The O’Brien Awards Black-Tie Gala is Canadian harness racing’s version of the Academy Awards and each year, not unlike what we see on the Red Carpet at the Oscars, the guests outdo themselves with incredibly stunning, glamourous, and sometimes jaw-dropping gowns and tuxedos. You never know what fashion statements to expect at the O’Briens but one thing remains constant, the guests’ outfits are always dazzling and never seem to disappoint!

With this year being a Virtual Gala, we still encourage finalists and their guests to dress up according to the theme, and to share their photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #obriens20. We’ll also be asking our finalists and viewers to submit photos for web galleries and TROT Magazine.

Now, what to wear? With COVID restrictions, shopping opportunities are limited so we thought we’d come up with a theme that would inspire our finalists and viewers and be fairly easy to pull together.

This year’s theme is Boots & Bling which means upscale country with a dressy western chic style and a little sparkle to top it off! Boots and Stetsons are encouraged as are your finest denim, or cocktail dress and don’t forget, plenty of bling!

If you need some inspiration, read on!

The Country Music Awards’ Red Carpet traditionally features some of North America’s finest country artists in ‘western chic’ garb.

If you’re looking for that perfect ‘hat’, look no further than Smithbilt Hats based in Calgary, Alberta. The tradition of being presented with a “White Hat” was started by former Calgary Mayor, Don MacKay. City officials in Calgary continue to present white cowboy hats as gifts to visiting dignitaries as the city’s symbol of hospitality. All of the drivers in the 2017 World Driving Championship took part in the White Hat Ceremony at Century Downs during the launch of the WDC.

The 2020 O’Brien Awards Virtual Gala takes place on Sunday, January 31, 2021 on standardbredcanada.ca from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (EST).