Hats off, or in this case, ON! It’s the arrival of Derby season. The Kentucky Derby is a world event that brings in local and international spectators and competitors. We’re talking horses flown in from Dubai on private jets, with specialty G force harnesses Equine Travel. Sure, many a Kentucky horse has won the Derby and will continue to, if the Lexington horse farms have anything to say about it, Horse Farm Tours, but the pageantry and eyes of the international sporting world truly make it a special experience. This is Jones & Daughters second Derby season, and like the event, we have gone big. Because the Derby isn’t one race, or one day; it’s a two week spectacle of festivals, Derby Fest, parties, horse races, and of course, fashion. This world class event comes complete with a red carpet, and most years Tom Brady, a newly single Tom Brady :).
At Jones & Daughters we love to help our clients slip into THAT outfit. The one that imbues confidence and exudes style. From the galas to the track, we have your fashion needs covered this Derby with designer outfits, accessories, men’s accessories, and the pièces de résistance- headwear. Let’s start with the main event, the outfit.
The start of Spring may make you want to burst with color. These vibrant ensembles are a few of our favorites:
Understated elegance is always in style, and these neutral favorites are pieces that will take you from event to event:
Since this will be the 149th Derby season, so much is steeped in tradition. One of the most famous traditions is the headwear. We love to put the cherry on top of your look with the perfect fascinator. We are also excited to introduce a new partnership with Taylor of Taylor’ed Goods, designing your own custom fascinator, for when you want the perfect match. Taylor'ed Goods
Men are never left out at Jones & Daughters, and we have the finishing touches for your Derby looks too.
And finally, a few insider tips and things to consider when putting together your looks from the J&D team, who have experienced all levels of the track, from the infield to the jockey suites, that will help you have the best Derby season possible.
Do not let the confidence of today lead you down a bad path tomorrow. Your location at the track and the unpredictable spring weather are major considerations every year, and more so if you are not undercover or are in the infield.
Infield
Pros: a beautiful place of chaos, partying, and the feeling that anything could happen.
Cons: completely exposed to the elements, view could be better, and porta potties (more on that later)
The Stands
Pros: a view of the races, food and drink vendors a plenty, and seats to rest your feet.
Cons: Some are under cover, some are not, bathroom lines are long, lots of walking
Millionaires Row and Suites
Pros: view of the whole track, indoor accommodations, private bathrooms, and service.
Cons: less camaraderie, pockets heavy from dollar bills
To Heel or Not to Heel
Track and event days can easily log 20,000 steps. The trek from your parking spot in someone’s lawn to Churchill alone can be a mile. Then there is all the walking inside the track, from food and drink to watching the horses strut around the paddock – you will be walking a ton. Wise footwear is strongly encouraged, but if your outfit depends on those stilettos, then consider packing foldable shoes into your purse, your feet will thank us. If you are a VIP spectator with shuttled parking, indoor spaces, and food to drink that comes to you, then heels on!
A word on jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are versatile, stylish, and there is zero chance of flashing anyone if the drinks get the better of you, so they are a no brainer, right? Again, location at the track is everything, and if you are in the infield, that means porta potties. One question, do you want to get naked in a porta potty? A friend, who will remain nameless, wore a jumpsuit to the infield one year, and the shame of getting naked in a porta potty was profound. If you know, you know.
We hope our fashion guide provides a preview of the pieces we have curated, and we would love to see you in our store for the full range of our options. At Jones & Daughters we are ecstatic to share our tips and spring collection, to make this Derby season the most memorable and chicest yet.
Love,
J&D
