Nothing rings in springtime quite like the Kentucky Derby, the event to attend and throw parties to celebrate. With women scrambling to put together the most fashionable attire, you want to arrive prepared with the latest derby hat pointers for your own luxury shopping excursion. Marilyn Hellman, owner of Marilyn’s in Naples, Florida, offers these tips on what to wear to Kentucky Derby event and parties.
First, consider weather conditions during the big event. If you’re attending the Kentucky Derby and will be outside to watch the race, choose a nice hat with a brim to shade the sun. Not only will you look gorgeous, but you’ll stay comfortable, too.
When out shopping, consider your chosen outfit. You’ll want to choose a derby hat that compliments its colors and stands out at any event or party. If you like large hats, there are plenty of beautiful varieties available—these come in every color and pattern, so no matter which outfit you choose, you’ll have the hat to match.
If you’re attending a Derby party in a Country Club or private home, you’ll be indoors and won’t need to worry about the sun. For these events, the most popular hat is the fascinator style. This smaller headpiece is usually attached with a band or clip and is available in a variety of sizes. Small fascinators are perfect for the home party; larger, statement-making fascinators are a prime choice for a Country Club party or the actual Kentucky Derby event.
The hats in this article are all designed by Philip Treacy, one of London’s most famous hat designers. Over the past two decades, Philip Treacy’s hats have attracted the attention of iconic image-makers and icons from Grace Jones to Lady Gaga, Madonna to the Duchess of Cornwall. These hats and many more Philip Treacy styles are all available at Marilyn’s.
