Supporting Your Favorite Kentucky Derby Horse Through Fashion
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Kentucky Derby time is nearly here – the run for the roses takes place at Churchill Downs on May 7, and if you can’t get to the track, you’re probably heading to a viewing party with friends to watch America’s oldest sporting event.
If you already have a favorite horse picked out, why not dress to support him? Below are some outfits perfect for a Kentucky Derby party, whether casual or more dressy, inspired by the owner’s silks of some of the favorites for the race. If you see a piece in any set that you can’t live without, simply click the image where it appears to shop the look!
1. Nyquist
16DerbyFan_Nyquist by penelopemiller featuring aldo shoes
Collared shirt / James Jeans jeans / Aldo shoes / Sneaker / Express multi strand necklace / Blu Bijoux silver ring / Abercrombie & Fitch mens distressed jeans / Mens military watch / Cole Haan mens cognac belt / Men s sweater / Mens polo shirt / EPYA Women and Men Classic Short Brim Straw Fedora Hat with Band,...
If you love this undefeated Thoroughbred, show your support by donning some purple and white. I went for a more laid-back look for Nyquist to reflect the colt’s California lifestyle, choosing jeans and chic-but-comfortable accessories for both the men’s and women’s ensembles.
2. Mohaymen
16DerbyFan_Mohaymen by penelopemiller featuring mens dress shirts
Floral dress / Dolce Vita blue shoes / Watch / A V Max chain necklace / Tech accessory / Lorenzo Raffinato mens dress shirt / Uniqlo mens stretch pants, $43 / River Island mens braided belt / Eastland mens shoes / Womens Lady Girls Cocktail Elegant Fascinator Headwear with Headband... / Jockeys and Horses on Blue Country Silk Tie
Mohaymen is owned by the ruling family of Dubai, so why not give royalty (and the Shiekh’s royal blue-and-white silks) a nod by dressing up for the Derby? The gold tones in the accessories in the men’s and women’s outfits definitely add to the aristocratic vibe.
3. Gun Runner
16DerbyFan_GunRunner by penelopemiller featuring long dresses
MANGO long dress / Billabong strappy sandals / Patchington fringe purse / Accessorize pendant jewelry / Floppy hat / Burgundy and White Striped Self-Tie Bow Ties | SolidColorNeckties.com / TailorByrd mens dress shirt / Lauren Ralph Lauren mens red pants / Nunn Bush mens slip on shoes / Bosca men s belt / Arnette mens brown sunglasses
Gun Runner’s owners Winchell Thoroughbreds run with maroon and white silks, so the sets I put together incorporate those colors. The name Gun Runner also made me think of great movies like Casino, Scarface, and the like; so I incorporated a 70s vibe into the women’s look for a little extra fun.
4. Exggerator
16DerbyFan_Exaggerator by penelopemiller featuring mens tortoise shell sunglasses
Top / Flutter sleeve shirt / Scalloped edge shorts, $18 / Jeffrey Campbell nude heel sandals / Stella Dot white tote / Hair accessory / Chor mens slim fit chino pants / Invicta mens blue watch / Lacoste mens suede lace up shoes / Vans mens tortoise shell sunglasses
The green and white silks Exaggerator’s owner chose are so bold and vivid; that’s why I kept it simple and classic for this fan look. Exaggerator is another California-based Derby contender, so I kept both the men’s and women’s looks breezy but stylish for a viewing party.
5. Mo Tom and Tom’s Ready
16DerbyFan_MoTom_TomsReady by penelopemiller featuring a stripe dress
Chicwish stripe dress / Aéropostale padded sandals / Scala hat / Men s clothing / Chaps mens long sleeve pocket t shirt / Steve Madden mens tan dress shoes / Bow tie / FOSSIL mens sports watch / Ted Baker Brandii Grosgrain Bow Detail Clutch | Harrods / AmazonSmile: Bling Jewelry White Leather Stainless Steel Horses Bit...
You get two horses to root for with owners G M B Racing! That’s the nom de course (racehorse speak for the name an owner gives a stable) for Tom Benson, who also owns the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans pro teams. Since these are horses with deep Southern roots, why not play up the theme with sweeping wide-brim hats and seersucker?
Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your Kentucky Derby looks, whether you’re attending the race or watching from a party. After all, the run for the roses is a great time no matter where you are, so be sure match your style to your attitude on the first Saturday in May!