United States · 5 outfits
What to wear to Saratoga Summer Meet
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
Grandstand, Backyard and neat-casual dining (The Porch, Club Terrace, The Stretch)
Women
The dress code
Backyard, Apron, Grandstand and Clubhouse: 'Shirt and shoes required'. The Porch, Easy Goer, Club Terrace and The Stretch: neat casual attire; no tank tops, cut-offs, short shorts or abbreviated wear.
Outfit 1
Backyard picnic
- Dresses
- cotton sundress with straps wide enough not to read as a tank top, knee length
- Headwear
- packable straw sun hat
- Shoes
- flat leather sandals
- Bags
- canvas tote
Why it passes. Shirt-and-shoes is the only rule in the backyard; the dress is not abbreviated, so it also works in The Porch.
On the day. Grass, gravel, picnic tables: flats.
What regulars wear. Backyard regulars arrive at 7am to claim a table.
Outfit 2
Porch lunch
- Dresses
- striped shirt dress with short sleeves
- Headwear
- boater
- Shoes
- espadrille wedges
- Jewellery
- simple gold chain
Why it passes. Sleeved, neat casual; no tank top.
On the day. Open-sided dining: light fabric.
What regulars wear. Stripes and a boater are Saratoga shorthand.
Outfit 3
Linen separates
- Suiting
- wide-leg linen trousers, sleeveless shell with a covered shoulder
- Outerwear
- linen shirt worn open
- Shoes
- loafers
Why it passes. Neat casual, nothing abbreviated.
On the day. Covers up for sun and storms.
What regulars wear. Easy for a week of racing.
Common mistakes
- Tank tops, cut-offs or short shorts in The Porch, Club Terrace or The Stretch
- Heels on backyard gravel
Men
The dress code
Backyard, Apron, Grandstand and Clubhouse: 'Shirt and shoes required'. The Porch, Easy Goer, Club Terrace and The Stretch: neat casual attire; no tank tops, cut-offs, short shorts or abbreviated wear.
Outfit 1
Neat casual
- Suiting
- tailored chino shorts to the knee or chinos
- Accessories
- polo shirt, belt
- Shoes
- boat shoes
- Headwear
- ball cap or straw hat
Why it passes. Knee-length tailored shorts are not 'short shorts' or cut-offs; a polo is not a tank top.
On the day. Hot and humid.
What regulars wear. What most men wear outside the boxes.
Outfit 2
Short-sleeve button-down
- Suiting
- stone chinos
- Accessories
- short-sleeve button-down in a small print
- Shoes
- clean leather sneakers
Why it passes. NYRA's own 'casual' look for men.
On the day. Sneakers are fine outside the Turf Terrace.
Common mistakes
- Sleeveless shirts in dining areas
- Gym shorts
Race days this covers
- Alabama Stakes Day · third Saturday of August
- Saratoga Closing Day (Labor Day) · Labor Day (first Monday of September)
- Saratoga Opening Day · mid-July (traditional 40-day meet through Labor Day)
- Travers Day · last Saturday of August
- Whitney Day · first Saturday of August
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: nyra.com