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What to wear to a Kentucky Derby Party?

What should a teenage girl wear to the 2011 Kentucky Derby?

  • I'm 14, and I'm going to the Kentucky Derby this year. I'm not getting my outfit for a while, but I like to know this sort of thing in advance, just so I can have it written down somewhere so I won't forget. :) So what should I wear? I know the usual attire for women is heels/wedges, a nice dress and a floppy hat. If that's the case, I can find and wear heels easily, but where should I get my dress and hat? Is there anything else I'll need or anything I should steer clear from? Also, what should my father and grandmother wear? My dad is in his mid 40's, my grandma is 67.

  • Answer:

    Lucky you! I hope you have a wonderful time. The Derby is dress-up time for a lot of people, and the hat is the "star." Most women wear big picture hats, but fascinators have become increasingly popular. It is possible to spend hundreds of dollars on a hat, but you probably don't want to do that. You can get pretty hats at department stores such as Macy's. Wait for a sale. Another good place to get a hat is TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They get them in before Easter. If you are the creative type, get a plain straw hat and decorate it yourself with ribbon, feathers, and fake flowers (especially roses). Or you can make a fascinator (a small cocktail-type hat or headpiece). Google for instructions. Even a plain picture hat with a bright scarf tied around it is appropriate. Although most people go for elegance, it's also OK to sport a whimsical hat. One sees them decorated with horses, fake money, old betting tickets, etc. As for your dress, it should be classy and comfortable. It can match or contrast with your hat. Matchy-matchy is OK on Derby Day. If you could wear the dress to church, a daytime wedding, or a nice restaurant you will be dressed appropriately. A pretty sundress would be fine for a young person. You may want a shawl, sweater, or jacket to wear with it depending on the weather. The last two Derbies have been wet and chilly. If rain is forecasted, bring a fold-up raincoat or poncho. Umbrellas are not allowed. And be careful with your hat. Some are made of paper straw and will not hold up in the rain. Shoes should be comfortable enough to walk and stand in. Wedges would be a good choice. It might be a good idea to get some of those little ballet flats that fold up into your purse. It can be a long walk from your car to the track and back. I should say that infield attire tends to be more casual, but some people dress up there, too. Don't forget your sunscreen! Here is a gallery of Derby fashion from the Louisville Courier Journal that will give you plenty of ideas. http://www.courier-journal.com/section/DERBYFUN0101/Kentucky-Derby-Fun-Hats

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A modest sundress is fine for young women...now as for hats...start shopping now! and the best place to find such beautiful hats is online...look up "Ladies Kentucky Derby Hats" . as for your dad, a nice Polo Shirt & Trousers / Slacks with loafers. ( he may need a tie in certain parts of the grandstand areas ) your Grandma, a comfortable Pant Suit or Dress. NO Tennis Shoes or Jeans....Now this is for entrance to certain areas of the Grand Stands. General admission has not much of a dress code. If you have any questions...contact "Churchill Downs Race Track" online and they can answer any & all your questions. you lucky dog ! I am so jealous.......

MAM

Standard attire for the derby for women is a nice, colorful sundress (of any style that is flattering on you, but it should definitely NOT be a mini-skirt style... at least to mid-thigh, but preferably to the knee or just above), wide-brimmed hat (decked out to match your dress, of course), and shoes of choice (anything from flats to heels). The same rules apply for younger women as to older... you want to keep it classy, of course, but use plenty of color and have fun decorating your hats! As for where to purchase your dress... you can get it from anywhere. Department stores, chain stores, etc... anywhere, really, as soon as spring dresses start showing up. I'd personally find the dress first, and then you can find shoes to compliment, and (best option) find a plain wide-brimmed straw-type hat, and purchase silk flowers, ribbon, netting, etc. to decorate it. There are tons of inspirational pictures online. :) You could always go completely "derby classic" and use red roses! For men, it is a light-colored suit (linen or seersucker, if he owns it), hat (if he so chooses). Ties aren't necessary. The Derby is a blast. I'm sure you'll all enjoy yourselves!

Emily

Big derby hats and a beautiful short/ mid length dress are what most wear, even to derby parties. But bring a nice jacket because it can get a little chilly on the track. Also, stear clear of big purses and try not to bring one at all. Security goes threw them and you don't want to lose anything or have anything get stolen. At most, bring a small hand bag or a clutch. You can get heels anywhere, but my favorite is charlotte russe. But their spring collection is best. Same for a nice dress. Also some place like forever 21 or franseca's. I mean, honestly any mall will have a cute dress. You're grandma might want to wear like white slacks and a colorful blouse or something that she'd be confrotable in. And the dad might want to wear nice jeans with a good button down shirt or something.

B

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