Getting Derby Ready!

Last year, I went to a Kentucky Derby at my favorite spot in Minneapolis. It was so so much fun! Everyone was all dressed up, and had a mint julep in hand. I am very bummed that I will not be around to go to that particular Derby party this year because I LOVE dressing up for it! I really could care less about the actual race lol, and am just really here for the dress and hat 😊.

Here is my look from last year. I wore my simple sun hat that has a bow. I didn't want to do a crazy hat with all the embellishments because it is just not my style or the look I wanted. For the dress I wore an older Kate Spade blue and white dress, and finished the look with some sensible wedges. I have to say that I felt very put together in my simple look, and knew I was way more confident and comfortable than those who "went all out." (sorry the photo is kind of not great, and tried my best to make them look a little better, haha.)

And DUH! I also wore my pearls because you know what my motto is by this point! And look, how cute that the party was sponsored, and had a little red carpet!

So, here are my finds/tips/tricks to create your perfect Derby Day look: 

Find a dress // I actually had a lot of options in my closet that worked for a Derby dress. Some of my top contenders were a gingham sundress, and a classic Lilly Pulitzer shift dress. I picked the blue and white dress because the colors and silhouette felt so southern preppy, and it was a nice cotton material for a warmer day. I have linked some cute options below, but if you do not want to spend money on a dress because you wouldn't really wear it again, definitely check consignment shops because you can find some winners there for a great price.

 Seersucker is such a classic for Derby Day!
(also, Vineyardvines.com has an entire Kentucky Derby tab!)

 Gingham, AND a ruffle? Sold!

 Guys, IT HAS PEARLS!!!

A floral, flowy, feminine maxi dress screams Derby ready!

PS- didn't realize I went with a blue and white theme for dresses I picked ahah, and I did have my eye on some pretty pink color way dresses!

Update!! Yesterday I popped into Talbots, and found this gorgeous pink dress! Wearing a size 2.

The Hat! // Personally, I like to keep it simple and classic. I already had my sun hat. I love love this hat, and actually wear it regularly during the summer. I felt like the bow detail on the back was the perfect amount of Derby-ness it needed. This way, I didn't need to go out and find a hat, as it was already hanging in the closet. Again, thrift and consignment shops are great if you are looking for a hat, but I have link an almost identical hat below that is more worth it because you will reach for it all summer!

 This is almost exactly the same as my sun hat, but has a navy bow.

 It also comes in a blue and white stripes now!!

 A simple hat with a touch of gingham! A staple that you will wear for more than just Derby Day!

If a hat is not your thing, this fastener is perfect. 

I am so excited about all of these Derby picks that I might just dress up on the day, and sit on my balcony with a themed cocktail! I hope I gave some inspiration if you have a Derby event coming up, or just want an excuse to dress up! I have also been to a few Derby themed bridal showers that required some fun dress up, so these picks can be worn for multiple occasions! If you have a fun inspired Derby look, I want to see it!! If you post it to your IG story/profile tag me @libbylovespearls 💕

As always,

#dontforgetyourpearls