United States · 5 outfits
What to wear to Saratoga Summer Meet
Covers Travers and Whitney days.
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
Turf Terrace, 1863 Club and Box Seats
Women
The dress code
Turf Terrace, 1863 Club and Box Seats: women - dresses, skirts, slacks or pantsuits; men - collared shirts required, suits or sport coats optional or encouraged depending on area. No jeans, shorts, rompers or abbreviated wear. NYRA's dining page adds no sneakers or flip-flops in the Turf Terrace.
Outfit 1
Travers box
- Dresses
- silk midi dress in a bold print, defined waist
- Headwear
- wide-brim straw hat
- Shoes
- leather block-heel sandals
- Bags
- top-handle bag
- Jewellery
- statement earrings
Why it passes. A dress is listed; not a romper, not abbreviated; leather sandals are not flip-flops.
On the day. Boxes are open-air and hot; straw and silk breathe. Storms roll in - bring a wrap.
What regulars wear. Travers Day is when NYRA itself asks for 'extravagant fashion'.
Outfit 2
Whitney pink
- Dresses
- rose-pink linen-blend sheath, knee length
- Headwear
- pink fascinator
- Shoes
- nude pumps
- Bags
- straw clutch
Why it passes. Dress passes; pink is the Whitney tradition.
On the day. Linen for humidity.
What regulars wear. Pink for Marylou Whitney's roses.
Outfit 3
Turf Terrace trousers
- Suiting
- wide-leg white trousers, silk blouse
- Outerwear
- lightweight navy blazer
- Shoes
- loafers or slingbacks (no sneakers)
- Headwear
- boater
Why it passes. Slacks and pantsuits are listed; no jeans or sneakers.
On the day. Trousers are easy on the terrace steps.
What regulars wear. Navy and white is the Saratoga default.
Common mistakes
- A romper or playsuit (named as not permitted)
- White jeans (still jeans)
- Sneakers or flip-flops in the Turf Terrace
- Dressy shorts
Men
The dress code
Turf Terrace, 1863 Club and Box Seats: women - dresses, skirts, slacks or pantsuits; men - collared shirts required, suits or sport coats optional or encouraged depending on area. No jeans, shorts, rompers or abbreviated wear. NYRA's dining page adds no sneakers or flip-flops in the Turf Terrace.
Outfit 1
Box-seat blazer
- Suiting
- navy blazer, cream linen trousers
- Accessories
- blue striped collared shirt, repp tie
- Shoes
- brown loafers
- Headwear
- straw boater or Panama
Why it passes. Collared shirt is required; a sport coat is 'encouraged' in boxes; no jeans or shorts.
On the day. Unlined blazer for heat.
What regulars wear. The Saratoga box uniform for a century.
Outfit 2
Turf Terrace no-jacket
- Suiting
- pressed khaki chinos
- Accessories
- long-sleeve collared linen shirt, woven belt
- Shoes
- leather loafers (no sneakers)
Why it passes. Collared shirt meets the rule; jacket is optional in the Turf Terrace and 1863 Club.
On the day. Coolest option that still passes.
What regulars wear. Common on weekday cards.
Common mistakes
- Polo is fine, a T-shirt is not
- Jeans of any colour
- Shorts
- Sneakers in the Turf Terrace
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: nyra.com