What to Wear to Keeneland's 2018 Fall Meet
Find the perfect outfit for a day at the racetrack!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
Keeneland’s Fall Meet lasts only 17 days, but there’s certainly a lot of racing fun to be had during those Wednesday-Sunday October stretches. Over the 7 year history of HerKentucky, I find that folks really, really want to know what to wear to the track. In fact, some variant of “What to Wear to Keeneland” is consistently the search that brings the most folks to this site.
When folks ask me in person what they should wear to the track, I tend to ask two questions in response: Where will you be sitting, and what day will you be attending?
At the racetrack, as with most things, location and timing are everything. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be a little more casual than weekend race days. The nearer the track you sit, the more casual you should dress.
If you're going to stay near the Paddock --General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room-- there's no need to dress up very much. Guys often opt for khakis and polo shirts, and women can wear slacks. You're actually dressing for a horse race in these sections. These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels. The second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar, for example, often resembles a campus bar or fraternity semi-formal. While the dress code says "casual", there's plenty of Vineyard Vines ties and Lilly Pulitzer dresses to be seen.
If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event. The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies. The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies.
If you find yourself invited to the members-only Clubhouse, you’ll soon find out that it requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies. I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels. In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're fine.
This fall, I have two navy dresses on repeat; both are cute Keeneland dresses, depending on your racetrack plans. This navy ponte Draper James dress could work for any section of the track — just dress it up or down with necklaces or scarves, boots or heels — while this Target denim dress is great for a low-key day in the lower levels. (Denim is a huge faux pas for the upper levels, and isn’t allowed in the Clubhouse!)
Of course, it goes without saying that dressing for the elements is just as important as dressing for your seats. Nothing looks more ridiculous than the poor girl who’s freezing in a sundress or melting in wool. You’ll be on the move a lot — sitting and standing, inside and out — so make sure your shoes fit well, your bag isn’t so large that it causes problems, and your outfit matches the temperature and conditions.
Most of all, look good and have fun!!
Shop these great Keeneland styles!
Draper James Poncho for Football Season
The perfect outfit for Kentucky football games!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Obviously, I mean SEC football season, and especially those magical weekends where you can take in some races at Keeneland AND a UK football game. Bonus points if you need a sweater, wrap, or poncho, especially this Draper James poncho in Wildcat Blue.
Poncho: Draper James | Jeans: Lauren Ralph Lauren | Bangle: Bourbon & Boweties for Sweet Mash Goods
I had so much fun styling this outfit in anticipation of fall football games! I especially love the Kendra Scott earrings and necklace for fun touches of blue that I’ll wear for so many game days!
If you’ll be in the Lexington area for some Keeneland and football shopping, join me October 2nd at Draper James and October 10th at Kendra Scott for Shop & Sip events benefiting Dress for Success Lexington. Let me know in the comments below what colors you wear on game day!
Draper James x HerKentucky Shop & Sip for Dress for Success!
Lexington, KY charity shopping event at Draper James!
Draper James dress (on sale!) | Elva Fields necklace | Cole Haan Shoes (old) c/o Off Broadway Shoes (Similar here!)
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky.com will receive a nominal compensation for every product link you click at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own.} All photos ©Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.
Last Tuesday, the Lexington Draper James store hosted a Shop & Sip for HerKentucky readers. It was such a special event for me -- so many friends and relatives came out to shop, enjoy sweet tea, rosé, and mini-bundt cakes, and, most importantly, raise money for one of my very favorite causes, Dress for Success. Dress for Success helps provide underprivileged women with the tools for economic and professional empowerment. I've been fortunate to work with the Louisville affiliate this year, and it is truly amazing to see the ways in which the clients' entire demeanor changes as they try on professional attire. I mean, who doesn't feel better in a fabulous new outfit?
Draper James pineapple print dress, white Tulip Shirtdress, and white lace bell sleeve top, all on sale!
It was such a fun event! The Dress for Success Lexington Board of Directors came out to shop, and a college friend of mine even brought his kids by! I was overwhelmed by how well the event turned out (we raised over $400 for DFS!!) and how absolutely lovely the evening was!
Gingham floral dress (on sale!)
Of course, I've loved Draper James since the very moment I saw a newspaper article that said Reese Witherspoon was launching a lifestyle brand, but I'm even more excited about the brand lately. I love that they've expanded their sizing to be more inclusive, that they're experimenting with pop-up kids' collections, and that they listened to customer feedback to drop the price point just a bit. I also love the ponte fabric in several of their tees and dresses, like the one I wore to the event!
Draper James x ELOQUII T-shirt (on sale for $32!)
I can't thank the Draper James Lexington team enough for hosting us! They were so gracious and friendly, and were so kind to provide the donation opportunity! Don't forget that they have a great selection of Draper James products in-store, so if any of these pieces are sold-out online, give them a shout at 859-618-6785.
Shop the post!
Pomegranate Sale
Lexington, Kentucky dry goods company Pomegranate, Inc hosts their spring warehouse sale.p
Lexington Print pillow c/o Pomegranate, Inc.
My very favorite shopping event in Lexington is happening this week, y'all. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, and running through Saturday the 19th, the Pomegranate, Inc. Spring Warehouse Sale returns! Visit the Pomegranate Warehouse at 527 Lagonda Ave in Lexington from 9-6 Wednesday-Friday and 10-4 on Saturday for fantastic deals on Pomeganate's unique linens, bags, and resort wear! The Warehouse sale always has amazing deals on gorgeous items, and you can use HerKentucky's exclusive sale code, 1792, for an additional 10% off your purchase!
Raffia Indigo Napkin Rings, Provence Blue Tea Towel, Indigo Napkins, and Blue Raffia Hemstitch Placemats c/o Pomegranate Inc
I love the unique elegance that Pomegranate linens bring to my table, and I love shopping with a local Lexington company!
Tulip Trot napkins and placemats and Baldwin Gold Napkin Rings c/o Pomegranate Inc.
My very favorite Pomegranate pieces are their aprons. How perfect are these as hostess gifts?
UK Collage, Pineapple Citrus, Pick Six, and Hunt aprons c/o Pomegranate.
If you can't attend the sale in person, don't worry. A coupon code just for HerKentucky readers will be available next week.
Keeneland Fun with Scout and Molly's and CRU
The Summit at Fritz Farm is your perfect pre- and post-Keeneland destination!
French Connection wrap dress c/o Scout & Molly's. Photos by Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.
{This post is sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm. All opinions are my own. As always, thanks to The Summit at Fritz Farm and all the sponsors who keep HerKentucky running. This post may also contain affiliate links; HerKentucky may receive a small per-click commission on product links, at no cost to the reader.}
I try to spend as much of April in Lexington as possible. Lexington is absolutely beautiful in the spring, and Keeneland's Spring Meet is my absolute favorite event of the year! I also find myself finding any excuse I can think of to visit The Summit at Fritz Farm. It just provides such a wonderful shopping experience. The vibe is so much more fun than most shopping centers! A visit to the Summit just always feels so relaxed and friendly!
I recently visited Scout & Molly's at the Summit to pick out a dress for the upcoming Keeneland Spring Meet. The owner, Terri, helped me find this gorgeous French Connection wrap dress. It was just the right combination of comfort and sophistication for a day at the track. I love the little peach druzy necklace and ivory faux-leather earrings (both available at Scout & Molly's) that we chose to complete the look. I seldom opt for statement jewelry, so I felt extra-fancy and dressed-up with these pieces! This would be such a fun look for the Keeneland Clubhouse or one of the dining rooms!
Once I'd picked out my dress, I stopped by CRU Food & Wine Bar for some small plates and a glass of wine. Y'all, this place was so lovely! It would be such a fun spot for dinner and drinks after the races! The vibe was casual chic, the wine selection was great, and the food was perfect for sharing!
I especially loved this leather envelope clutch by local designer Raya Stern of Grey Designs, also available at Scout & Molly's!
These lobster and shrimp pot stickers were so zesty and delicious!
And you know what they say: you had me at Bordeaux. (Well, at least I say that...)
Thanks so much to the Summit, Scout & Molly's, and CRU for inviting me out to get race day-ready, and thanks to Sarah Caton for the amazing photos!! I hope to see y'all at The Summit at Fritz Farm -- and at Keeneland -- soon!
A Taste of the Races at Keeneland
Shop Keeneland for your Spring Meet needs!
{Some links in this post are affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC may receive a small profit when you click product links, at no cost to the reader.)
Keeneland's Spring Meet is only a few days away, y'all! There's something so special about Keeneland -- the beautiful track, the opportunity to run into so many friends, and the excitement of the races! Absolutely nothing compares to a spring day at Keeneland!
To get you ready for the race season, the Keeneland Shop has an amazing shopping event coming up this week! This Wednesday and Thursday, you'll get 20% off your on-site purchase at the Keeneland Shop. They have so much good stuff, y'all -- favorites like Barbour and Draper James, as well as Keeneland-branded originals. m. The premiere evening, Wednesday April 4, offers hors d'oeuvres prepared by Keeneland Executive Chef Marc Therrien, as well as Maker's Mark and Gents Original Ginger Ale craft cocktails.
I was so excited that Keeneland Shop sent me this stunning platter and plates set by Dishique along with an invitation to the event! What a perfect way to serve up spring appetizers for race season!
As for shopping, I have my eye on some CatStudio Keeneland merchandise. I seriously LOVE this pillow!
There's even a little CatStudio gift for attendees of Wednesday's event. The first 250 attendees will receive their complimentary cocktail in a Keeneland catstudio glass! How cute is this?
Louisville Stoneware mugs are my all-time favorites! This Keeneland logo design is amazing.
Shop the Draper James Keeneland Capsule Collection!
If I haven't already sold you on this event, there's also a Draper James Capsule Collection of Limited Edition Keeneland merchandise! That Key Fob is a must-have!!
I hope to see y'all at the Keeneland Shop's Taste of the Races. Happy Racing Season, y'all!!