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WIN, PLACE, SHOW: HATS + FASCINATORS

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Belmont Bold

Best Dressed Female

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Saratoga Sophisticated

Sharpest-Dressed Gent

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Churchill Chic

Most Fashion-Forward Look

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The Finish Line Pair

Most Stylish Couple

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Style Guide

From oversized hats and vibrant florals to bourbon-inspired looks, fashion at the Belmont Bourbon Bash blends Southern charm with a touch of modern city edge. It’s an event where guests truly show up and show out. For some, that means bold colors, dramatic hats, and playful patterns. For others, it’s about refined elegance and classic tailoring.

 

There are no rigid rules when it comes to race-day fashion, but there is one universal expectation for everyone in attendance: 

Dress to impress.

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HATS – FIRST:  To some, it’s hats before horses.
 

Start with your headwear and build your look around it. Your hat is the personality piece: the statement that sets the tone for everything else.

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Cartwheel Hats:  Exaggerated disc silhouettes featuring a small crown and dramatic wide brim, often worn angled across the head. Sculptural and striking, these hats add mystery and high fashion drama.

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Ladylike Hats: Pillbox and smaller brimless styles are making a strong comeback. Seen on both runways and street style, these polished pieces feature minimal embellishment and timeless elegance.

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Silver Screen Hollywood: Think old-Hollywood glamour. Veils, headscarves, and turban-style hats evoke the elegance of classic film icons like Grace Kelly.

Neutral Shades + Bold Texture

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Designers are leaning into refined neutral palette, ivory, toffee, and mahogany, where texture takes center stage. Think woven straw, raffia, and sculptural materials that add depth and sophistication.

Fashion Collaborators
Stay tuned for social media videos!
Email belmontbourbonbash@gmail.com to join the fun!

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MEN’S HIGH-END RACE ATTIRE

Race-day style for men strikes the perfect balance between classic tailoring and modern personality.

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Suits

Tailored suits in lightweight fabrics are ideal for warmer weather:

  • Linen

  • Cotton blends

For cooler seasons, wool or tweed offers a more traditional racing aesthetic.

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Colors & Patterns

While navy and charcoal remain staples, lighter palettes are trending. Expect to see:

  • Baby blue

  • Butter yellow

  • Mint tones

A monochromatic pastel look—from jacket to shirt—creates a polished and modern appearance.

 

Relaxed Tailoring

Double-breasted jackets and slightly looser silhouettes are returning, giving classic suiting a refreshed feel.

 

Accessories

Details elevate the look:

  • Bright ties or pocket squares

  • Leather loafers or Chelsea boots

  • A quality timepiece such as those by Longines

 

Brooches

The accessory of the moment for men is the brooch. Style leaders—from athletes to actors—are embracing decorative lapel pieces featuring metals, jewels, or sculptural shapes. Think gold roses inspired by Travis Kelce or artistic metal pieces like those worn by Colman Domingo. 

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Some may even trade the traditional bow tie for a bold brooch.

 

Men’s Hats

Classic options like porkpie, fedora, and boater hats remain timeless. For a slightly edgier or more contemporary feel, newsboy and flat caps are gaining popularity.

The Finishing Touch: Equestrian Influence

Subtle equestrian details help tie race-day fashion together. Look for touches like:

  • Leather bags and belts

  • Buckle accents

  • Western-inspired luxury pieces

  • Textures that echo the heritage of the track

These elements connect fashion back to the spirit of the races while keeping the look elevated.

WOMEN’S HIGH-END RACE ATTIRE

Race-day fashion for women is where elegance meets personality.

 

Dresses

Classic race-day staples include:

  • Midi-length dresses for timeless sophistication

  • Fit-and-flare silhouettes for structured femininity

  • Wrap dresses for universally flattering lines

Expect to see elevated pastels, vibrant florals, and unexpected fabrics that feel modern yet romantic.

 

Power Peplum

Peplum is back, but in a much more refined form. Today’s versions are structured and architectural rather than soft or overly flared. A peplum top or dress adds a fashion-forward element while keeping the look polished.

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Alternative Looks

Dresses aren’t the only option. Guests may opt for:

  • Tailored jumpsuits

  • Sophisticated trouser suits

  • Patterned skirts paired with silk blouses

These looks provide the same elegance with a slightly more contemporary edge.

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Accessories

The finishing touches matter:

  • Elegant clutch bags

  • Statement earrings

  • Leather accents inspired by equestrian style

 

Footwear

Comfort is essential for a long day outdoors.

Stylish block heels, wedges, or kitten heels keep the look elevated while preventing the dreaded grass-sink.

Wedge Revival

Wedges are back in a big way—from classic cork platforms to modern metallic and sculptural versions.

Woven Shoes

Open-weave flats, slingbacks, and Mary Janes add breathability and texture while remaining comfortable and stylish.

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The Belmont Bourbon Bash is a charity experience benefiting STAGES Foundation, resources for patient and family navigation after a life changing diagnosis, Mental Health Services and Caregiver Support, Community Education and Advance Planning Programs, and Advocacy.

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The inaugural Belmont Bourbon Bash is also an independent fundraising event benefiting Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Department. 

 

STAGES Foundation is guided by Support, Transition, Advocacy, Guidance, Education, and Sustainability: a framework designed to provide compassionate care,

ethical advocacy, informed decision-making, and lasting resources for individuals and families facing life-changing diagnoses.

STAGES Foundation has been filed to be recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization under regulation 501(C)(3). 

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©2026 Belmont Bourbon Bash  

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