Another outfit challenge!

BeBopBaby · Apr 16, 2008

Alright ladies, I need your help finding an outfit for a Kentucky Derby party. My friend that is having the party is going all out with traditional Derby drinks, food, etc. She really puts a lot of thought into creating a "traditional southern genteel" atmosphere for the party.

My husband will be wearing light tan slacks, a green and tan argyle sweater, white dress shirt, bowtie and a straw boater.

Do you have any suggestions for an outfit that I could put together that would fit into this theme? I have a 1930s straw womens fedora that I would like to wear as a hat, but I'm at a loss for the outfit. Most of my vintage clothing is winter weight or too dark or it wouldn't look right with my hat. I also need clothing in a large size - either a size 18 in ladies clothing or a 16W in womens.

Thanks in advance!

texasgirl · Apr 16, 2008

Do you have a picture of the hat? Also, are you thinking pants, skirt, dress? Give us some more details

Vintage Betty · Apr 16, 2008

If it's not too cold, I'd suggest a tank-style shift dress, and wrap a large fringed shawl over it, with some chunky shoes that are close to being period.

With the hat, tie a large scarf that is close to the color of the dress or shawl around the hatband, and stick some large feathers or flowers in it.

If you really want to be Southern, stick some mint in your hatband, so you can have it ready for mint julips.

Vintage Betty

BeBopBaby · Apr 17, 2008

Here are pictures of the hat. It is in good shape, but the straw is a bit dingy from age and dust. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to clean the hat? It is made of straw.

As for dress, skirt, pants, etc. - I am open to anything, but a dress would be nice.

Thank you!

texasgirl · Apr 17, 2008

A couple ideas-not sure what style/look you're going for?

Coldwater Creek has several nice dresses, here's one
http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=40258&ensembleid=46226

Jessica London- has several cute dresses
http://www.jessicalondon.com/clothi...1&DeptId=10308&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

On cleaning the hat, I had luck ironing mine. Use a towel or something between the hat and the iron. It straightened it out and got the dust off.

KittyT · Apr 17, 2008

BeBopBaby said:
Here are pictures of the hat. It is in good shape, but the straw is a bit dingy from age and dust. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to clean the hat? It is made of straw.

I would just wipe it down/gently scrub it with a damp washcloth.

I almost suggested asking the gents in the hat forum... until I realized that most of them would suggest shipping it off someplace expensive to have it cleaned and re-blocked lol

BeBopBaby · Apr 17, 2008

KittyT said:
I would just wipe it down/gently scrub it with a damp washcloth.

I almost suggested asking the gents in the hat forum... until I realized that most of them would suggest shipping it off someplace expensive to have it cleaned and re-blocked lol

I wonder if I used a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to wipe the hat with, if it would help to whiten the straw?

Swingtime Gal · Apr 17, 2008

Traditional Derby Wear

Being a chef and living in Louisville for many years, I have worked the Derby circuit for many years. The traditional rule of thumb for a Derby outfit is: if the hat is plain, wear a bright and vibrant dress (either color or pattern) and if the hat is bright and/or elaborate, wear a more subdued dress or pantsuit. Many ladies tend to wear a dress when attending in the clubhouse areas and those who have grandstand or grass area seats wear pants or shorts. Just be sure to have a great time and enjoy the party because the race is just a short 2 to 3 minutes long, it's all about the parties and the social aspect of the day!

BeBopBaby · Apr 17, 2008

Texasgirl - I really like the seersucker shirt dress that you posted, thanks for your help! Right now it's at the top of the list for choices.

texasgirl · Apr 17, 2008

Your welcome! I thought it looked like it would be comfy and cool, as well as the cut of the dress looks flattering

Snookie · Apr 18, 2008

Swingtime Gal said:
Just be sure to have a great time and enjoy the party because the race is just a short 2 to 3 minutes long, it's all about the parties and the social aspect of the day!

Now THIS sounds like a sport I could get into! lol lol

Lady Day · Apr 18, 2008

Oh Derby parties.

I grew up in Louisville, KY and man oh man, Derby was nothing to joke about!

Have fun!

LD

~*Red*~ · Apr 18, 2008

BeBopBaby said:
Alright ladies, I need your help finding an outfit for a Kentucky Derby party. My friend that is having the party is going all out with traditional Derby drinks, food, etc. She really puts a lot of thought into creating a "traditional southern genteel" atmosphere for the party.

My husband will be wearing light tan slacks, a green and tan argyle sweater, white dress shirt, bowtie and a straw boater.

Do you have any suggestions for an outfit that I could put together that would fit into this theme? I have a 1930s straw womens fedora that I would like to wear as a hat, but I'm at a loss for the outfit. Most of my vintage clothing is winter weight or too dark or it wouldn't look right with my hat. I also need clothing in a large size - either a size 18 in ladies clothing or a 16W in womens.

Thanks in advance!

OOOOHhhhhhh, will she be serving Kentucky Hot Browns??? Yum yum yum yum yum... great, now I'm hungry!

Have a fabulous and gorgeous time!

crwritt · Apr 30, 2008

This thread caught my eye because my husband just informed me that we are attending the local historical society gala this saturday, and its a Kentucky Derby theme!
Usually this annual gala is a black tie, ballgown affair, so he just dusts off his tuxedo and cummerbund and I look in my collection for a gown I don't recall wearing the previous year or two. I do up my hair and we brush the dancing shoes, and we're out the door, so it is usually an easy event for us to prepare for.

This year, I'm not sure what to wear with this Kentucky Derby theme.

Question: How important is the hat?
He has a nice panama, and with a nice pale pair of khakis and a rayon sport shirt, he would look nice I think. I told him about the mint in the hatband.
I have many dresses to choose from, but hats give me a little trouble, as I have a big head and lots of hair, I have never comfortably worn a hat.

If I choose a black and white floral print dress, should I try to find a white hat and trim it with black and white flowers? If I choose a bright hawaiian print dress, should I wear a faux hibiscus trimmed straw sunhat or just put a few flowers in my hair?

imoldfashioned · Apr 30, 2008

texasgirl said:
http://www.jessicalondon.com/clothi...1&DeptId=10308&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

I'm not going to the Derby but I really want this dress! It's adorable!

Decobelle · Apr 30, 2008

Gaa! Nothing like short notice. You could do something like the Derby poster girl's hat; it's a b&w polka dot dress with straw hat trimmed with black and red flowers. That style of hat would probably be easy to find in modern sizes. I am guessing most women will be wearing a hat. If it is really uncomfortable for you though, flowers in the hair would be pretty too. Do you have a parasol?

47b8da08b3127ccea844d463614800000015100JZOG7Zm1Yo

I'm going to the Derby with my dad this year, and started with the hat (modern) first, before I even got the tickets!

47b8da08b3127ccea844d46ce07700000016100JZOG7Zm1Yo

This was my inspriation for the outfit, from Vogue May 1941:

47b8da08b3127ccea844d454e04f00000015100JZOG7Zm1Yo

I found this 40s dress with a black and white print:

47b8da08b3127ccea844d460e07b00000015100JZOG7Zm1Yo

These spectators:

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Plus gloves, and Arden "Bluegrass' perfume!

The Shirt · Apr 30, 2008

Decobelle - that is a gorgeous outfit. I adore the hat - it's really beautiful.

crwritt · Apr 30, 2008

Decobelle, thanks for the advice, I think I have it worked out.
Lucky you, to be attending the real thing. Our event is a historical society fundaiser here in Maine. Your hat is lovely, I think you'll look great , have fun!

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