Derby fashion 2016 | Inside tips to look great at the track
Let’s talk Derby!
The Kentucky Derby is beyond unique and special for its place on the sporting calendar.
The Churchill Downs tradition is also one of the most fashionable sporting events in the world. Derby is your chance to sport the brightest spring colors and patterns with the best accessories you can find to celebrate the most exciting two minutes of sports. Men and women both have endless options to wear to the track for three days of festivities and excitement. From May 5th-7th, guests can attend Thurby, Oaks, or Derby providing plenty of opportunity to release your inner southern-side!
Derby weekend is a great excuse for men to get as into their outfits as women do. The traditional mens style for Derby is strutting spring’s tropical or pastel colors, either solid or patterned, stripes, plaid, seersucker or even a common navy blazer; anything goes! When picking your jacket, shirt, pants, and bowtie, or tie, remember, more is better. Choose complimentary colors and patterns to make a statement, with absolutely no judgement. Finish off your outfit with your favorite loafers and if you’re really feeling the Derby spirit, add a fedora or bowler hat!
Women… when are we not concerned about our outfits? Many times I find myself thinking my outfit is too bright or “too much,” but at Derby, none of those concerns apply. No matter where you are sitting, sport your brightest colors or patterns to the infield, the Turf Club, or maybe even a box with an amazing hat or fascinator.
Derby is known for the one-of-a-kind accessories, so often times I like to go with a simpler dress and really amp up my jewelry and hat. Many ask whether to pick a hat or dress first. In my opinion, I believe whichever you find and can’t live without, buy it and then worry about whatever you are missing later!
With the amazing local boutiques and local hat designers Louisville has to offer, you can stop in any of them and are sure to find a dress in a multitude of patterns and colors, or local hat designers ready to create a custom piece for you. With Derby on everyone’s minds, there is no shortage of people trying to help you complete your look. In recent years, fascinators have become just as popular as hats. Fascinators are always fun to wear and this is your chance. Derby and Oaks are two days of the year where you can wear whatever you please on your head and make it look absolutely fabulous.
Derby insider tip… find a neutral, fabulous headpiece or dress, and then go all out on the other.
Another Derby insider tip, dress appropriately. Derby is a fun, but long day so make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. No one likes a clingy dress that is going to ride up all day, a dress you truly can’t breathe in, a headpiece that won’t stay on, or something that will bother you to no end. There is a time and place for these uncomfortably (but fabulous) pieces but in my opinion, the track is not it. Make sure you bring flip flops, sunglasses, lipstick, gum/mints, a small handbag, and enough cash to make some sporting wagers on the ponies! That’s what Derby is all about, right?
Thanks for reading and make sure to check out more on my blog, snapped by gracie! Have a fun, fabulous Derby weekend and win big. I know you’ll look amazing!
Gracie Parish writes the fashion blog snappedbygracie.com. The 17-year-old Louisville native says her style is very diverse, trendy, hip, relaxed but still very chic. Gracie is passionate for all things fashion, fitness, beauty, and food.
