold.
Common mistakes
- Arriving after 3pm - in-person entry closes at 3:00pm
- A hat too large to be 'reasonable size'
- No sun protection
Men
The dress code
No general-admission dress code is published by Del Mar. Opening Day's Hats Contest judges creativity and originality across the whole ensemble; hats may be bought, borrowed or custom-made and must be of reasonable size and appropriate content. Categories: Most Glamorous, Best Flowers, Best Fascinator, Best Racing Theme / All Others.
Outfit 1
Coastal linen
- Suiting
- sand linen suit
- Accessories
- pale blue open-collar shirt, pocket square
- Headwear
- Panama hat
- Shoes
- suede loafers
Why it passes. No code to meet; linen suit and Panama is the Opening Day norm and can enter 'Best Racing Theme / All Others'.
On the day. Linen for sun, jacket for the evening breeze.
What regulars wear. Bing Crosby-era resort tailoring.
Outfit 2
Racing-theme hat
- Suiting
- navy blazer, white trousers
- Accessories
- striped shirt, jockey-silk patterned tie
- Headwear
- straw boater decorated with a racing theme
- Shoes
- boat shoes
Why it passes. Racing Theme is a judged category open to anyone 18+.
On the day. Light and breezy.
What regulars wear. Men do enter - and win category places.
Common mistakes
- Board shorts and flip-flops look out of place on Opening Day even though nothing bars them outside the Turf Club
Race days this covers
- Del Mar Opening Day · a Friday in mid-to-late July (2026: Friday 17 July)
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: dmtc.com