America’s Best Racing Fashion of 2013

Photo courtesy of Eclipse Sportwire.

Special thanks to Mary Frances Dale and Briana Mott for their contributions to the America’s Best Racing Fashion section in 2013.

Not only did 2013 bring an abundance of competitive racing, it also presented plenty glamorous fashion at the racetrack. The major racing events proved hot spots for the latest fashions and trends. As seasons changed, America’s Best Racing followed the styles of the season from coast to coast. Don’t miss out on this year’s sophisticated styles at the races.

Starting out the year with the Florida Derby, Miami in March was a trendy location to be. Flowery prints, wind-blown dresses, and floppy hats were among the highlights at Gulfstream Park. 

In preparation for the Florida Derby, head designer and owner Arianne Brown lead a team consisting of design and production assistant Florencia Torlaschi, assistant designer and textile designer Cinthia Santos, and client-relations specialist Hanna Gotz. The team produced various styles revolving around the allure of Florida racing.   

Following the Florida Derby was one of the main fashion and racing events of the year, the Kentucky Derby! Clodhoppers Boutique in Louisville, Ky. provided a dose of high-end fashion to the Bluegrass State, featuring designers like Alice + Olivia, BCBG, and French Connection. When you’re relaxing off the track they also carry denim from Citizens of Humanity, J Brand, and Seven for All Mankind. Browse the fashions on the Clodhoppers Boutique website. Also indulge in ABR's exclusive interview with co-owner Kelly McDonald.

Place finishing touches on your Derby day outfit with hats, hats, and more hats! The Kentucky Derby is truly about the creative display of headwear. The slideshow below captures some of the most unique and fashion forward hats of the Kentucky Derby. Some of the finest designs are from The Christine A. Moore Millinery and can be purchased online or at selected retailers. 

The Kentucky Derby had passed, but the poise of the Preakness was ahead. The Southern feel brought bold prints, colors, and the freedom to mix and not match! Click here to explore different outfit ideas by Fashion at the Races.

Triple Crown racing was going strong, creating a unique fashion experience for Belmont beauties. Black and white again were prominent at the Belmont and high fashion was displayed in these shades. Although racing didn’t provide the elusive Triple Crown winner, the displays of white lace and little black dresses guaranteed a crowd. Studs and leather made standouts at the Belmont, with no reference to the horses.

Late summer brought the Haskell at Monmouth Park. Unique horses, fans, and fashions made it a signature event. A theme of vintage elegance at the race was supported by New Jersey’s finest luxury consignment, DoubleTake Boutique. Fashionista and founder Marci Kessler created the unique designer clothes boutique as a sanctuary for luxury designer goods ready for a second life. DoubleTake Boutique fashion’s represented this year’s Haskell inspired through Kate Middleton’s race-day fashion. Make sure to explore DoubleTake Boutique and Kate’s race day wear.

After the Haskell, it was time to head to the windy city and dress to impress for the Arlington Million. Stressing over trends of the season didn’t cause skirts to fly, after visiting the Roslyn boutique. The owner, Roslyn Clayton, is originally from Chicago but has designed her boutique around the skills she learned in the competitive New York fashion marketplace. One of a kind mineralogy is available at her boutique, along with race day outfits and accessories. Check out the interview with Roslyn and more of her race day fashions.

Fashion at the Races put their money where their mouth was the Arlington Million. They introduced statement-making styles and a bold-but-elegant taste for the prestigious event. Style icons Giuliana Rancic and Corri McFadden represented the trendy Chicago race-day fashions.

Heading west, Del Mar was the next fashion destination of the year. The warm weather made cool dresses a signature of the races. Bing Crosby founded the Del Mar track, and fittingly the dress was 1940s inspired attire. The retro style and Christine A. Moore Millinery hat station made the race days truly unforgettable.

Saratoga has both great racing and shopping! Packing a suitcase wasn’t a necessity when heading to Saratoga because of the fabulous boutiques and salons in the area. Shops bring together the biggest hats, hottest shoes, and finest dresses in the area. Be sure to check out the top fashion picks and best buys.

The Breeders’ Cup’s competitive mounts and fearless jockeys complemented a spread of fierce fashion at the event. Racing wasn't the only competition at Santa Anita as fashionistas wearing fascinators, fedoras, and hats gathered off the track for a battle of beauty. Fighting for a fashion title and up to $10,000 in Westfield gift cards, only the finest displays of fascinators and fedoras highlighted the racing at the Breeders’ Cup.

Now, this year it wasn’t all about the ladies. Although, when trying to impress the ladies, there is nothing more attractive than a man in a well-fitted suit! Not sure how to find a suit and make sure it fits properly? Uncertain about the dos and don’ts of lapels? Men attending the races and needing help, turn to none other than Fashion at the Races to ensure their look is complete.

2013 has been a year full of intense racing and high fashion. From the bright colors of spring dresses to the flirtatious fall fascinators, top notch fashion has been thoroughly displayed throughout the year at racing events.