The Covid-19 vaccines are here and that means a return to all of the events we missed attending in person. For the 153rd Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, Belmont Park is excited to welcome back the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm that only passionate fans can provide to a day at the races.

What a better way to kick off the summer in New York City than attending the Belmont Stakes on June 5? The third leg of the Triple Crown kicks off a summer calendar of events in New York City that include the Governor’s Ball, Tribeca Film Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, Pride Week, and outdoor concerts.

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There is so much to look forward to attending in person (finally!).

The fashion scene at the Triple Crown races is full of elegance, prestige, and class. While the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve has long been known for its sensational hats and fashion, New York’s Belmont Stakes has its own sense of style.

Whether you have been before and need a refresher on how to choose your ensemble … or, if you’re a first-timer looking for tips, we’re here to help.

New York City is one of the fashion hubs of the world, but don’t let that intimidate you. Race days are a ton of fun and planning what to wear to them should be just as much fun. Good news to all the heel fanatics out there: Belmont Park is the perfect place to wear your favorite pair. The track has leveled walkways, grass with padding (no sinking!), and escalators throughout the racetrack.

I am a big heel fan, too, but Belmont Park is an enormous place and I always bring a pair of flats with me. If you are attending with your partner, it’s always fun to coordinate your dress and hat to match his or her attire. It’s always great seeing coordinating outfits with couples, friends, mothers and daughters, or fathers and sons.

Tapwrit with blanket of carnations after 2017 Belmont. (Eclipse Sportswire)

The blanket draped over the winner of the Belmont Stakes is made from 700 white carnations sewn into green velvet and weighs 40 pounds. White carnations represent love and luck.

The color trend at the Belmont is black and white. When I attended the Belmont Stakes, I chose a little black dress with a fascinator from Christine A. Moore (top image, far right) to match the coloring in the garland. A good piece of advice is to have a monochromatic theme and stick with one color and add another color to make your outfit pop.

Once you arrive at the Belmont Stakes don’t forget to enter Longines Prize for Elegance fashion contest.

Even those that stay neutral with their outfit can always go big with your accessories. Hats and fascinators can be anything from couture to commercial — it’s all about the impression you want to make. New York City’s very own Christine A. Moore has plenty of options to choose from to help you look your best on race days, including the more affordably-priced America’s Best Racing collection.

Once you are at the Belmont, don’t forget to grab their signature drink: the Belmont Jewel. It is a refreshing cocktail made of bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice, and it’s perfect for a warm day at the races.

Cheers! Have fun and best of luck to everyone!