Mad Hatters and Mint Juleps
Going to Keeneland in April is one thing, but going to the Derby means you’ve truly made it – for the first weekend in May at least. The Kentucky equivalent of a royal wedding, the Kentucky Derby marries stately sophistication and southern charm. As if show-stopping horses, mint juleps, and the hope of winning enough money to pay for the whole affair aren’t enough, you also get to feel like Kate Middleton for a day. Who knows, you may even see the Queen!
But let’s not forget the real head-turners of the Derby – the hats! Whether you opt for the wide-brimmed sun hat or a fabulous fascinator, bright colors or pretty pastel, Vineyard Vines or Lilly Pulitzer, the Derby look must revolve around the hat. You can’t be a princess without a crown! And just as there are rules for being Duchess of Cambridge, there are rules – or at least helpful hints – for being Duchess of Derby.
1. Keep your dress, jewelry, and shoes simple. At the Derby, it’s all about the headwear – feathers, flowers, and fun all belong on your hat!
2. Be weather ready. It’s no surprise that Kentucky weather can be less than convenient. That means rain, wind, and sweltering heat are all safe bets, so take precautions and look at the weather forecast beforehand. Ponchos, sunglasses, and a cardigan are all acceptable accessories when the weather horses around. If you really want to feel fancy, bring a folding fan to stay breezy under the sun.
3. Keep your head, heels, and SPF high. Spending the day under the sun may sound like a great idea at first, but ask your skin about that in 20 years. In other words, sunscreen is a must.
4. Bring flats for later. You may not be running for the roses but your feet sure will feel like it by the end of the day!
5. Stay hydrated. Of course there will be other drinks at the Derby, but with drinking, standing, and celebrating all day, water is essential to keep your energy up during the big race.
6. Bet to win! This is the one time you can root for an animal other than the UK Wildcats. Even if you can’t actually place a bet, it’s still fun to predict which horse will take home the roses.
Whether you’re a true horse enthusiast or you’re just there for the social scene, the Kentucky Derby is the place to be as spring comes to an end. You may be exhausted, sunburned, and poor by the end of the day, but when you do finally get to hit the hay, it will have definitely been worth it.
