Kentucky Derby : IT IS ALL ABOUT THE HAT

 

Heading into the Kentucky Derby its better to start getting your outfit ready now than waiting until so close to the big weekend. The traditional hat is a big brimmed “Southern Gal” hat but that’s not necessarily the case anymore. You don’t have to go big  to be fashionable but you do need to wear some sort of a hat. Since Fascinator is thrown around with so many different definitions we will say you need to wear a hat or a hatinator (hat/fascinator). Regardless you should wear something that stands out and ties into the rest of the outfit. Structures couture pieces are a fabulous pick. First of all, this is a once in a lifetime race and you should have a once in a lifetime piece!

If you do choose a bigger brim, make sure its not hiding your face too much. You are gorgeous and we want to see that! If its a big brim…keep it simple. So many people think they need to go all our for Kentucky Derby Fashion and their way to do that is with huge hats and crap all over them! (Most of the time just glued on.) Go for a chic big brim with great construction by a gifted milliner.

Always make sure to tie the hat into the rest of your outfit. Gloves are a great add on accessory for this Southern Belle raceday theme, lace especially! Keep your outfit young though! There are a TON of photographers prowling the grounds looking for happy people having a good time…in great Kentucky Derby Fashion. Oh…and SMILE! No one likes a pretty gal with a scowl on her face

Colors? You can always do black and white but this particular raceday is vibrant and it is called ‘The Run for the Roses…” so rather than B&W…go vibrant fun colors! Red Rose…always a winner!

 

 

PREAKNESS: ITS ALL ABOUT THE PARTY

Preakness is the more laid back and ‘fun’ race of the Triple Crown Festival. (All three are fun but this one seems to have you relax and let loose a bit more). Major trend of this race day is bold colors and prints. Being in Baltimore which is a fun vibrant city in its own, you want to bring on fun prints in your skirts, shirts, or dresses and of course tie it all into your perfect headpiece. Have fun with the prints, mix and match floral with polkadot, or stripes and checkers! Try Color-blocking with bright shades.

Black-Eyed-Susan Day surrounds you with the yellow flower…don’t be the black dress in the background…be the stand up Pop of Color in the front!!

Shoes: This track is a little tough on the feet because of the inside of the grandstand big slant (CMON PIMLICO FIX THIS!)…Go for a stylish wedge! Sandals are great but don’t dress down your fabulous outfit with braided espadrilles.

Hat: Fun Hatinator, leave the floppy hats and big brimmed at home!

 

BELMONT: THIS RACE IS WIN OR LOSE, BLACK OR WHITE, AS IS YOUR OUTFIT!

As the last leg of the Triple Crown is the tell tale of the possible Triple Crown Winner…win or lose, its black or white. Also being so close to the FABULOUS New York City (Holllaaaaa) bring out the New York in you and incorporate black in your outfit! If you are starting to slump a bit with disappointment while reading this…shoulders back!! This is a good thing!! First of all, everyone looks fantastic in a black dress… and white?? OMG what a standout if you are looking good in a white dress. Don’t be afraid to incorporate a little color in each outfit but push the boundaries with the B&W and mix with prints and accessories.