Nashville-based fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant Carson Love brings us another fabulous set of tips to ensure your wardrobe reflects your personal style AND the season.
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While your calendar might be sprinkled with all kinds of warm-weather events, few spring traditions are more exciting than the horse races! The beautiful horses and pageantry take center stage, but spectator fashion certainly shares the spotlight.
As a personal stylist, I believe a little outfit planning and forethought can go a long way. If you’re lucky enough to attend a race or two this season, I encourage you to get a step ahead on what you’re going to wear. This will ensure you look your best and feel comfortable and confident during the long race day.
With the Kentucky Derby and Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase right around the corner, along with many other horse races throughout the South, let’s break down the essential components of a perfect race-day-ready ensemble!
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Below, we’ll cover everything from hats to dresses to separates to shoes to bags!
WHAT COMES FIRST: OUTFIT OR HAT?
A client asked me the other day, “Do you find a hat first, or do you start with the dress and then match the hat to it?”
If you have a specific color palette or vision in mind for your headwear and are going the custom-order route, then you can totally start with the hat. However, most of the time, I think it’s best to find an outfit you feel great in and then find the coordinating headwear.
Luckily, fabulous headwear is easy to find, so going custom isn’t a necessity. Here are a few different silhouettes and styles I love to help you along your hat hunt.
Tip: If you’re looking for a hat and can’t find the perfect color, find a neutral hat that fits well and take it to your favorite florist! They can often attach fresh blooms based on your chosen palette.
Brimmed Hats
When looking for hats online, opt for woven or straw materials versus wool so it’s more breathable. More on that later!
Fascinators & Headbands
PICK YOUR BASE: DRESS, JUMPSUIT, OR SEPARATES
We often think of sweet dresses as the primary outfit of choice for Derby and other horse races, but there is a wide array of options outside of the dress department! Dresses are always a sure bet, but don’t feel like that’s your only option. You might feel more comfortable in a chic jumpsuit or matching separates. (Even a coordinating shorts set was featured in our styled shoot last spring for the races.)
Regardless of which direction you choose, my major tip is to “Know Thy Tailor.” Don’t be discouraged if things don’t fit perfectly off the rack; that’s the nature of mass-manufactured clothing! Instead, factor in tailoring costs as if it’s listed on the price tag so you can have adjustments made to achieve the perfect fit.
Depending on what kind of event you’re attending, the climate may also play a major factor in what you wear. I advise sticking with warmer-weather fabrics and steering clear of silks, wools, or other less breathable materials. Here are a few current styles (dresses included!) that offer a beautiful foundation for your race-day look.
Dresses
Tip: Anthropologie is one of my favorite sources for dresses in petite and plus sizing!
Jumpsuits & Rompers
Matching Sets
THE STAR PLAYER: SHOES!
Your shoe selection for race day is not something to be taken lightly. No matter which race you attend, you’ll probably have to walk on various surfaces, from grassy lawns to cobblestone walkways. As far as I’m concerned, the stilettos can stay home! Bring on the block heels, wedges, or even “flatforms” (flats with a platform base).
Some women opt for a spare pair of flats to wear for the walk into the venue, but even then, your “main” shoes for the day will still be getting some serious wear, so giving them a solid test run before the big day is wise.
When trying on shoes, walk on surfaces other than carpets. Most shoes feel much more comfortable on a rug, which is why most shoe departments are carpeted!
Tip: I also like adding extra support to the pressure points of shoes I’ll be wearing for long hours. This can be preventive and shock-absorbing. Try these reusable pads that I recommend to clients:
Whether you opt for flats or heels, look for a style with a supportive base and traction on the bottom of the sole. Here are some of my current favorite styles.
A THOUGHTFUL HANDBAG
Always double-check the handbag guidelines at the venue you’ll be visiting (they may have changed in the last couple of years!). They may have specific size criteria or even require a “stadium-friendly” bag, such as one that can be seen through.
Also, consider the length of the purse strap. Do you want a clutch that you can set down and leave on a table or a shorter strap that can hang on your arm? Would you prefer a crossbody strap so you can be totally hands-free?
Whatever shape or size suits you, your handbag can add the perfect polishing touch to your overall look! I recommend choosing an accent color from your outfit’s pattern or palette.
Stadium Bags
Clutches
Crossbody Bags
Here’s to a fashionable race season!
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Looking for more fashion inspiration? Here are a few of the trends we can’t wait to try out this season.
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