2017 DERBY Fashion Inspiration + Derby Shop

It’s finally here!! Tomorrow officially starts Derby weekend and I could not be more excited ! With all the festivities and energy around Louisville, Louisville has been alive this week! Whether you are going to the track or sitting this year out, Derby affects everyone in Louisville whether they like it or not. Stores, schools, gyms, and so many other businesses are closed in order to celebrate on Friday and Saturday and with all that is going on in the city, there is no way to avoid this local holiday! So in order to help you prepare for the weekend, I am sharing some of my past years Derby looks as well as my Derby-themed shop! There is still time to overnight some pieces to be in by Oaks, Derby, any weekend festivities, or maybe even if you are looking on forward to Mother’s Day! 

But to wrap it all up…I thought I would do a bit of a Derby round up with a summary of the most important, insider fashion tips (which was also featured in Kentucky Living Magazine!! Ahh!)! See below my essential Derby tips for both women, and men!

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!

Now time to look at some inspiration! Check out some of my favorite Derby looks and don’t forget to shop all my favorite pieces for Derby (& spring in general) at the bottom of this post!! Happy Derby ! 😉

This year I am so honored to have been featured in Garden & Gun again for the 50 Of Our Favorite Derby Hats !! This piece is definitely a favorite of mine that I got from the local boutique, Circe, years ago. It’s such a classic, I wear it over and over again!

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