Hold your horses, Louisville! April is here, which means Derby season is in full swing. The arrival of the season brings a month packed with annual can’t-miss events, so we’re here to give you all the fashion advice you need to take it by storm. Our city really comes to life this time of year, and we can’t think of a better time to slip on your favorite spring looks and experience all the events that come with springtime in Louisville.
We’re highlighting three of our favorite April events in nine fun and sophisticated looks shot on location at the gorgeous KMAC Museum. Our highlighted events include KMAC Couture, Thunder Over Louisville and A Taste of Derby Festival. The featured looks come from some of our favorite local boutiques: Six Sisters Boutique, Circe, Jordan Clines and Cindy Borders Jewelry. Our models are three beautiful women who are all walking the KMAC Couture Runway Show. Here’s what to wear to Louisville’s hottest April events!
For 32 years and going strong, Taste of Derby Festival brings together 40 restaurants and 20 local distilleries and beverage companies, all serving up generous samples. There is also a silent auction, and all the fun benefits Dare to Care Food Bank. Gather the gang and indulge in Derby like you never have before!
What to Wear + Tracy’s style tips: This is an informal evening event filled with great food and wine. We love a laid-back dress or white or black jeans with a party top. When wearing something floral, try an earring that repeats the circle pattern in a different size as the print like Tracy did with this green floral frock — or, repeat a color from your outfit in your jewelry like she did with the bold, orange dress. Lastly, a fitted denim jacket is the perfect layering piece over a casual dress. Here’s what to wear to the Taste of Derby!
Look #1:PinOn Lauren from Circe: Green-and-yellow floral print dress, $605PinFrom Circe: Green leather clutch, $235; From Jordan Clines: Gold ring, $2,500Look #2:PinOn Dominique from Six Sisters: Orange embroidered dress, $78; white tassel handbag, $74 | From Circe: White and gold hoops, $95 | From Cindy Borders: Bone and pearl bracelets, ranging from $68 to $78 each
Thunder Over Louisville is the event that officially kicks off Derby celebrations and is filled with pure magic and excitement for the entire city. Join the thousands who gather at Waterfront Park for an up-close air show and fireworks experience, or if you’re in the mood for something a bit more intimate, you can attend a Thunder party. Whether you join a few hundred at a Derby Festival party or score a private invitation from a friend with a great view, we’ve found four looks that are flirty, fun and ready for some fireworks.
What to Wear + Tracy’s style tips: Keep it simple, but have fun! We chose comfy yet stylish looks, so you’ll feel cozy whether you’re at a small get-together or laying on the grass at Waterfront Park. Thunder is a fun-filled day with a lot of standing and walking, so go with something casual and comfortable, and be sure to check the weather forecast and wear layers. Tracy chose a loose-fitting chambray dress with fun earrings for an effortless look. She recommends adding a white denim jacket if it’s chilly that day. She also chose a kimono for a great way to add color and interest to a jeans-and-tee look. Lastly, she chose a camo jacket and black tank dress with a comfy tennis shoe. Here’s what to wear to Thunder!
Look #1:PinOn Lauren from Circe: Off-the-shoulder blue dress, $425; Aztec earrings, $70Look #2:PinOn Dominique from Six Sisters: Floral kimono, $68 | From Circe: Stargazer jeans, $228Look #3:PinOn Alex from Circe: Black tank dress, $265; camo jacket, $450; lightening bolt earrings, $125RELATED: 10 Hidden Culinary Gems Even Locals to Louisville Don’t Know About
The Event: KMAC Couture: Art Walks the Runway
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Pre-show Cocktail Hour starts at 7 p.m., and the KMAC Couture runway show starts at 8:30 p.m.
The 700 block of West Main Street, just in front of KMAC Museum
Art Walks the Runway in the annual KMAC Couture fashion show on Saturday, April 20, where designers use unusual items to create one-of-a-kind couture clothing. One of Louisville’s unique art and fashion experiences, KMAC Couture happens inside a white tent that spans the length of the 700 block of West Main Street, just in front of the KMAC Museum, and is filled with art and fashion lovers wearing all white attire. The show itself features jaw-dropping, handmade works worn by local models walking the runway. All proceeds benefit KMAC educational and outreach programming.
What to Wear + Tracy’s style tips: Traditionally, attendees wear all white, crème or beige. This creates a wonderful backdrop for the couture pieces of wearable art. This is the perfect event to be creative — art is the big idea! Tracy chose a white jumpsuit with a statement necklace, textured white lace eyelet pants and a white skirt for those who aren’t feeling the “all white” look, as it adds a low contrast, monochromatic look. Here’s what to wear to KMAC Couture!
Look #1:PinOn Lauren from Circe: Ivory ruffled jumpsuit, $565; From Six Sisters: Cream tassel handbag, $74; From Jordan Clines: Gold chain bracelet, $6,995; moonstone necklace, $2,500
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
Look #2:PinOn Dominique from Six Sisters: White notch-neck top, $58; white lace bottoms, $68 | From Cindy Borders: Leather-wrapped circle earrings, $78; bone-and-pearl bracelets, ranging from $68 to $78 eachLook #3:PinOn Alex from Circe: Long-sleeved ruffle top, $350; pinstripe skirt, $295 | From Cindy Borders: asymmetrical blonde hoops, $78
We hope you’re ready to gallop it out this Derby season!
A big, huge THANK YOU to our stylist Tracy Varga of Tracy Varga Group, J Michael’s Spa & Salon, and Leila Grossman of Grannis PhotographyP.S. Be on the lookout for our Derby Edition of What to Wear in mid-April.
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