What to wear to Kentucky Derby & Oaks?

 

Kentucky Derby and Oaks are just 1 week away. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the big weekend.

Go BIG or stay home! In Kentucky, bigger is better when it comes to your Derby Hat. This is a party that requires volume! Save your demure fascinators and pillboxes for the Breeders Cup or the Belmont Stakes. TIP: While your hat should be big… it should also be proportionate to YOUR own size and height. In other words, it should be BIG for YOU! A medium-sized hat will look large on a petite lady, and it is more than sufficient to accomplish the “derby look”.  Don’t be a Flop: While we recommend big hats for Kentucky, your hat should also be shapely and structured to flatter your face and physique. Don’t wear a hat that is so floppy that it covers your beautiful face! Remember, you are not robbing a bank, you are attending a fabulous party. TIP: Try on as many hats as possible till you find the shape that balances both your face and figure.  Think Pink on Oaks Day: At Kentucky Oaks, ladies will be predominantly wearing pink. But not every shade of pink suits everybody. Find the best shade of pink for your complexion and hair color. Play with colors till you find the right one for you and your dress. TIP: Just because it is pink, doesn’t mean it matches. There is a dramatic difference between dusty pink and fuchsia. Don’t mix different pinks. Pick one shade and “stick with it”.  Be Unique: With everybody wearing the same color, how do you stand out from the crowd? We recommend adding one element to your outfit that is memorable… especially if you plan to enter the Longines Prize for Elegance on Oaks Day. Consider trading in your classic clutch for a purse shaped like a heart or a kiss. Anything that will grab the attention of spectators and more importantly, the judges. TIP: Don’t get too matchy-matchy with your quirkiness. If your purse is shaped like a bird… don’t add birds to your dress, hat, and shoes. This will take “matchy-matchy” to “cra-cra”. Remember the contest is about elegance. Less Isn’t Always More: Ladies, you are not going to a nightclub… so leave your miniskirts and platforms at home. Whether you are petite or plus size, wear enough fabric to look like a lady. STYLE TIP: If you want to show off your killer legs… be sure to wear long sleeves. If you want to show off your top half… wear a long skirt. Never ever both! Act your Age: Elegance is Timeless… But fashion is not! Think about your age and what is appropriate. Ladies of a certain age will make themselves look older if they wear skimpy outfits. Consider cap sleeves instead of strapless or long sleeves instead of spaghetti straps. STYLE TIP: Work with a tailor to enhance your outfit by adding sleeves or a matching jacket. Bonus… this will make your outfit custom, and NOBODY will be wearing the same exact dress. What a great way to stand out! By: Kathleen Kenneally, Fashion at the Races   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]