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
Hello lovely, just want to say that you have a lovely blog. looking forward for more blog post, and thank you for liking for my blog post. If you like my blog then you can follow me on carryurswag@wordpress.com . Hope to see you soon again 🙂
LikeLike
Going to a derby sounds amazing. One day!! I love the dressing up part too!!
Xo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
LikeLike
Love the derby! Cute style!
xo Mariam
http://www.thepetitebijou.com
LikeLike
The Kentucky Derby sounds like so much fun and the dressing up part sounds even better! Have a super time! Xoxo
LikeLike
OMG I dream of going to the derby one day! You look so fabulous!! xo C
LikeLike
I have yet to go to the Derby. Bucket list item! 🙂 This dress looks great on you!
LikeLike
How fun!! Lovely outfit too 🙂
Gunjan | http://www.songbirdechoes.com
LikeLike
Thanks love!
LikeLike
I loveeee seeing all the horse race fashion this time of year!!! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
LikeLike
So do I, Kait! Always interesting!
LikeLike
I have always wanted to go to the races! I love all the cute dresses and of course the HATS! You look gorgeous!
xoxo
Jess
http://www.mustheartstyle.com
LikeLike
Thanks, Jess! It was such a chilly day I remember shivering when taking that picture!
LikeLike
OMG! Loving your outfit. I want to go to the Derby so so so bad.
xoxo,
Ilissa
http://southernsassyandsocial.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
Thanks girl! If you go, be prepared for all sorts of weather lol
LikeLike
It is my DREAM to go to th eKentucky Derby! The fashion seems so much fun and I’m sure I would be so happy to see everyone’s style. Loved this post 🙂
http://stopdropandvogue.com/
LikeLike
Its a fun event for sure! And the one day of the year men can dress flamboyantly without being teased lol
LikeLike
I would love to go to the Derby someday, purely for the fashion. I love your fascinator; maybe I’ll throw a Derby party instead : )
LikeLike
Throw a Derby party! Frankly it would be more fun!
LikeLike
I always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby! Love your outfit and selections!
XO,
Anna
http://www.blushingrosestyle.com
LikeLike
Thanks Anna! The Derby was a great bucket list item to cross off!
LikeLike
Going to the Derby is on my ‘To Do’ list!! I’m so jealous you’ve been–loved the dress you wore! I’m all about the fashion that day and can’t wait to see all the fun hats next week! Have a great weekend!!
xox,
Kristin
LikeLike
Thanks, Kristin! It was a great time even though it rained. I think if I did it again, I’d suck it up and buy costly tickets lol
LikeLike
I haven’t been to the races since I was a kid, but this sounds so fun! Especially the dressing up part 🙂
xo Mil
https://southbynorthwestblog.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
Aw you went as a kid?! That’s so neat!
LikeLike