Style & Speed

Dressing the Part at Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is where style meets horsepower—and not just in the vehicles. Whether you’re heading to Pebble Beach, The Quail, or strolling through the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, what you wear says just as much as what you drive. It’s not about being overdressed; it’s about showing up with intention, elegance, and a touch of effortless cool.

In a place where vintage Ferraris, modern Bugattis, and one-off concept cars casually cruise past century-old cypress trees, you don’t need to overcompensate—you just need to get it right.

Know the Weather: Layers Are Your Best Friend

Let’s start with the most overlooked detail: August weather in Monterey is unpredictable. Mornings are often chilly, foggy, and damp. You’ll wake up to 55 degrees and marine layer mist—and by noon, you could be basking in sunny 70-degree weather. That’s why layering is essential.

Men: Consider a lightweight sport coat or tailored jacket layered over a crisp polo or button-up. A fine cashmere or merino wool sweater can elevate your look and keep you warm in the early hours.

Women: Flowy trench coats, linen jackets, or elevated cardigans are both stylish and functional. Think neutral tones with pops of color—this is a great chance to bring sophistication without going full evening wear.

Footwear: Fashion Meets Function

Car Week is not a sit-and-stare affair. You’ll be walking—a lot. From parking lots to coastal pathways to large-scale show fields, your feet will thank you for being smart.

Men: Loafers or dress sneakers with support are your best bet. Stay away from hard-soled formal shoes unless you plan to be driven from point A to B. A leather sneaker or modern driver shoe bridges style and comfort.

Women: Here’s something most first-timers don’t know: Carmel-by-the-Sea has an ordinance  prohibiting high heels without a special permit. It’s not a joke—it stems from the town’s charming but uneven cobblestone streets, which can pose a hazard. While the law isn’t aggressively enforced, it’s a clear message: opt for wedges, flats, or stylish low-profile boots. You’ll look chic and stay upright.

Dressing the Part: Confidence Without Costume

This isn’t the Met Gala—and it’s not a business convention either. Monterey Car Week fashion is all about casual refinement.

Men’s Style Tips:

• Tailored slacks or dark denim paired with an untucked Oxford or designer polo

• A lightweight blazer or safari jacket (especially for Pebble Beach)

• A classic timepiece—nothing too flashy, but absolutely intentional

• Sunglasses are key: go classic with Persol, Ray-Ban, or Oliver Peoples

Women’s Style Tips:

• Mid-length dresses, jumpsuits, or stylish trousers with a statement top

• Accessories like silk scarves, layered jewelry, and structured handbags add character

• Sunglasses, again, are essential—so is a lip tint or pop of color for photos

• Keep it elegant, not overdone. Think Vogue-on-vacation, not Fashion Week runway

What You Drive Still Matters

While Monterey Car Week is a showcase of the rarest and most exotic vehicles on Earth, what you drive still plays a role in how you're perceived. That said, it’s not all about the price tag—it’s about presence, presentation, and passion.

Cars that turn heads?

• Vintage Ferraris (especially pre-1970s)

• Air-cooled Porsches

• Modern hypercars like Pagani, Koenigsegg, and McLaren

• Coach-built classics and limited-production oddities

But just as admired are clean, well-presented drivers—cars that reflect care and character. A spotless Mazda Miata, a polished Mustang GT, or even a tastefully modified classic import can earn just as much appreciation as a million-dollar collectible. This is a week where enthusiasts from all walks of life gather to celebrate automotive excellence in all its forms.

Monterey Car Week is about engineering, design, and passion—not just pedigree. Whether you’re driving in a concours-level Ferrari or a well-loved weekend car, if it’s clean, classy, and driven with pride, people will notice—and they’ll respect it.

Presence Over Pretense

The people who make the strongest impression during Monterey Car Week aren’t necessarily the most dressed-up—they’re the most authentic, the most well-prepared, and the most comfortable in their skin.

Whether you’re attending your first Concours d’Elegance or your tenth invite-only auction, remember this: Style is speed without effort. It's how you glide into a room, step out of a car, or shake hands at a rooftop mixer. It’s not about trying to impress—it’s about showing that you belong.

So pack smart, dress well, wear comfortable shoes, and let your look match the level of precision and excellence on display at every turn. And when in doubt? Confidence is always in style.