Dressing Up for the Kentucky Derby the Sustainable Way

Rules You Need To Know For The Big Event

There are a few rules that tie in when it comes to dressing up for the Kentucky Derby. It is also what makes the event unique.

This year my husband and I are dropping the kids at my mother’s for a whole day to ourselves, and it begins with the Kentucky Derby 2020.

The issue with deciding what to wear at the Derby is that everyone pulls all the stops in picking out what they will be wearing, I, on the other hand, have always believed in sustainable living and therefore for me it will be a task on its own to pick out what to wear. For all you other mothers out there struggling with time on your plate and a commitment to responsible fashion, here are a couple of tips and tricks to dressing sustainability for the big event.

Even though there is no hard and fast rule about Derby dressing, you will often note women wearing spring dresses or separates that coordinate exquisitely with their accessories and hats. Nobody holds back.

The Dress

I kept the dress simple. I was planning on using my hat and footwear as the show stopper. I did not shop for a new dress but picked out one of my boho dresses with minimal patterns. The dress I picked was bought from a responsible sourcing fashion store.

My next task would be to turn this attire around into looking perfect for horse racing day.

Layers

Remember that the event takes place outdoors, and the weather is unpredictable. For this, I picked out a jacket with a bold color that would compliment my dress without being too overpowering. Initially, I was going with a bomber jacket of a similar color as I feel that looks amazing on dresses that I wear. Still, a coat jacket would complement the accessories and headwear I pick out.

Footwear

You cannot go to the event without sandals or heels. I picked out wedges, mostly because I don’t want to stumble on uneven ground in pencil heels, and secondly, because you are more likely going to find initiatives that make handcrafted sandals and wedges from recycled materials. Another thing you have to be careful about is that it can get a bit tiring, so keep a pair of flip flops handy. I don’t want to ruin the rest of my quality day with hubby because of aching feet, so I will keep a pair of recycled rubber flip flops with me.

Hat

Wearing a hat to the Derby is considered good luck, but you can substitute that for a hair comb or heirloom accessory, which is what I plan on doing this year. If you want to go for a hat, get a wide-brimmed southern belle hat from a vintage store.

You want to be prepared for the big day but you also want to make sure that you have the right amount of fun too!