Anyone ever been to Saratoga?

I'm visiting some friends up there this weekend and have NO idea what to pack
Do people get dressy up there for the horse racing, or is it pretty casual?

Saratoga is beautiful...their main street is very quaint - filled with great antique shops and good restaurants.

I've never been to the races - but I always pictured I'd go dressed to the 9s with a huge hat and all. I think you can do whatever you please...

cp - I know! I went to Belmont a few yrs ago and couldn't believe the 'class' society was back! People dressed with fancy hats and all, and then others waiting on line for draft beer in ripped jeans Maybe I'll wear an outfit somewhere in the middle!

I don't think you can go really wrong with dressy casual. Plus you can use the excuse that you are a tourist

Have a great time!!!

I went to the main street part in college (I was in Albany) but never the races...

I do know a few years ago my friend's father got box seats to the Belmont Stakes...not thinking she wore jeans...and they weren't going to let her in...her father had to give the guy a tip....

yeah, I think we'll be seating in the cheaper seats so maybe it doesn't even matter.

I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that the weather holds out!

cheap seats= not fancy
expensive seats = fancy

i would dress how you feel comfortable. sometimes it is fun to dress up.

have a great time. i love it up there.

I was just there last weekend and it's correct that there are various different levels of dress.

If you jusy buy general admission (like $2) you can grab a seat anywhere or picnic on the grounds (but get there early because the picnic tables fill up fast!) and just dress real casual, shorts or whatever.

If you sit in the grandstand, which is what we usually do (costs $5 additional BUT you need to get the tickets in advance, either starting at 6 pm the night before at the Holiday Inn or 8 am that morning at the track itself), people tend to go dressy casual...khakis, etc. I ususally wear a skirt or sundress. And my mom and I always wear our hats! There are a lot of hats there, but not everyone wears them. We just like to.

The fanciest is the clubhouse, which actually has a dress code (I believe it may even be jackets for men), but you have to get those tickets WAY WAY in advance.

Hope this helps. Have fun!!