The Cape Town Met is held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, usually on the last Saturday of January, which would be Saturday 30 January 2027. There is no formal dress code: guests dress to a theme announced each year, and the 2026 theme was "Symphony of Style". To dress well, interpret the theme, add a hat or fascinator, and wear block heels or flats you can walk on grass in. The 2027 date and theme are not announced yet, so check before you buy.
Amaya is designed in Sea Point, and the Met is the one day of the Cape Town summer when everyone dresses up on purpose. We wrote this guide with what is confirmed and what is not, so you can plan without guessing. We say what we love; we are not affiliated with any of these places. Check hours before you go.
What we know, and what we do not
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, Kenilworth |
| 2027 date | Not announced. Usually the last Saturday of January (30 January 2027 if the pattern holds) |
| 2027 theme | Not announced. The 2026 theme was revealed around 20 November 2025, so expect news around November 2026 |
| 2027 sponsor name | Not confirmed. In 2026 it was the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met |
| Dress code | None published. Guests interpret the theme |
| Best Dressed | Part of the event in past years |
We will update this guide when the 2027 theme is out.
Last year: "Symphony of Style"
The 2026 Met was on Saturday 31 January 2026, the 164th running. The theme was "Symphony of Style". The events manager, Patience Shabalala, put the spirit of it simply: "If you can dream it, it belongs at the Met." Best Dressed awards are part of the day, including Best Dressed Couple. In 2025 the fashion showcase theme was "Couture Unleashed".
The lesson from past years: the theme is an invitation, not a rule. A clear idea, worn well, reads better than a costume.
How to dress to a theme
Wait for the announcement before you buy. Then pick one idea from the theme and carry it through one strong piece. If the theme suggests colour, choose one colour and let it lead. If it suggests drama, go for a long line, a bare back or a halter neck. If it suggests sound or movement, as "Symphony of Style" did, think about fabric that moves when you walk.
Keep the rest simple. One statement dress, one statement accessory and quiet shoes. On a day full of ideas, a clean silhouette stands out.
Hats and fascinators
Styling advice for 2026 suggested hats or statement accessories. A wide brim also shades your face: the UV index in January averages 12.
- A wide-brim hat suits a long dress and gives real sun cover.
- A fascinator or headpiece suits a shorter dress and a more playful theme.
- Pin it well. The south-easter blows through much of the summer.
Shoes for the grass at Kenilworth
You will walk between the track, the lawns and the marquees all afternoon. The 2026 styling advice recommended comfortable open-toe shoes for exactly this. Thin stilettos sink into grass. Choose block heels, wedges or elegant flats. Bring a flat pair in your bag if you plan to stay into the evening.
The weather on Met day
Late January is one of the hottest, driest times of year in Cape Town. The long-term averages at Cape Town International Airport put January highs at about 29°C, with about 2 rain days in the month. The airport is inland, so treat this as a guide rather than a Kenilworth reading. Plan for a warm, bright afternoon and check the forecast on the day. Sunset is around 20:00, and it cools after.
Choose breathable fabric. The 2026 advice was linen, cotton and structured pieces. Satin and knit both work if the cut lets air in, as a halter or a bare back does.
Which look for what
- Classic and formal: a long halter maxi with a wide-brim hat.
- Colour-led theme: one bold printed dress, with plain shoes and bag.
- Daytime and relaxed: a knit maxi with flats.
- Playful theme: a multiway mini with a fascinator.
- Dancing after the races: a mini, with a flat pair in your bag.
What to wear: four Amaya picks
The Leela Dress is a satin maxi with a halter neck, made for black tie. It is our pick for a formal theme and a wide hat. R2 399.
The Madison Dress is a knit maxi with a halter neck. It suits a daytime approach to the theme. R2 200.
The Love & Light Dress is printed, with a halter neck and a bohemian feel. Choose it if the theme is about colour or pattern. R2 200.
The Infinity Mini Dress is a multiway mini you can wear several ways. It suits a playful theme and a fascinator. R2 200.
Not sure about size? Our size guide covers S to L. For more ideas, see what to wear to a Cape Town wedding, and the Cape Town summer calendar for the rest of the season. Amaya is also stocked at The Lot Collective, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point and 15 Vineyard Road, Claremont.
Amaya delivers across South Africa for R99, free over R1 500. Cape Town takes 1 to 2 working days, Johannesburg and Pretoria 2 to 3, the rest of South Africa 3 to 5. Collect in Sea Point for free. The first exchange is free within 14 days.
WhatsApp Max on +27 83 703 8502.
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Updated October 2026. We update this guide every season.
