With the biggest day of the year coming up on July 16th, 2015. Yes, we’re talking The Del Mar Races Opening Day, we’ve all got a lot of thinking to do. So let’s talk fashion, shall we!?  Questions are running through your head: “what should I wear?”, “Is Herve Leger appropriate?” or “do I need to wear a hat?”, and “how much is ‘too’ much?”

Worry not, as we’ve put together The Del Mar Races Opening Day Official Style Guide. Our style guide which was featured in Locale Magazine. For more tips and things you should know on Opening Day, see How To Have The Best Time Ever on Opening Day.

Below, find the answers to all of your fashion and style questions including the after party. Remember girl, this ain’t the Derby, this is Del Mar…the rules have changed!

Photography by: Matt Doheny. All hats and headpieces are by Carol Bader Designs available at Del Mar Hat Company. Call: 8884244287 to purchase. All jewelry, bangles, and rings by LFR Designs, Call 8589644660 to purchase.

What To Wear To The Del Mar Races Opening Day

1. What Types Of Dresses Are Stylish?

Say Yes To:

• Sleeveless — preferred; Short Sleeves — may be warm, but are appropriate; strapless — acceptable
• Length should be At or Above Knee / Midi Length
• Fit & Flare or Fitted Shift Dresses
• Flowy and Feminine Dresses
• Breathable fabrics
• Daytime cocktail dresses

Say No To:

• Cotton/Jersey dresses — too casual!
• Length of dress ended just after the curvature of your rear end

2. How to Coordinate Your Hat With Your Dress?

• Colorblocking — pair solid colored dress with different colored hat
• White — pair white dress with a pop of color or a neutral cream colored hat | Note: beware of pairing white dress with white hat, as whites may not match and will cause one to appear dirty

• Monochromatic — pair solid colored dress with same or similar hued hat
• Prints — pair printed dress with white or neutral hat
• Multi-colored or Floral — pair multi-colored dress with hat that is of a color featured in the dress
• Black & White — pair black and white dress with a black or a white hat or a black and white hat

3. What Are The Color Trends For Del Mar Races Opening Day?

• Feminine colors like pale pink, baby blue, mint, and lavender
• Marsala — Pantone color of the year — if you’re wearing this color, expect the press to be all over you!
• Black and White
• Cyan (blue)
• Yellow
• Baby blue and yellow — official colors of The Del Mar Races

4. Handbag Essentials

• Handbag should be small and have a shoulder strap … because you’ll have a drink in one hand and betting tickets in the other
• Cash! Some betting booths only take cash … and you never know when you need to tip someone for a special favor
• Cell phone … but don’t expect to always have service  … plan ahead and always have a meeting spot with your group
• Sunglasses … for viewing the horses in the paddock
• Lipstick … so that you’re always photo ready
• Powder … for blotting out a glow

 For more Del Mar Races Opening Day tips and ticket giveaways follow us on Instagram @nubry.

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