To many, the Kentucky Derby is known as the "most exciting two minutes in sports." Respectfully, we believe that the Kentucky Derby is the "most exciting event in hat fashion." What better way to usher in the beauty of Spring than with extravagant and chic "larger than life" hats. The millinery, cocktail, sinamay, organza, fascinator; the bigger the better. We've put together a quick guide to the Kentucky Derby. From Derby fashion tips for men and women to creating the iconic concoction of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep.
It's All About the Hat
Over the years, Kentucky Derby Hats have really turned up the glamour of hat fashion. Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat has become a beautiful blend of wild fiery expression and chic elegant sophistication. Bright and vibrant colors are a must when choosing the perfect Derby hat. Remember, you are choosing an outfit that best suits your Kentucky Derby Hat not the other way around. Let's go over a few of the basics of the Kentucky Derby Hat.
The Kentucky Derby crowd favorite is easily the Sinamay hat. Widely varying in size and styles, the fashion sinamay hat is typically decorated with ruffles, feathers, ribbons, and bows. In our opinion when paired with an outfit and styled correctly, the sinamay hat epitomizes the class and elegance of Kentucky Derby fashion.
Sinamay maintenance
Sinamay straw is the material used on all sinamay hats. If you're dusting off your fashion sinamay from last year and notice some creases and dents there's no need to worry.
1. Boil a pot of water in a tea pot 2. Carefully steam the dents starting from the inside of the hat then on the outside. 3. Gently straighten out dents with your hands while applying steam as necessary. 4. When you've managed to get most of the dents straightened out, fill the crown with butcher paper (avoid newspaper as it may cause discoloration) 5. Let the sinamay straw dry out and repeat as necessary.For those of you who do not feel comfortable wearing something so large on your head but don't want to lose an ounce of the extravagance, fascinators are perfect for you. In terms of variety, fascinators have the most. They come in all different sizes, colors, and designs. Typically they are designed with flower, feathers, lace, and satin. Fascinators are worn by head band or hair clips, so your hair style becomes an essential part of your overall look.
Most Common Mistake in Choosing your Derby Hat
The most common mistake we've noticed when choosing that perfect Kentucky Derby hat is that people have a tendency to choose a hat that they believe most suits their face shape. From our experience the best Derby hat is one that you love and feel confident when wearing. Those two factors alone will make any choice a great one!
Men's Derby Fashion
The Kentucky Derby is one of the few times a year a man can dress up and stand out just as much as the ladies. Traditionally linen suits, bow ties, and a nice pair of oxfords would do the trick, but the look is not complete without the perfect hat.
One of the hottest trending items for spring and summer fashion is the Panama hat. Similar to your typical fedora hat, the Panama has a wider brim and is often made of a straw material. This hat is light, bright, and will turn up the vintage "throw back" look of almost any outfit. If you really want to turn it up, the straw pork pie is one of our favorites. This hat will definitely have you standing out while looking classy and authentic.
Day Drinking!
What better reason to get dressed up and have a few drinks during the day than the Kentucky Derby. The crisp, cold, and clean Mint Julep has become the staple of the Kentucky Derby. Nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served during the Kentucky Derby Weekend. Here are some simple instructions on making this light and crisp drink.
The Kentucky Derby is a one time a year event filled with drinks, luxury, and high fashion. Sounds like a good time across the board, but don't be too bummed if you can't make it out to Kentucky. If you live close to California, check out the Biggest Derby Party West of Kentucky at Santa Anita Racetrack. This star studded event will be held on Saturday May 2, 2015 or at the very least we suggest "Derbying" it up in the comfort of your home. Cheers!
