Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
There’s nothing like a well-dressed man at the track, and the Kentucky Derby is one of the best excuses of the year to dress to impress.
I know better than anyone that creating the perfect Kentucky Derby outfit can be just as much of a challenge as handicapping the “fastest two minutes in sports,” so here’s my win/place/show of classic, male Kentucky Derby looks.
I want to see your style choices this weekend, so make sure you share your photos with us at America's Best Racing by tweeting @ABRLive on twitter and @AmericasBestRacing on Instagram with the hashtag: #AmericasBestFashion!
Win Look
Spring is here and what better way to kick off the first weekend of May than with a Seersucker suit! The material of the suit is lightweight, which is perfect for moving around the track or watch party. I paired the seersucker with red and navy blue accents to emphasize the classic American tradition of the event, but I'd have to say the custom-embroidered Smathers & Branson flask completes this look!
Want this look? Here’s where to find it: Seersucker Suit, BrooksBrothers.com; Ralph Lauren Non-Iron Herringbone Shirt, $54.50, macys.com; Textured Sidewheeler Stripe Tie, $79.50, BrooksBrothers.com; The Great Gatsby Collections Straw Boater Hat, $59, BrooksBrothers.com; Lint Print Pocket Square, $40, BrooksBrothers.com; Argyle Crew Socks, $22.50, BrooksBrothers.com; Johnston & Murphy Ellington Cap-Toe Saddle Oxford Shoe, $140, nationalofsaratoga.com, Smathers & Branson Jockey Silk and Derby Horse Needlepoint Flask, wingtip.com.
Place Look
Any fan of the Derby favorite, California Chrome, will enjoy this look’s color scheme as the purple and green are reminiscent of the jockey silks that will be worn by Victor Espinoza aboard California Chrome tomorrow in the Derby. Gingham is very popular this season and the purple dress shirt is accented well with the green from the hat, suspenders and polka dot bow tie.
Want this look? Here’s where to find it: Lacoste Gingham Check Shirt, $59.50, macys.com, Peter Millar Raleigh Washed Twill Flat Front Pant, $125, nationalofsaratoga.com; Satin Bow Tie, $15, thebowtie.com; Ripley Felt Fedora Hat, $168, RobertGraham.com; Suspenders, damicostore.com; Jockey Jam Leather Tab Belt, countryclubprep.com, Eric Cognac Mens Vegan Dress Shoe, $58, alternativeoutfitters.com
Show Look
This is the most casual and versatile of the three looks, which may be a winner for most. I like this style because, as you can see, there are a few different ways one could style this look. The navy blue blazer is a staple, which you can dress up or dress down. If you're feeling extra lucky, choose the green vineyard vine Horseshoe short with a polo. Feeling a little more low key? The khaki short is a great option and you’ll stay comfortable with the Sperry Top-Sider loafers.
Want this look? Here's where to find it: Signature 2-Button Navy Blazer, $250, josabank.com; Silk Whales Pocket Square, $40, vineyardvines.com; Lacoste Polo, shop.lacoste.com; Horseshoe Breaker Shorts, $89.50, vineyardvines.com; Links Shorts, $69.50, vineyardvines.com; Gold Cup Authenic Original Penny Loafers, $150, sperrytopsider.com; Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses, $101, amazon.com.