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Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and what is more fun than a Kentucky Derby party? Even though I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby, and about all I know of it is what I’ve seen in movies and on TV (Pretty Woman, anyone??), any reason to get dressed up and buy a fancy hat is a party I can get behind!

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

A couple years ago, I was invited to attend a Kentucky Derby party at a blogging conference. After I got over my initial excitement, my next move was to figure out what to wear.

I knew a hat was a must, so I started there. I ordered this little fascinator on Amazon.com. It was perfect because it folded up nice and small and fit right into my suitcase, and it was fairly inexpensive. (Shop all Kentucky Derby Hats on Amazon.com. Nordstrom has a large selection as well.)

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

I didn’t have a dress that I felt was a great fit for the occasion, so I decided to go shopping. You will see everything from strapless sundresses to formal day suits at Churchill Downs. I gravitate to a sheath or shift dress, but for this occasion, I wanted something with a little bit of a fuller skirt. I found this flirty dress at White House Black Market.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

Posing there with me is the fabulous Romy of Romy Raves. You can see, she was having fun with the occasion as well! And of course, I’m drinking a mint julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. (If you want the perfect Mint Julep recipe, I have that too!)

mint julep

But I digress. Let’s get back to Kentucky Derby dresses!

This floral fit and flare midi dress would be perfect.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby PartyOr what about this Stripe Skirt Cotton Sateen Fit and Flare number?

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

I also love this blue stripe flare dress at Ann Taylor for a Kentucky Derby party.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

Any of the above would be adorable with a white hat.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

Kohl’s has this cute black and white jacquard print dress. This would be gorgeous with a black fascinator like the one I wore.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby PartyAs would this floral chiffon dress.

Spring Style Series: What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

For shoes, nude pumps or strappy sandals in white or a coordinating color are perfect. This is a great time to perfect your sunless tanning skills. Or, if you’re not comfortable in bare legs, try a nude fishnet for something modern — but be careful if your shoes have an open toe. To be safe, stick with traditional pumps if you’re going to wear hoes.

Who’s going to a Kentucky Derby party? Anyone? I’d love to see what you’re going to wear!

For more fashion inspiration for women over 40, check out all of my Fashion posts. Or better yet, sign up to be emailed my weekly fashion & beauty digest with a recap of the week’s fashion & beauty posts.

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5 Responses

  1. My mom & I celebrate the Kentucky Derby every year, even if we are not together. We put together a platter of seafood appetizers, a special wine, and of course an over the top hat to wear! This year I may actually place a small bet for fun, but for me its all about the beautiful powerful horses & the exciting race, a yummy wine to drink with fabulous appetizers. It would be a dream to attend the real event.

  2. Jo-Lynne! I love your hat. It is perfect.
    I’ve never been to a Kentucky Derby party, but maybe I’ll have to start a new tradition. I just love hats. And thank you for the cute dress suggestions. Really nice.
    Many blessings!

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