It’s now the day after the last Derby prep weekend. Both the Arkansas Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes provided us with two new stars heading to the most exciting two minutes in sports, also known as the Kentucky Derby.
But why should the horses get all the attention? Just as much as it’s a prep race…it’s also prep for fashion! Now all the focus in your closet turns to the first Saturday in May and what outfit you will be putting together.
But that’s a whole other ten articles coming your way…let’s focus on the fashion we saw at the Bluegrass Stakes this weekend at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, KY. A track full of pearls, Pulitzer, and checkered pants, and it didn’t disappoint!
We did see an increase in millinery which was awesome! Well done everyone! As one of the dressiest days at Keeneland, ladies stepped up the class a little bit by lengthening the skirts, covering up their shoulders, and picking out a perfect headpiece. The weather was a bit cooler in the 60’s which did have ladies in more covered up pieces, three-quarter-length tops, shawls, and the occasional trench coat.
As for the millinery it was a 50/50 split between the big brimmed pieces and the smaller fascinators/hatinators. We saw lots of sinamay pieces with big flowers designed on the side, smaller headband fascinators with feathers, and the occasional couture piece that many bought right at the racetrack. (There are great hats right here folks! 🙂
Lots of printed dresses with florals, stripes, and polka-dots. Bright colors like pinks, reds, yellows and bright greens were seen throughout the track. Statement necklaces and the timeless pearls served as the major jewelry for the day.
Surprisingly to some, but not to us as we have seen it time and time again, the men seemed to be better dressed than the ladies. Well fitted suits, perfect color combinations, cufflinks, shining silver watches, and shiny dress shoes, the men really step up their game at this racetrack. We need to get the ladies to follow suit! Well done guys!
Of course there were the occasional plaid pants and crazy 80’s ties but the majority was very well dressed. The number of blue jackets and slacks (a signature at Keeneland) diminished a bit and moved more towards light grey suits, blue three piece and gingham shirts with bright colored ties. Not much negative things to say about the guys!
Overall the fashion was a great sight to see. Always room for improvement but for all the race days at Keeneland, this is by far one of the best dressed. We need to see more hats, heels, and overall step up in the outfit which could be made through accessories: gloves, bracelets, matching purses etc.
Another Bluegrass Stakes has come and went…now we are looking toward the Run for the Roses! Do you have your hat yet?
See more pictures of the fashion on our photo page!