Racetrack Fashion Inspiration From ABR Guests

I'm all about a relaxed day at the track wearing a T-shirt, Nike shorts and a pair of kicks, but I do relish any chance I get to dress up fancy and go to the races. There's something about wearing a classic dress, fascinator (my big hair doesn’t always get along so well with hats) and fun accessories that makes me feel like I'm stepping back in time and getting to enjoy such a historic pastime – these are the new glory days of racing!
I've noticed that one of every guest's favorite parts of being invited out for a day of racing is the opportunity to dress up. With endless possibilities – hats, fascinators, bowties, fedoras and more – the chance to wear something a little different than their everyday work getups or the typical sporting event wear has them eager to get out the races.
I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good. Not much is better than feeling like a million bucks, watching these incredible athletes compete and rooting for your horse to cross the finish line first – okay, maybe winning that bet makes the feeling even that much sweeter, but I digress! My Belmont Stakes outfit this year may be my favorite ever – I fell absolutely head over hooves for my Christine Moore fascinator and I adored my lace dress, plus American Pharoah WON THE TRIPLE CROWN – the outfit totally amped up my mood, I swear!
  
Photo by Chad B. Harmon
Without further ado, here's a roundup of some of my favorite looks worn by our America's Best Racing guests –
How stunning does Kendra of Closet Confections look here? She's got it ALL going on – the citrus dress, lace gloves (swoon), the perfect fascinator and not pictured bright yellow shoes & green clutch she added to tie it all together. She also brought the most beautiful pair of gold binoculars. Girl rocked this out of the track! Not to mention her husband looked mighty dapper himself in his seersucker jacket.

Photo courtesy @closetconfections
Anna of A Lilly Love Affair sported the loveliest Kentucky Derby outfit for her day at Arlington Park. The tea-length floral dress and purple fascinator were the perfect pair – sweet and elegant. Her Coach cross body reminded me of a fancy saddle and I fancy an equestrian touch done well.

Photo courtesy @annabaun
Eddie is one of the most charming guests – he’s so much fun to be around and definitely nails mixing classic and modern Americana for the perfect look – check out that Brixton fedora her wore at Saratoga; totally track worthy. He’s a Pinterest extraordinaire, self-proclaimed menswear addict and truly knows his stuff when it comes to men’s fashion. I certainty stand behind his suggestion that every man should own a well-tailored suit – they’re picture-perfect for the track!

Photo courtesy @eddierossetti
Caroline of Love & Loathing Los Angeles got dolled up for Del Mar’s 2014 opening day in a navy polka dot dress, red lipstick and wide-brimmed hat. I would have never known that the gusty wind kept trying to blow off her hat or that she almost didn't make it to the track because of a hit and run – she looked mighty classy.

Photo courtesy @loveandloathingla
Kela of Kela's Kloset knows how to rock a red carpet while working as a TV host and producer and she definitely brought that glam to Saratoga. Her Zara pumps and Dora Marra fascinator were EVERYTHING and that dress was perfect - she spared no expense with this gorgeous ensemble.

Photo courtesy @kelawalker
Sisters Nika and Bianca of Diwa Dollhouse were such a sweet duo! They each wore a stylish skirt and top – the perfect amounts of playful, chic and vibrant pops of color to witness Belmont Stakes history. From My Fair Lady to the races, done right!

Photo courtesy @diwadollhouse
Jackie of Living After Midnight indeed pulled out all the stops when she sported bright pink wedges, a wide brimmed hat and funky floral dress to Belmont – a great day of racing, relaxing in box seats and meeting outrider ponies called for such a fun outfit. I don’t blame her for wanting to wear that hat on a normal basis – it looks fabulous on her!
 
Photo courtesy @jackiegiardina
Mustafa of Astute Attire is one dapper fella and did not disappoint with his Belmont Stakes ensemble! The bow tie, jacket and cigar were the perfect trifecta for the historic day that saw American Pharoah cross the finish line first in the Belmont Stakes and end our long Triple Crown drought.

Photo courtesy @astuteattire
Elena of A New York Love Affair quickly became our blogger-handicapper extraordinaire. After one trip out to Belmont with us she was helping explain betting to other bloggers in Saratoga and they all seemed to be winning. I’m a sucker for Christine Moore’s millinery (this we know), so the way Elena paired it with a simple, royal blue keyhole dress and wedges together – letting the fascinator be the star – was perfection.

Photo courtesy @anewyorkloveaffair
Jess of Jess Undecided has the coolest style – she pairs casual, comfortable basics together and creates awesome outfits! I would have never thought to wear something like this, probably because I’m not so sure I could ever pull it off, but it was fab. The minute she walked up to meet us for our backstretch tour I asked her where she got her gorgeous blue vest – it was perfect for the cool air on Woodbine Mile day and the pop of color was the perfect touch for a fun day at the races outfit.

Photo courtesy @jessundecided
I’ve never met Marija Krosnjar of Sportsanista, but I’ve followed her since she first visited Arlington with my ABR colleague Mike and love looking at what’s she’s wearing. If you've ever read anything fashion-related that I've written, chances are you know I am the biggest fan of rompers and jumpsuits. She did not disappoint with her Derby looks – my favorite (and her self-proclaimed), is this Cachè jumpsuit.

Photo courtesy @mksportsanista
As you can see, there are countless ways to dress for a day at the races. The most important tip? Wear what makes you feel like a million bucks!
Do you have a favorite outfit that you’ve worn or seen at the track?