Derby days are upon us! And if you are like me, nothing gets you more excited than the thought of those derby dresses and hats (… except for maybe derby food… because, well, food, right?). To make this year’s derby season a snap, we’ve got 5 tips for putting together the perfect derby ensemble, as well as 3 derby looks that will work for moms and daughters! So grab a mint julep and settle in your comfy chair. ASD will have you race-ready in no time!
Derby Tips
1-Don’t try to create a perfectly matching ensemble.
Derby fashion is not matchey-matchey. When you are thinking hat, dress, and accessories, think complimentary colors or accent colors rather than an exact match. We aren’t the Queen, and Derby day is all about enjoying the outdoors and making the most of spring fashion. So forget stuffy and have fun!
2-Go for color.
If you are going to make the most of spring fashion, color is must. Think bright, cheerful, even bold! Don’t be afraid to standout. If neutrals are your thing, consider adding texture, or a tone on tone pattern.
3-Keep it young.
It’s easy to end up looking like you raided your great aunt’s closet if you’re not careful. Color, cut, and even pattern make a big difference. If you want to go classic, mix in modern elements to create an updated look.
4-Derby go-tos are always a good idea.
You can’t go wrong with seersucker, a sundress, strapless (if you can), florals, and bold accessories.
5-Often times, it’s easier to pick out your hat first, then your dress.
As much as we love derby dresses, it’s those hats that make us swoon. Once you settle on hat, it is easy to build an outfit around it. All the hats in our photo shoot were graciously provided by Stein Mart. There were so many gorgeous ones, it was hard for us to just pick 3!
Mother/Daughter Derby Style
Morgan Moore, owner of M&M Consignment in Jackson, TN recruited her mom, DeeDee, and her sister, Mary Elizabeth, to show us how easy it can be to put together the perfect derby look using these tips while shopping consignment!
ASD Insider’s Secret: Morgan says that shopping consignment is beyond brilliant when you are looking for that special outfit you need to attend an event, like a wedding, dinner, maybe vacation, or even every day. It’s an excellent way to snag designer clothes at far below designer prices. If you don’t live in a city, consignment stores can also offer more designer options than what might be available at your local mall or boutiques, not to mention a one-on-one experience with your own sales staff to help you look fabulous. “All of my favorite designer pieces definitely come from consignment stores, whether it’s my own store or another. I even shop consignment when I’m out of town. It’s such a rush when you go in not knowing what gem or jewel you’ll find that day!” ~Morgan
Morgan’s Look
Morgan, the youngest of the family, is not afraid to go fabulously bold. She chose a hot pink and bright lilac floral sundress and paired it with a royal blue, chunky necklace, a royal blue wide-brimmed derby hat, and hot pink stiletto sandals. To keep her look classy, she incorporated some pearl earrings and bracelet for just a touch of the traditional.
Mary Elizabeth’s Look
Being the older sister, Mary Elizabeth feels more comfortable in neutrals. For a flawless derby look, Mary Elizabeth chose a dainty little number in black and nude. She was careful to consider texture and pattern to keep her look young and light. Her dress is a crocheted lace of black polka dots with cap sleeves and high neck over a nude slip. Mary Elizabeth topped it off with a straw wide-brimmed hat and dangling pearl earrings.
DeeDee’s Look
Mom, DeeDee, chose a modern version of a time-tested classic. Pastel geometric patterns with an ever-so-slight silver metallic thread give this woven fabric the look of modern spring tweed. DeeDee highlights that silver by choosing a hat with the same hint of shine. Her long pearl necklace and silver peep toe pumps tie it all together.
***Pin these what-to-wear tips here (or use the PIN button for more options)!***
For more ASD Derby insider info, check out:
https://southerndiscourse.com/derby-day-at-the-dixie/
https://southerndiscourse.com/a-triple-crown-menu-for-derby-day/
Check out this and other great posts on Wow Us Wednesday and Full Plate Thursday!
Lots of beauty here for Derby Day, I just love all those hats. I used to wear one every Sunday to church and of course to all the ladies events, I miss those days sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon!
Miz Helen