Kentucky Derby Style and Tips for the Race (links included!)

Hello friends! We’re nearing a very special date in May! No, not Cinco de Mayo- Derby Day! This annual event is probably one of the most prestigious things to attend every spring. People come from all over to sport their big hats and bet on their favorite horse. Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend with a friend of mine. We had ourselves a grand ol’ time!

For me, the fashion was the most exciting party of the day. Shocking since I’m a fashion blogger, isn’t it? The year we went it poured the entire time and we only had infield tickets, meaning that there was no covering or seating. The grand stands would have been lovely if they hadn’t been $600 a ticket. That’s another story though! Anyone who was in the infield inevitably got wet or muddy in some way. The fashion down there was a little lacking, however everyone else looked smashing!

I’m convinced the the best styles there were the most classic. Vineyard Vines is the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby and for this event they were kind of my go-to for dress ideas. You’ll need something cute to wear during the countless renditions of ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘My Old Kentucky Home’! I’ve included a few of my style favorites for this event below (or a viewing party if you’re attending one!)//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22571fc91661d1dd359ed11bc4%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D
For comfort’s sake, I included wedges instead of stilettos as an option for shoes. You’ll be standing a lot and unless you have a great pair of Manolo’s, the pain in your feet isn’t worth it. However, wedges or a cute little sandal is a suitable, stylish alternative. When I went to the race a few years ago, it rained most of the day and I was so glad I didn’t wear high heels! I would have just sunk in the mud.

Also another little tip- you can’t take anything bigger than a clutch. Security won’t let you in! Given that most people get there before noon and the races don’t start until late in the afternoon, it really sucks. My suggestion is to take a small battery operated phone charger and cord, keep credit cards in the clutch (no wallet) with a few band aids for blisters, and a sample size tube of lipstick and perfume.

If you’re simply going to a viewing party, you’ll luck out with a bigger bag for your stuff! Enjoy!

-Liz