Race Day Looks Good on You: A Steeplechase Style Guide
Race day at the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus is a chance to have fun with your style, gather your favorite people and make the entire day feel like an occasion.
Whether your look includes a statement hat and a new dress, boots and your favorite jeans, or something completely your own, there’s no one way to dress for Steeplechase. Most importantly, remember it’s a long day outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather, dress for the forecast and choose a look that will keep you comfortable from the time you arrive until the final race.
And your style doesn’t have to stop with your outfit. From coordinating your crew to decorating your tailgate, there are plenty of ways to express yourself on race day.
Race Day Style Is Your Style
Some racegoers embrace traditional race day fashion with dresses, jackets, bow ties and hats. Others keep things casual and comfortable. Go classic, colorful, preppy, bold or completely laid-back.
There’s no required race day look. Wear what makes you feel good and allows you to enjoy the entire day.
Top It Off
Hats and fascinators are a race day tradition for a reason. They’re fun, they photograph well and they can completely change an outfit.
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
Go big and colorful, choose something classic or add a simple hat that pulls your look together. Gentlemen can get in on the fun, too—a hat, bow tie or pocket square is an easy way to add personality without changing the entire outfit.
Don’t Forget the Shoes
Looking good is great. Still feeling good at the end of the day is even better.
You’ll be walking and standing on grass, so think about comfort when choosing your shoes. Boots, flats, wedges, loafers and block heels can all work for race day. Save the shoes that sink into the grass for another occasion!
Coordinate Your Crew
Friends, couples and families can have some fun with their race day looks by choosing coordinating colors or a general color palette.
Fall tones, navy and cream, pops of color or a shared accent can bring everyone’s looks together without actually matching. Everyone gets to show their own personality, and your group photos will look even better.
Your Tailgate Can Have Style, Too
Why stop at your outfit?
Your tailgate is another chance to show off your style. Tablecloths, flowers, serving pieces, food displays and décor can transform your space and create a great backdrop for photos with friends.
Keep it simple, choose a theme or go all out. Your tailgate should feel like your group.
The Lexus VIP Lounge: The Place to Be
Want to take race day style up a notch? The Lexus VIP Lounge brings fashion, friends and an elevated Steeplechase experience together in one place.
Reserve a table for six or eight and enjoy high-end food and beverages throughout the day, elevated views of the racing action and private restrooms. Gather your favorite people, dress for the occasion and let Lexus help make your race day feel extra special.
Find Your Photo Moment
You planned the outfit and coordinated the group, so make sure you get the pictures!
Steeplechase is filled with photo-worthy backdrops. Grab a group shot at your tailgate, take a family picture, capture a candid moment along the rail or explore the grounds for photos at the paddock, Winner’s Circle and Horse of Many Feathers.
And don’t forget the action shots. Sometimes the best race day photos are the ones you weren’t posing for.
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
Make It Social
Show us your race day style! Share your outfit, coordinated group looks, tailgate décor and favorite moments throughout the day on Instagram.
Be sure to tag @steeplechaseofcharleston so we can see how you made race day your own.
You didn’t plan the outfit and decorate the tailgate just to leave your camera roll empty.
Find the Finishing Touch at the Merchant Market
Need something extra? Take a walk through the Merchant Market, where you can shop jewelry, accessories, hats, bow ties, clothing and handcrafted pieces from local and regional vendors.
You may find the perfect finishing touch for your race day look—or something new to take home.
Style Goes Beyond Your Outfit
Race day style is the hat you finally had an excuse to wear, the colors your group coordinated, the tailgate you decorated and the pictures you’ll share after the last horse crosses the finish line.
It’s another way to have fun, express yourself and make Steeplechase your own.
Ready to Show Off Your Race Day Style?
Your race day look is only part of the fun. Gather your favorite people, add your own style and get ready for a full day of racing! The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns November 15—we’ll see you at the racetrack! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff