Halloween-Inspired Breeders’ Cup Fashion

The first day of Breeders’ Cup falls on Halloween this year and ABR ambassadors Ciara Austin and Victoria Garofalo have rallied together to create some Halloween costume-inspired outfits for the races.
Yes, it is totally possible to bring out your inner ghouls and goblins while looking as classy as ever! Take a look at these styles and see if there’s a character or theme you might like to recreate at the track:
Disney Princess Jasmine
It’s time to show Disney Princess Jasmine a “Whole New World” in the land of horse racing fashion! If Jasmine was not a fictional character, there is no doubt in our minds that she would wear this ensemble gracefully at Breeders’ Cup. Turquoise is such a stunning color on any complexion and the detail on this a-line tube top dress is exquisite. Gold accents are carried through in each of the accessory items, like the Fornash horse-bit bracelet, so chic!

Princess Jasmine
Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and the City”
Carrie Bradshaw is known for her love of fashion. Her incredible wardrobe consists of lots of designer names, tulle and expensive heels — so naturally all of those things would be gladly accepted at the races. Breeders’ Cup is the perfect experience to bring out your inner Carrie by wearing an ultra-feminine tulle skirt. The way that it is styled brings the right balance between costume and sophistication. I love the blush pinks that can transition from day to night from the delicate fascinator to the dainty accents in the clutch. Timeless and fun, this ensemble is bound to be a hit!

Carrie Bradshaw
Holly Golightly of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Channeling Holly Golightly for a Halloween Breeders’ Cup outfit is perfect - Santa Anita gives off an incredibly glam, old Hollywood feel, and her style fits in perfectly with how fans dress up for a day at the races - even in 2014. This vintage 1950s dress is perfect on all accounts (price, style, cut, everything)! Not to mention you can wear it multiple times and on additional race days just by swapping out your accessories. Don’t forget about your tiara hair comb, sleek satin gloves, black pumps and pearls. Get yourself a few longs strands of pearls, wind them around, secure with a fun brooch. Lastly, be sure to don the iconic tortoiseshell sunglasses (hers were Oliver Goldsmith “Manhattan”) and you've got the final touch to your Holly Golightly at the races look.

Holly Golightly
Clark Kent of “Superman”
Superman’s everyday disguised personality of Clark Kent is the perfect formal look for the races, especially on Halloween! Both Clark Kent and Superman are both all about the business, and this look is able to display that perfectly with room for quality accessories like the trilby hat and wayfarer glasses. Adding the Superman T-Shirt underneath the dress shirt and blazer provides more of a casual style to the suit, which can also transition the look from day to night, and with all the events that are taking place during Breeders’ Cup weekend, you’ll need to look and feel powerful.

Clark Kent
The Joker from “Batman”
The Joker, the nemesis of Batman, is probably one of most iconic fictional characters of all time, and a costume that we have seen worn (and performed in) by greats such as Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger. One might think this look would be a challenge to create for a race-day outfit, but it actually is quite simple. Not to mention, purple is the signature color of Breeders’ Cup; the contrast of the purple and green mimic the silks of California Chrome! To modernize this outfit for 2014, add the details of the polka dot bow tie, horse cufflinks and Oxford shoes and you really will stand out.

The Joker
Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Pirates and horse racing might not initially seem like they go hand-in-hand, but there’s a perfectly acceptable way to channel Jack Sparrow without looking out of place. Plus, haven’t you ever heard that Man o’ War isn’t only the name of a great racehorse, but also the name of a pirate ship ready to go to war?! First things first, pirates love jewels. The Catorex gold-plated pocket watch is the perfect touch of pirate booty AND it’s practical — it’ll help make sure you don’t miss a race! These Ralph Lauren Pitman-Wash jeans are hand-coated to give off that sculpted leathered, distressed look, perfect for a day on the high seas (or a day of horses and betting). Pair them both with a button up, some Frye work boots, a tweed work vest (or coat), and a handcrafted, made-to-order wool felt hat, and hi ho, you’ve got a swashbuckling, race-day getup.

Jack Sparrow 
Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan of “The Great Gatsby”
Jay Gatsby is absolutely clothing obsessed, and all of the male characters in “The Great Gatsby” are perfect for race-day outfit inspiration. The Breeders’ Cup is the richest two days in ALL of sports - $26-million rich and as good of an excuse as any to rent a tux, shine your shoes, don gauntlet cuffs (a Gatsby touch) and pop on a pair of Ray-Bans. You'll look 1920s Prohibition fresh. Don’t want to dress so swanky, but still want to emulate the time period? Opt for the power suit — don a boater, pair it with a matching red tie and pocket square and off to the races you go — dressed to impress!
As for the ladies, it's all about the glitz and glamour. This flapper-inspired dress can be worn into the wee hours of the night as you celebrate your winnings. The princess headband is perfect for you to create that faux bob look, not to mention it’ll help showcase these gorgeous speakeasy earrings. Since the dress is so fancy, I chose to pair it with flat, strappy ballerina shoes and a fun gold clutch. Don’t forget to swipe on a matte-red lipstick and enjoy your time watching the best horse racing!

The Great Gatsby