Is there a Keeneland dress code? Your complete Breeders' Cup women's fashion guide

A purple wave is headed to Keeneland racecourse for the first time since 2018 and if you intend to ride it, here are some fast tips for the World Championship of thoroughbred horse racing known as the Breeders' Cup.

The official color of the two-day, 14-race world-class event is purple. More precisely, royal purple.

"Horse racing is known as the sport of kings and purple is the color of royalty which is why Breeders' Cup became associated with the color," said Peggy Gdovka, vice president of Retail and Event Activations for the iconic horse race.

The first Breeders' Cup race was held in 1984 at Hollywood Park in California. The end-of-the-year world championship races attract top talent from across the globe and offer $31 million in winnings. From its inception through 2006, it was a single-day event. Starting in 2007, it expanded to two days.

Unlike the Kentucky Derby, which is always held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, the Breeders' Cup moves around to a different North American track each year. In Kentucky, the Breeders' Cup was last held at Churchill Downs in Louisville in 2018. Prior to the COVID-19 spectator-less races in 2020, Lexington's Keeneland Racetrack last hosted the Breeders' Cup in 2015.

This year, racing takes place Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland and there are still tickets available for those who want to experience an international horse race. As this is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic a Kentucky racetrack will hold the World Championship event with fans in the stands, we're expecting people to bring their a-game in the wardrobe department.

Here's what to know to look your very best at the Breeders' Cup in Lexington:

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Is there a Keeneland dress code for Breeders' Cup?

While there is no strict dress code for areas outside of the Keeneland Clubhouse, the Breeders’ Cup is a world-class, internationally televised event. Fashion experts recommend you start with business casual but encourage you to wear your race-day best. If you have tickets for Keeneland's Clubhouse, no denim or tennis shoes are allowed and a coat and tie are required for men. Dress and race day attire is required for women.

"It's really an elevated race day look with lots of equestrian boots and accessories, tweeds, fall colors, fedoras and fascinators," Gdovka told the Courier Journal. "When Breeders' Cup is held in Kentucky, the fashion is glamorous and elegant, like you are looking at the autumn edition of a fashion magazine."

What are the best colors to wear to the Breeders' Cup?

Besides the color purple, popular colors for a fall day at the racetrack include burgundy, camel, deep blue, browns, burnt orange, deep red, shades of gold, and a rich array of greens.

Do you need to wear a hat to the Breeders' Cup?

"Dressing for Breeders' Cup is very much like a Kentucky Derby feel but with a fall twist," Shannon Haynes, manager of The Keeneland Shop, told the Courier Journal. "You'll see lots of hats on both women and men but they are made of felt not straw like you wear in the spring. Layering is very popular in the fall and we sell a lot of wool sports jackets, sweaters, quilted vests, feather bowties, needlepoint belts, you name it."

For those looking for a more complete Breeders' Cup wardrobe, The Keeneland Shop is one of the most extensive equestrian gift shops located within a racetrack in the country. It also carries an extensive inventory of women's dresses, blouses, quilted vests, scarves and equestrian jewelry.

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"Something people don't think about is the fact that it's typically 20 degrees cooler at the track than it is in downtown Lexington. We get a lot of customers coming in to buy, gloves, scarves, rain gear and we also sell hand warmers," said Haynes. "We also have several exclusive collections. We worked with the brand Smith and Quinn to create a collection of equestrian prints for women's dresses and blouses and men's neckwear and pocket squares."

What are the must-have accessories to wear to Breeders' Cup?

Like fashion at the Kentucky Derby, couples are coordinating their outfits with simple touches like pocket squares, neckwear, and matching the print or colors in a dress, scarf or hat.

As for your footwear, the first weekend in November is not typically open-toed stilettoes weather. Instead, break out your favorite stylish pair of boots. When the temperatures dip, what is more equestrian than pairing your outfit with chic warm boots?

"Another tip is to add a piece of equestrian-inspired jewelry. We have beautiful pieces in the store," Haynes said. "We also sell umbrellas and white parasols, which are a tradition at Keeneland."

The idea of an umbrella may come as a shock to race fans from Louisville. Churchill Downs strictly forbids the use of bumbershoots. But at Keeneland, because the grandstands face into the afternoon sun, parasols are not only a necessity, the white ruffled accessory has become a tradition.

Can I buy my hat or fascinator at Keeneland?

There is an area just outside The Keeneland Shop called Milliner's Corner. Here you'll find designer hats for both women and men from the Featured Milliner of the Breeders' Cup, Christine A. Moore. Additionally, shoppers will find hats and fascinators from Jenny Pfanenstiel, Draper James, Dorman Pacific, and more.

During a recent visit, the sales staff at Milliner's Corner told the Courier Journal the most popular style of hat this fall is a felt fedora for both men and women.

Besides the fedora, milliner Christine A. Moore has noticed another trend and a reason you may want to carry a few extra dollars for your weekend at Breeders Cup.

"I travel to race tracks all over the country and a lot of people are starting to buy a hat or fascinator as a souvenir of their experience," she said. "What a great way to remember the fun you had at Breeders' Cup every time you put on your hat for the rest of the year."

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Where can I purchase official 2022 Breeders' Cup merchandise?

Gdovka oversees a large pop-up Breeders' Cup branded merchandise pavilion just outside the entrance to the racetrack.

"People are very proud when they attend Breeders' Cup and like to go home with something that reminds them of the weekend," she said.

The shop includes plenty of fan gear like ball caps and sweatshirts but also curated clothing, jewelry and home goods from Sweden, England and Ireland. If you feel like you need to add a little more bling to your wardrobe, stop by the pavilion on your way into the races. If you want a piece to remember your winning day at the racetrack, pop into the pop-up on your way home.

What to know about The Keeneland Shop souvenir store

As you enter through the main ticket gates at Keeneland, one of the first buildings you'll encounter is The Keeneland Shop. Not only is this highly curated store geared up for Breeders' Cup, but it's also a great place to find Kentucky-themed gifts for the holidays or any time of the year.

With handpainted Christmas tree ornaments, equestrian-themed stoneware and jewelry, and a large inventory of children's clothing and accessories, The Keeneland Shop is more like a fine boutique than a trackside souvenir shop.

"Our busiest time of the year is throughout the fall," said Haynes. "We have people shopping for the races and also picking items up to give as holiday gifts."

In fact, the boutique includes such a variety of inventory you could arrive at the track in only your boots and underwear (not something we recommend) and The Keeneland Shop could have you fully dressed and ready to step into the Paddock in a matter of minutes.

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When is the 2022 Breeder's Cup World Championships?

The 2022 Breeders' Cup will be held Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland Racetrack, 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky.

How do I get tickets to the 2022 Breeder's Cup World Championships?

General admission tickets start at $75 and Clubhouse general admission tickets start at $194. Tickets are available at breederscup.com.

Reach Features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to wear to 2022 Breeders' Cup races at Keeneland racetrack