What to Wear: Pacific Classic Fashion Inspiration
Image:
Description:
Del Mar’s biggest day of horse racing is coming up on Saturday with the Pacific Classic. This race has major significance not just in California but globally: the winner will earn the right to compete in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at the World Championships at Keeneland on Oct. 31.
So if you’re planning to head to beautiful Del Mar this Saturday to see some of the fantastic Thoroughbred racing in an amazing SoCal setting, I’m here to lend you a little fashion inspiration so you can dress for success for a day where the turf meets the surf. Below are a few looks that will be perfect for Pacific Classic day at Del Mar.
15PacificClassic1 by penelopemiller featuring leather shoulder handbags
Summery sundresses are a great choice for an afternoon at the races; but for a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In event like the Pacific Classic, it’s time to bring the glamour with you. For Del Mar, that means a killer lid (I chose a bold fascinator in a complimentary color to the dress’s soft pink) and some major sandals. Pro tip: if you’re going to rock heels at the track, it’s always a good idea to slip a pair of foldable sandals into your handbag. If you’re like me and root horses home by jumping up and down, your dogs will be barking by the end of the afternoon.)
Remember: if you’re going for bright, standout pieces like the fascinator and sandals in this look, keep the rest of your accessories relatively simple so you don’t end up overwhelming the dress.
15PacificClassic2 by penelopemiller featuring a white maxi dress
I’ll be at the Pacific Classic on Saturday, and I’ll be wearing a maxi dress. To me, these long dresses are the perfect summer racing ensemble; they’re incredibly comfortable, always stylish, and you can move freely in them. I usually take the very high-fashion route of accessorizing them with a pair of Chucks, but I’m also a photographer and tend to run around the track more than the horses do in a quest to get pictures of absolutely everything. I regret nothing: Chucks are awesome and go with everything.
However, if you want to elevate the look a little more, I love wedges for the races. They’re stylish and summery, but they won’t kill your feet. Big floppy hats are a definitely “in” for Del Mar, and I always love a pair of quirky sunglasses in Southern California. Another tip? Bring binoculars so you can have the best view of the action on the track.
15PacificClassic3 by penelopemiller featuring pink high heel sandals
There’s something about California that encourages my inner Bettie Page to come out and play: the queen of pinups is still the fashion inspiration for countless people, and I love the rockabilly vibe that’s derivative of her style. Why not bring that aesthetic to the track with some polka dots, a refined crop top and a fascinator? The details here, like the slim watch and pearls, keep the look ladylike; however, the edgy shoes and sleek bag keep everything from morphing into a costume.
15PacificClassic4 by penelopemiller featuring a straw hat
Florals are always the perfect choice for summer racing; I know, I know: I can hear your Miranda Priestly impression from here. Groundbreaking. But you can keep the look fresh by pulling out colors from prints that may be easily overlooked. I love the dark jade hiding in this dress, so I chose accessories that drew attention to that hue; add some bold gold shoes and bangles, and you’re off to the races!
15PacificClassic5 by penelopemiller featuring Franklin
If you’re planning on heading to Del Mar for Pacific Classic weekend, why not make time to go watch horses train in the morning? I promise you you’ll love it; not only is Del Mar the summer home for our Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who you can see taking a lap or two around the track most mornings, but there’s also a breakfast buffet on weekends.
Of course, dressing for success at the races is all about what makes you happy: whether that’s high fashion, utmost comfort, or somewhere in between, I hope you enjoy the Pacific Classic this weekend at Del Mar!