Hats Off to the Races: Different Kentucky Derby Looks
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The “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” is almost here! The 140th running of the Kentucky Derby is May 3, and you had better believe this fabulous day of racing is one this Southern girl always celebrates!
While, unfortunately, I won’t be in attendance at beautiful Churchill Downs, I’ll still be dressing up and partying here in New Orleans on Derby day!
Planning my outfit for Derby day is one of my favorite things to do. Of course, when it comes to the races, the focal point of my look is always my hat! After all, the hat is a fashion staple at racing events and has been for more than a century. Each year, I’m faced with the same tough decision … choosing which hat to wear for the big day!
From big floppy hats, cowboy hats, fascinators, fedoras and everything in between, I’ve added several great hats to my personal collection over the years.
To help get your hat-wearing creative juices and inspiration flowing (and perhaps do a little online shopping), below are a few hats I’m choosing from. Each one has its own style and personality, but they all are equally fun and derby day appropriate:
THE FEDORA:
The fedora is a smaller brim hat that has a simple and modern look to it. My two fedoras, pictured above, were created by Les Dames Chapeaux, a local company in New Orleans. These two hats have pinch front teardrop crowns and come with fun embellishments (don’t you love the cute wine grapes?!).
Fedoras look great paired with a short, flowy sundress and heels, or pants and a simple top.
FLOPPY HATS:
Nothing says Derby Day like a big floppy hat! Not only does the big brim keep your eyes shaded from the sun, but these big hats demand attention. A floppy hat looks best with a fitted dress or pencil skirt. Keep your outfit simple … let your hat do all the talking!
My two favorite floppy hats make me smile! One is a gorgeous black and aqua stripe handmade hat with a big button and feather detail from the fabulous Fleur de Paris, a custom millinery and couture boutique located in the heart of the French Quarter. Visit their website and shop online: http://www.fleurdeparis.net/
My other favorite floppy hat is fuchsia and white with a big silk fuchsia flower embellishment, handmade from Les Dames Chapeaux.
FEATHER CLIPS:
OK, so wearing a hat isn’t your thing but you still want to look festive for derby day. No worries! A feather clip is perfect for you!
I love my two feather clips from Birds of a Feather NOLA. These hand-made beauties may be small, but they carry lots of personality! Clip one on to dress up a ponytail or bun, or wear your hair down with a feather clip pinned on the side.
I’m pictured above rockin’ my feather piece on the red carpet during Fashion Week New Orleans 2013 with designer Collin Ferguson, owner of Birds of a Feather NOLA. To find your perfect feather piece, “like” Birds of a Feather on Facebook.
More Inspiration…
I hope this post inspired you to find your perfect hat for the Kentucky Derby (post a comment below if you would like additional information on any of the businesses I mentioned).
Complete your look with a few simple accessories. Check out my recent post featuring fabulous horsey jewelry.
Which hat should I wear? Post a comment below with your thoughts!