Statement hats and headpieces
The 150th Preakness Stakes was a showcase of extravagant millinery, with attendees donning statement hats and headpieces that turned heads across Pimlico Race Course. From wide-brimmed classics to avant-garde creations, the event proved once again that the Preakness is as much about fashion as it is about horse racing.
Many racegoers embraced traditional Southern charm with oversized hats adorned with feathers, silk flowers, and lace. These timeless pieces, often in pastel hues or bold monochromes, added a touch of elegance and drama to the day’s festivities. Some attendees opted for vintage-inspired fascinators, perched delicately atop carefully styled hair, offering a nod to the race’s storied history.
Others took a more modern approach, choosing sculptural headpieces that blurred the line between fashion and art. Metallic accents, geometric shapes, and unexpected materials like mesh and leather gave a contemporary edge to the classic race-day look. These daring choices stood out in the crowd, drawing admiration and plenty of photo requests.
For many, the hat was the centrepiece of their outfit, with entire ensembles built around the colour and style of their headwear. Coordinated accessories, such as matching clutches or shoes, helped tie the look together, while bold lipstick and statement sunglasses added an extra layer of flair.
Whether handmade or designer, the hats and headpieces at this year’s Preakness were a testament to personal style and creativity. They not only honoured the tradition of race-day fashion but also brought a fresh, expressive energy to the milestone celebration.
Colorful dresses and coordinated outfits
Bright hues and bold prints dominated the fashion scene at the 150th Preakness Stakes, with guests embracing the festive spirit through colourful dresses and carefully coordinated outfits. From flowing maxi dresses in tropical florals to structured midi frocks in vibrant jewel tones, the crowd at Pimlico Race Course was a kaleidoscope of style and personality.
Many attendees opted for dresses in eye-catching shades like fuchsia, emerald, cobalt blue and sunshine yellow, creating a lively contrast against the green infield and historic grandstands. Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen and cotton kept things breezy under the Maryland sun, while ruffles, pleats and asymmetrical hems added movement and flair to each look.
Coordinated couples and friend groups took the opportunity to showcase their fashion synchronicity. Matching colour palettes, complementary patterns and shared accessories like pocket squares or floral pins made for striking group photos and a sense of unity among the crowd. Some duos even matched their outfits to their hats or shoes, creating a polished and intentional aesthetic.
Prints were a standout trend, with everything from classic polka dots and gingham to bold abstract designs and animal prints making an appearance. These patterns added a playful edge to the day’s fashion, with many guests pairing them with solid-colour accessories to balance the look.
Footwear choices ranged from strappy heels and wedges to more practical block heels and dressy sandals, allowing racegoers to stay stylish without sacrificing comfort. Accessories like statement earrings, layered necklaces and colourful clutches completed the ensembles, adding a personal touch to each outfit.
The colourful dresses and coordinated outfits at this year’s Preakness were a celebration of individuality and shared style. They reflected not only the joy of the event but also the creativity and flair of those who came to see—and be seen.
Sharp suits and standout accessories
Tailored suits took centre stage at the 150th Preakness Stakes, with attendees showcasing a mix of classic elegance and bold modern flair. From crisp linen numbers perfect for the warm weather to sharply cut wool-blend ensembles in unexpected hues, the men’s fashion was every bit as eye-catching as the women’s. Navy, charcoal and beige remained popular choices, but many racegoers stepped out in vibrant colours like emerald green, burgundy and even pastel pink, proving that race-day style knows no bounds.
Double-breasted blazers, slim-fit trousers and waistcoats added a touch of sophistication, while playful prints—think subtle florals, checks and pinstripes—brought personality to traditional tailoring. Some attendees embraced a more relaxed vibe with unstructured jackets and open collars, striking a balance between formal and festive. Lightweight fabrics like seersucker and cotton blends kept things breathable, ensuring comfort didn’t take a backseat to style.
Accessories were where many outfits truly came to life. Pocket squares in contrasting colours, patterned ties and bow ties, and lapel pins added layers of detail to otherwise simple suits. Fedoras and Panama hats made a strong showing, offering both sun protection and a nod to classic race-day fashion. Footwear ranged from polished leather brogues to suede loafers, with some daring guests opting for colourful sneakers to inject a bit of fun into their look.
Watches, cufflinks and sunglasses were carefully chosen to complement each outfit, with many attendees clearly putting thought into every element of their ensemble. Some even coordinated their accessories with their partners’ outfits, creating a cohesive and stylish appearance that stood out in the crowd.
Whether going for timeless refinement or bold experimentation, the men at this year’s Preakness proved that sharp suiting and standout accessories are just as integral to the event’s fashion legacy as the iconic hats and dresses.
Standout styles from the track
From the moment the gates opened at Pimlico Race Course, the 150th Preakness Stakes became a runway of its own. Attendees embraced the occasion with a mix of classic race-day elegance and bold, contemporary flair. The trackside crowd delivered a masterclass in statement dressing, with silhouettes ranging from sharply tailored suits to flowing, floral frocks that danced in the breeze.
Men leaned into dapper dressing with pastel blazers, crisp white trousers, and pocket squares that popped with personality. Linen and lightweight cotton dominated the fabric choices, ideal for the warm spring weather. A standout look featured a double-breasted mint green suit paired with tan loafers and a straw fedora — a nod to vintage charm with a modern twist.
Women turned heads in vibrant midi dresses, dramatic sleeves, and coordinated accessories. One guest stunned in a lemon-yellow wrap dress with exaggerated shoulders, paired with white block heels and a matching clutch. Another favourite was a tiered tulle skirt in blush pink, styled with a structured corset top and oversized sunglasses — a look that balanced romance with edge.
Footwear was both functional and fashionable, with many opting for wedges or block heels to navigate the turf with ease. Accessories played a starring role, from pearl-studded handbags to gloves in pastel leather. The attention to detail was unmistakable, with every ensemble curated to capture the spirit of the day — celebratory, stylish, and unapologetically bold.
Hats, hues, and high fashion
Millinery took centre stage as guests arrived in a kaleidoscope of headwear that ranged from the whimsically oversized to the intricately sculptural. Wide-brimmed hats in sorbet shades — think peach, lavender, and mint — were adorned with silk flowers, feathers, and even miniature horse motifs, adding a playful nod to the day’s equestrian theme. Fascinators, a race-day staple, were reimagined with architectural flair, featuring metallic mesh, netting, and asymmetrical silhouettes that gave a distinctly modern edge.
Colour was used with fearless intent. From bold monochrome looks in cobalt blue and fuchsia to clashing prints that somehow worked in perfect harmony, the crowd embraced a maximalist palette. One standout ensemble featured a chartreuse silk slip dress paired with a violet fascinator and emerald green heels — a daring tri-colour combination that turned heads for all the right reasons. Another guest opted for a full-length floral jumpsuit in saturated hues, cinched at the waist with a gold belt and finished with a crimson lip.
Fabric choices leaned into texture and movement. Organza, chiffon, and silk were popular picks, catching the breeze and adding a sense of drama to every step. Embellishments were everywhere — sequins, embroidery, and beading added depth and dimension, particularly on clutches and collars. Statement earrings and layered bangles completed many looks, proving that more was definitely more.
It was clear that attendees weren’t just dressing for the races — they were dressing for the moment. The 150th Preakness Stakes wasn’t just a sporting event; it was a celebration of fashion’s power to express joy, individuality, and a touch of theatricality. And in true race-day tradition, the hats said it all.