Sound the bugle! The 140th Kentucky Derby is taking place on May 3rd and we’re not horsing around when it comes to style. Whether you’re heading to the Churchill Downs or throwing your own Derby viewing party, here’s our take on how South Floridians can get that Southern style with a bit of sass.
Left: Longchamp; Right: Emilio Pucci
For The Dam
Just as much as The Kentucky Derby is about fillys and colts, it is about style, so it’s important to dress the part. Luckily, many of spring 2014’s trends, including bold prints, pastel hues and floral patterns are perfectly acceptable fashion for this affair. Flowy dresses, flirty skirts or rompers, white pants and printed tops in lightweight fabrics will keep you looking and feeling your best as things heat up in May.
Left: Hermès; Right: Longchamp
Accessories are key and the obvious hats are a huge (note, huge) part of the day, and reportedly good luck to wear to the Derby. If headwear is a bit too over-the top, try wearing a flower or feather in your hair to get the effect. Amp up your outfit with a pair of gloves, like these Hermès Hit perforated blue ones, or this Longchamp clutch to keep your things contained. The new Longchamp personalization option is a fun way to make your style stand out in the crowd. Our DD (for Design District) clutch will be in hand while we watch the “greatest two minutes in sports.”
Left: Maison Martin Margiela; Right: Hermès
For The Stallion
For the men, ditch the T’s and board shorts and suit up for the day. Opt for a white cotton, twill suit like this Masion Martin Margiela or go a tad sportier in bermudas with a jacket as seen on Louis Vuitton’s spring runway. And yes, you too can accessorize. Our money is on this equestrienne themed Hermès Le Courses Pocket Square that can double as a neck scarf.
For The Equaide
Drinking and the Derby go hand in hand, er hoof and hoof, and this year it’s all about Grey Goose’s hand-crafted cocktail “All the Kings Horses.” (Disclosure: we strongly suggest drinking responsibly.) The drink is named after Todd Pletcher aka “The King” aka one of the youngest and most prolific horse trainers in history. Sorry, Mint Julep, but All the Kings Horses is going to reign supreme this year. So grab your Grey Goose Le Melon, mix it with a muddled blend of jalapeño, freshly squeezed grapefruit and lemon juices, a hint of St-Germain liqueur and a splash of soda. Or simply ask the bartender.
