For the Ladies:

Dress like you're going to a chic daytime wedding. The Kentucky Derby is a fashion spectacle like no other, but if you aim for the level of attire that you'd wear to a posh wedding between two well-dressed people with fairly fancy friends, you'll get close.

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Dress or Hat - Which Comes First?

There are two answers here!

Some will say that you absolutely get the outfit first. Then you design your hat to go with the outfit. (The argument here is that it's easier to custom design a hat than to "make" an outfit to go with a hat!)

Then there are those who say that you must definitely purchase, create or design your hat before picking out the outfit.

Most often in this case, matching the dress (or outfit) to your hat involves personal preference; however keep a few things in mind in getting dressed:

• If your hat is having a pattern party, keep the dress design simple.
• If the hat is simple and elegant, keep the outfit simple also for a classy look.
• If you want a funky outfit, keep it consistent and accent the hat most of all!
• If you have long hair, showcase a ponytail slightly to side or keep it down to one side to highlight the color on your face.

Whatever your preference is, we have your head covered when it comes to hat shopping:

• Berkeley Hat Company, a fixture at 2510 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley for over 30 years, has a great collection of hats in all price ranges.  If you mention the Hospice East Bay, Celebration of Care at your time of purchase, they will donate 10% of sales to Hospice East Bay. If ordering online, be sure to put Hospice East Bay, Celebration of Care in the comment section.
  

Visit Berkeley Hat Company Online

• Dee’s Hats is a Louisville, Kentucky favorite with a colorful array of hats and fascinators to choose from. They even have a 2017 Hat Packet with all the information you need to design the perfect derby hat.  Make sure to order early to ensure arrival before April 8^th!

Visit Dee's Hats Online

• Greatlookz has been in the accessory business since 1999 and they have a fabulous collection of derby-worthy hats at all price points. Make sure to order early to ensure arrival before April 8^th!

Visit Greatlookz Online

The rest of the outfit…

When selecting your dress for the Kentucky Derby the recommended practice is to keep it simple, so it doesn't take away from your hat. You can also let the color and excitement of spring inspire you and select a dress full of color, or floral or equine patterns.  Shoes can be a strappy heal or sandal and keep the jewelry simple.

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The Kentucky Derby is a chance for every female to express her inner Southern Belle so take note and don't hold back when planning your Kentucky Derby wardrobe! These women didn't...