United States · 5 outfits
What to wear to Preakness Stakes Day
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
General admission (Pimlico, 2027)
Women
The dress code
No dress code is printed on the official Preakness FAQ. The only clothing item on the prohibited list is 'political attire'. Press reports quote the track's standard as casual attire with no cut-offs or tank tops in dining areas. Bags must be 18 x 18 inches or smaller.
Outfit 1
Black-eyed Susan
- Dresses
- sunflower-yellow cotton midi dress
- Headwear
- black straw boater with a yellow daisy trim
- Shoes
- black block-heel sandals
- Bags
- small black crossbody under 18 x 18 in
Why it passes. Nothing is required; yellow and black are the race's colours.
On the day. Late May heat and thunderstorms; 2027 uses temporary seating, so expect grass and gravel.
What regulars wear. Black-and-yellow is the Baltimore nod.
Outfit 2
Bright and easy
- Dresses
- printed wrap dress in orange and pink
- Headwear
- fascinator on a comb
- Shoes
- wedges
- Accessories
- sunglasses, folding fan
Why it passes. Casual standard; no cut-offs or tank top if you eat in a dining area.
On the day. Wedges on temporary flooring and grass.
What regulars wear. Preakness is looser and louder than the Derby.
Outfit 3
Dining-room polish
- Dresses
- navy and white striped shirt dress with sleeves
- Headwear
- white wide-brim hat
- Shoes
- tan slingbacks
- Jewellery
- gold bangles
Why it passes. Sleeves avoid the reported tank-top rule in dining areas.
On the day. Sleeves for sun.
What regulars wear. Nautical stripes suit a Chesapeake crowd.
Common mistakes
- Political slogans on clothing (prohibited)
- Tank tops or cut-offs in dining areas (reported rule)
- Bag over 18 x 18 inches
Men
The dress code
No dress code is printed on the official Preakness FAQ. The only clothing item on the prohibited list is 'political attire'. Press reports quote the track's standard as casual attire with no cut-offs or tank tops in dining areas. Bags must be 18 x 18 inches or smaller.
Outfit 1
Bold blazer
- Suiting
- yellow or madras blazer, navy chinos
- Accessories
- white collared shirt, black knit tie
- Shoes
- loafers
- Headwear
- straw trilby
Why it passes. No written rule; a collared shirt covers the dining-area reports.
On the day. Light cotton for humidity.
What regulars wear. Loud jackets are the Preakness habit.
Outfit 2
Seersucker and polo
- Suiting
- seersucker trousers
- Accessories
- navy polo shirt, woven belt
- Shoes
- boat shoes
- Headwear
- baseball cap or Panama
Why it passes. Casual is the stated standard.
On the day. Fine on grass and gravel.
What regulars wear. Infield-friendly.
Common mistakes
- Political attire
- Sleeveless shirts in dining areas
Race days this covers
- Preakness Stakes Day · Sun 23 May 2027
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: preakness.com