One of the many perks of moving to and living in Kentucky is easy access to attend the Kentucky Derby every year. Last year I was 7 months pregnant during Derby weekend so I only attended The Oaks. The Oaks is the name given to the day before the Kentucky Derby, that Friday. The Oaks has grown in major popularity over the last decade and it is common to attend both days.
Needless to say I was very excited for this year’s Derby weekend since I could attend both and really enjoy the days without a 20 lb bowling ball attached to my belly.
Derby fashion is taken so seriously that when I first moved here women would start asking me what I was wearing and if my hat had been ordered starting in January! January! So I obviously started looking early this year. (Most of the local women have their hats made or make them themselves) I had my Derby hat made by a local hat shop called Dee’s here in Louisville.
For The Oaks it is common to wear pink in support for Breast Cancer Awareness so I found the perfect pink dress months before. The hardest part was waiting the 3 months to wear it! Since my pink dress had such an intricate neckline and sleeves, I chose to keep my head-piece simple and went with a small headband with several looping bows.
For The Derby I focused on the hat and found a dress to match. I took a photo of a hat I had seen from the Melbourne Cup into Dee’s and they replicated it as much as possible. I was very happy with how it turned out; simple but eye-catching. I paired a white lace dress that I had with the hat and then purchased a pair of killer earrings in pink for a pop of color to the black & white palette.
Overall, Kentucky Derby Fashion is a free for all. That is what is so great about it. There are literally no rules. You can be as extravagant or moderate as you want and still fit in. I love the mixing of colors that the local women do and boy can they make some hats! If you attend The Derby let me know and share your photos with me. I would love to see your outfit and hat!
Xo
Lael