Dressing for the Blue Grass Stakes on Any Budget
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The Blue Grass Stakes is one of the most exciting Kentucky Derby prep races in the nation thanks to the fact that it takes place in the heart of horse country: Lexington, Ky. at Keeneland. The track is a paradise for Thoroughbred fans, with the blue bloods of the Bluegrass region mingling with college students from the University of Kentucky, racing fans from around the nation and some of the fastest horses on the planet.
An afternoon as important as Blue Grass day is the perfect time to flaunt some first-class racing fashion, and here are three looks to suit any budget. To keep with our horse racing theme, the ensembles will be divided into three categories: Win (most expensive), Place (middle of the road) and Show (plenty of money left over for betting and cocktails).
Win:
15Bluegrass_Win by penelopemiller featuring butterfly watches
I’m in love with this sleek sheath dress from Reiss for $295; it’s perfect for a day at Keeneland but will take you straight to dinner and drinks after the races. I added a gorgeous port wine trench coat for $495 from First Dibs, then pulled three of the more subtle colors from the dress for the $298 MARC By Marc Jacobs sandals. The Elizabeth and James handbag is $295, and the tank watch is $125 from Vince Camuto. I finished the look off with a pair of $99 Ice Online earrings that perfectly coordinate with the coat and the bolder hues of the dress; this look is yours for a grand (ha!) total of $1,607. The good news is that one well-placed bet could win that all back for you if luck decides to be as ladylike as you!
Place:
15Bluegrass_Place by penelopemiller featuring Natasha Couture
I love the bold purple of this $199 Diane Von Furstenburg; I love pairing jewel tones with earthy hues, so I opted for a turquoise-and-gold theme to build around the frock. The wedge sandals are $90 from Jack Rogers, the patterned purse is $78 from Nordstrom, the earrings are $35 from One King’s Lane and the bracelet is just $6.12 from Yoins. I added a black faux-leather jacket for $85 from Miss Selfridge, and the whole look is yours for $493.12. Don’t forget your binoculars so you see every bit of the racing action!
Show:
15Bluegrass_Show by penelopemiller featuring vintage jewelry
Our final ensemble is the most affordable but still perfectly stylish to enjoy a day of racing at Keeneland. The floral skater dress ($21, Choies) is perfect for spending a spring day outside; I added a pair adorable booties for $45 from Modcloth, and the wide-set heel should make for a (somewhat) comfortable day if you decide to wander the beautiful grounds of the racetrack. The chic satchel is just $10 from Charming Charlie, and the $44 BooHoo blazer will keep you warm if the April weather turns chilly in the afternoon. The scooped neckline of the dress is set off by an infinity-symbol necklace for $29 from Wanderlust + Co; I also accessorized with some bangles for $28 from Madewell and a pair of aviators for $30 by ELOQUII. All together, this outfit will have you off and running for just $178!
A day at the races is all about fun, and between the racing, fashion, betting, horses and the party, there’s something for everyone at Keeneland. Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited for at the Blue Grass Stakes!