Fashion 411 on Derby 151

Stylist: Carrie Foster 

Have you recently noticed an influx of shear, lace, and crocheted dresses in a soft color palette popping up in your favorite boutiques? What about stripes? Florals? Have you also seen a retro bohemian theme returning to the racks? It’s quite the eclectic mix but they are all trending BIG this spring and I highly recommend you embrace every bit of it this Derby season! 

There are a multitude of different events to plan wardrobes for during the rush of tradition and excitement that is the Kentucky Derby. Aside from large-scale public events, for which I highly recommend dressing as comfortably as possible, there are parties galore. Many folks are dressing to a T for these shindigs as well, donning hats and coordinating outfits. Derby and fashion are so synonymous that even people celebrating off-track are opting to spiff up in order to have the full experience. 

Of course, the most grand happenings are the races at Churchill Downs beginning the Wednesday before Derby. That’s potentially four separate outfits and matching accessories to plan! We’re pretty lucky here in Louisville to have so many boutiques and milliners who quite literally have you covered and would be delighted to assist you in planning those outfits. They’re no strangers to this time of year; it’s not their first rodeo. 

Churchill Downs has quite a range of sections each with their own dress code. From formal Millionaires Row to the casual Paddock area, we go to the track cloaked in attire expressing our personal style. We take pride in our threads and dress to impress for this local holiday. Regardless of your seating situation, it would behoove you to bring a fun pair of coordinating flats for all the walking and plan a matching shrug or jacket so you can be prepared for the elements. We are all painfully aware of how much Mother Nature revels in surprising us every year! 

As you peruse the following pages, you’ll notice a wide range of items for varying budgets as well as a diverse array of fabrics and styles. Voluminous sleeves and dresses of organzas and brocades to sleek, form-fitting dresses in figure flattering neoprene. Romantic eyelet lace or crocheted details to bold stripes and tweeds. And an assortment of options for men as well. 

It’s a mixed bag but the message is clear, explore your sense of creativity and wonder and show the world who YOU are through fashion. And though it isn’t a requirement to wear something on one’s head, many choose not to, it is ultimately the main event when it comes to Derby fashion. 

Now, get to shopping! 

Carrie Foster is a local costume designer/maker, graphic designer and performer with the Va Va Vixens Variety Troupe. 

IG: @goodgirlcorsets 

WEB: goodgirlgfx.com, 

vavavixens.com