What to Wear to the Belmont Stakes 2026: The Ultimate Race Day Fashion Guide for Elegant Derby Style & Luxury Trackside Trends

What To Wear to the Belmont Stakes: The Complete Race Day Fashion Guide for 2026

There are few bigger social events on the New York calendar than the Belmont Stakes.

For the second year running, the final leg of the Triple Crown will be staged at Saratoga in 2026, with a high-quality field set to take on the Test of a Champion. Full information about this year’s contenders and the possible positive trends to follow can be found here: twinspires.com/belmont-stakes/handicapping/

However, if you’re attending the Belmont Stakes this year, what are some of the most important fashion tips that you should follow?

Tips for Women

Dresses & Jumpsuits

Fashion is high priority at the Belmont Stakes, meaning that women will typically look to dress up, while also ensuring that they are comfortable. Finding the right balance is extremely important when going to the races, especially considering that you will be on your feet for hours on end.

Popular options for women included dresses and jump suits, with trending colours such as yellow, green, and blue being prominent.

Standing out from the crowd is the order of the day, and the weather at the track for Belmont Stakes day is normally warm, meaning an umbrella to stay cool in the climate is always a possible accessory.

 

Headwear

No day at the races is complete without a statement head piece, meaning that many female visitors to the track have already began to sort a piece of headwear for the big day before deciding on a dress or jumpsuit.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to headwear, and there are also no wrong answers. Finding something that complement your style is important, whether that be a fascinator, a wide-brim straw hat, or an elegant hair accessory. All of the options are widely found at the Belmont Stakes annually, with organizers allowing those in attendance to get creative with their style.

However, if you aren’t a fan of wearing headwear then that is also okay, as hats at the tracks aren’t compulsory.

Footwear

The questions of what to wear on your feet is always the biggest question that female visitors ask themselves when putting together their outfits for a day at the racing.

For the most part, women will wear their best high heels at the start of the day, ensuring that they look at their best for when pictures are taken. However, as you will likely be on your feet all day, then are potentially a few smarter selections.

Among those include chunky block heels, lawn-friendly espadrille wedges and chic court shoes. If opting for high heels, many females will also bring a pair of flip flops to change into later in the afternoon, ensuring that they have an alternative pair of shoes in case heels become too painful.

Tips for Men

Top Half

Fashion is also hugely important to male visitors at the Belmont Stakes, and ensuring that you look the part at the track is essentially important. Gone are the days of visitors wearing three-piece suits, especially at the final Triple Crown race of the season when the temperatures can be more extreme.

Male visitors will typically wear a sharp blazer to the Belmont Stakes, but with a dressed down approach. This can include wearing an unbuttoned shirt with no tie. Instead, many men will opt to wear a pocket squad, complete with sunglasses for the sunny weather.

Bottom Half

Full suits are uncommon at the Belmont Stakes, but that doesn’t stop visitors from looking as smart as they can. On the bottom half, many men will wear tailored trousers or chinos.

The colours of these will need to complement the choice of shirt and jacket, with many opting for black trousers and more colourful upper body clothing. Males will also have more freedom when it comes to their footwear, as uncomfortable high heels are an unlikely choice.

Instead, many men will wear Loafers, Oxfords, or Derbys. Importantly, it is wise to wear the shoes around the house to get used to them first, as failure to break them in could lead to blisters after a long day of standing on your feet at the racing.

Tips for Men & Women

As well as dedicated options in terms of clothing for men and women visitors, it is also essential to consider bringing certain accessories. Among these include an umbrella in case you need to get out of the sun for a while.

Meanwhile, it is important to pack a mobile charger, as a long day placing bets on your mobile and taking pictures can drain your battery.

It is also important to have battery life, as your ticket for the Belmont Stakes will be on your mobile device. It is also important to bring important items, such as sun cream, sun glasses, and a water bottle