What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

Considered “the perfect end to the perfect summer,” the Hampton Classic is THE social event to cap off the seasonal whirl on the East End. From August 25th to September 1st, devotees of equestrian pursuits will canter to the crème de la crème of the sport.

This year’s excitement is enhanced by riders arriving fresh from the jumps in Versailles at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Defending Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion Daniel Bluman is one of eight riders entered in the Classic who took part in the games.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Defending Hampton Classic Grand Prix champions Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z, Kind Media LLC.
Defending Hampton Classic Grand Prix champions Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z, Kind Media LLC.

Champion McClain Ward will also be returning to The Classic. Watch the round where he clinched the Silver Medal in Equestrian Team Jumping.


Champion McClain Ward will also be returning to The Classic. Watch the round where he clinched the Silver Medal in Equestrian Team Jumping.

On its way to becoming one of the largest outdoor equestrian events in the country, the 60-acre show grounds have endured many trials and tribulations —  hurricanes, twisters, tornadoes and torrential rainfall — which leveled the tents and grounds. The unflinching spirit of the founders, patrons, and scores of volunteers prevailed after each disaster. And the show went on!



In addition to watching world class equestrian sport, spectators will enjoy 80 onsite shops, International food options, daily activities in the kids’ area, and Monday’s annual Animal Adoption Day featuring rescued dogs, cats, and horses in search of a forever home.

The event is a treat for horse people and spectators alike with its high-end shopping options at boutique vendors, fine food vendors, and famous celebrity sightings.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Georgina Bloomberg (3rd from left) and Jill Rappaport (2nd from right) joined fellow animal lovers at the 2023 Hampton Classic Adoption Day.
Georgina Bloomberg (3rd from left) and Jill Rappaport (2nd from right) joined fellow animal lovers at the 2023 Hampton Classic Adoption Day.

What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary The dogs steal the show while Donna Karan and Jill Rappaport make a cameo.
The dogs steal the show while Donna Karan and Jill Rappaport make a cameo.

What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary
Jane Seymour.
Jane Seymour.

For what to wear to the Hampton Classic, THE most stylish horse show around, we recommend keeping it chic, whether in the stands, strolling the grounds, or under the tent.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary KK, Jack Lynch & Amy Hoadley shopping the fine vendors.
KK, Jack Lynch, and Amy Hoadley shopping the fine vendors.

 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Gayle King, Joseph Simmons, and friends.
Gayle King, Joseph Simmons, and friends.
 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Audrey and Martin Gruss, with Melanie and John Wambold.
Audrey and Martin Gruss, with Melanie and John Wambold.
 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Candace Bushnell, Alex Hamer, and Nicole Miller.
Candace Bushnell, Alex Hamer, and Nicole Miller.
 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Craig Workman, Dina Lohan, Donna Karan, Federico Azevedo, and friend.
Craig Workman, Dina Lohan, Donna Karan, Federico Azevedo, and friend.

Shopping at this time of year, we look for transitional styles that will take us to the next season. The Alice + Olivia stunning pattern suits in an August through autumn palette. A great white shirt is top of the list for each season and this one in faux leather is very special indeed, especially if you pair it with a must-have slip skirt. We shopped at some of the vendors and went to Krewe for shades, snagged a tote at Kelly Bhopale, and hit KC Signature for some lovely hoops.

Riding High


Here’s some other vendor’s items that we fancy for fall. For a list and description of all vendors, click here.

What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary L. to r.: Fairfax and Favor for fabulous boots of every description; Joey Wolffer for one of a kind and global treasures.
Fairfax and Favor for fabulous boots of every description … and Joey Wölffer for one-of-a-kind global treasures.

What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Lauracea for this clever convertible tote/backpack ... and pop by Hermes for a luxurious splurge.
Lauracea for this clever convertible tote/backpack … and pop by Hermes for a luxurious splurge.

Hilary’s stylish selection is a tribute. “I turned to Veronica Beard for classic looks that can carry me through the end of summer into the fall. Keeping it chic and simple while getting the last wear out of summer whites. And nothing is better than red white and blue, especially now in honor of our amazing olympians.”

Tribute to the Olympians


 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary L. to r.: Kelly Klein; Kian Kiumarsi and Luann de Lesseps.
L. to r.: Kelly Klein; Kian Kiumarsi and Luann de Lesseps.

The show opens at 8:30 daily with admission $20 per carload, except on Monday when it is free. Seniors and military are admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as are those who bring 3 or more non-perishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

The mission of The Classic is twofold:

1.  To put on a world class horse show
2. To support other charities in the community

To that end, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Guild Hall, EQUUS Foundation, HEART Equine Ambulance, The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation, SOFO Museum, Stony Brook Medical, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, Bridgehampton Child Care Center, and Long Island Professional Horsemen’s Association are among the many who have received funds to support the organizational mission. Now that deserves a Blue Ribbon!


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

Grandstand tickets for the Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1st, are $60 per person for reserved bucket seating. Grandstand tickets are electronic only. You can purchase them here.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

To reserve a table under the spacious ring side tent, for either Opening Day or for the weeklong excitement in the ring, click here.


 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Under the tent at the Hampton Classic’s VIP Grand Prix Sunday, summer’s final hurrah.
Under the tent at the Hampton Classic’s VIP Grand Prix Sunday, summer’s final hurrah.

In her column last summer for NYSDLee Fryd reported on the fierce tablescape competition under the tent on the final Sunday. The visual excitement of the napery and floral designs adds another layer of enjoyment to the final day of celebration and spectating.


 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Last summer, judges Marsia Holzer and Kendell Cronstrom awarded Irene Neuwirth’s table “Best in Show.”
Last summer, judges Marsia Holzer and Kendell Cronstrom awarded Irene Neuwirth’s table “Best in Show.”
 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary “Best in Show” — Irene Neuwirth’s table.
“Best in Show” — Irene Neuwirth’s table.
 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary “I thought the horses on the plates were wonderful,” said Marsia.
“I thought the horses on the plates were wonderful,” said Marsia. “Each was beautifully hand painted by Irene, and made by members of the family. And they had carrots! It was delightful and one of the few tables in keeping with the equestrian theme.”

 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary The Hermes table took in 2nd place, Best in Show.
The Hermes table took in 2nd place, Best in Show. “I loved the simplicity and way they wrapped the table with red mattress ticking,” said Marsia. “It’s not a rich fabric but wonderful. And it didn’t rely on masses of flowers for effect.”

 What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary Of the 3rd place winner — Compass Table
Of the 3rd place winner — Compass Table — Marsia said, “It was also simple, but very effective and well thought out. They had beautiful hand-made black and white plates  and white flowers with black centers on a white table.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix and Aspinall Ring competitions airs on the Hampton Classic website.


What to wear The Hampton Classic,  Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, New York Social Diary

Photos courtesy of The Hampton Classic, Kind Media LLC, Lisa Tamburini & Rob Rich.

Hilary Dick and Karen Klopp of What2WearWhere.com.  We take the guesswork out of dressing, the legwork out of shopping, and the panic out of packing.©

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