What to Wear to Keeneland's 2018 Fall Meet

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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!

Target Denim Shirt Dress

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This dress, y’all. THIS DRESS. It’s my goal to completely sell Target out on this dress simply from my referrals alone. It’s under $30. It’s flattering with sneakers, boots, or sandals. It’s just so easy to wear. It would be perfect for a weekday trip to Keeneland, especially if you’re going to stay in the grandstand or sports bar. And did I mention that it’s under $30?

Bob and I had so much fun shooting these pics in Seneca Park. We found the cutest little stream. And we laughed so hard that I look like I’m going to a Chris Stapleton concert but, as Bob said, “A really fancy Chris Stapleton concert.” Whether you’re loving the “first country music album” vibes or not, you’ll love this dress. I’ve already paired it with boots, sneakers, and Jack Rogers sandals. I’ve worn it with statement necklaces, statement earrings, and scarves. It’s a perfect canvas for your fall style!

I hope y’all run out and get this one. It’s the best.

Shop more denim dresses here!

What to Wear to Keeneland When It's Cold

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Oh, Kentucky weather. You're so unpredictable. You're sooooo hard to dress for.

It's Opening Weekend at Keeneland. And it's snowing. What do you wear to Keeneland's Spring Meet when it snows? I mean, today is the Blue Grass Stakes. It's a big-deal race -- a Grade 2 that very well could impact the Derby field. You'll see so many people you know... and the track is running on a snow delay! (The doors open to the public at noon rather than 11, and the first race is on time at 1::05 pm)

Of course, the answer is layers. Lots of layers. Start with a basic dress. I love this Talbots Ponte dress, and it's on sale right now! I have the navy, but the green is so pretty, too!

Add a chic jacket. My Barbour Polarquilt Beadnell is probably my all-time favorite jacket. It's so warm, and so pretty. 

The final touch to a cold-weather racetrack ensemble is boots. Boots keep you warm and allow you to wear socks. They're always equestrian chic and appropriate for the track!

Are y'all heading out to the track today? What are you wearing?

Shop Draper James Lexington for Easter Dresses!

Draper James has the absolute spring dress collection, y'all. I'm in love with all the navy and fun floral patterns, and have found so many cute pieces for date nights and spring horse races and the holidays! 

Speaking of holidays, if you haven't been able to find the Draper James dress you want online, or if you're still looking for an Easter dress for this weekend, you should stop by the Draper James store in Lexington at The Summit at Fritz Farm. They always have a great variety of dresses, and the sales staff is so wonderful and hospitable and sweet! A trip to the Lexington Draper James store is always so much more than just a shopping trip!

Here are some of my favorite spring dresses from Draper James! The Love Circle Dress is an adorable fit and flare dress that is so adorable for any of your spring events. I especially love the Seersucker! These will be so perfect for every spring event, from Easter services to races at Keeneland or Churchill Downs to date nights! (Fun Fact: The Love Circle Dress is named for the road that runs around Love Park near Vanderbilt's campus, near Draper James Founder Reese Witherspoon's hometown, Nashville!)

Click to shop Draper James Love Circle Dresses: 1. Seersucker | 2. Hyacinth Floral | 3. Magnolia 4. Solid Navy 5. Elliston Floral 6. Dot

I love that this year's Draper James spring line includes some inclusive sizing -- running from XS to XXL to flatter as many ladies as possible. I also love that the price point has been lowered to make the dresses more accessible to more women. All of the dresses in the picture below are under $150, and a few are under $90!

Shop my favorite Draper James Spring Dresses: 1. Magnolia Persley Pointe Dress | 2. Hyacinth Floral Ruffle Sleeve Knit Dress | 3. Belted Daisy Vine Shirtdress | 4. Daisy Vine Roslyn Dress | 5. Belted Magnolia Shirtdress | 6. Ottoman Stripe Knit Dress

If you're still looking for that perfect spring dress, stop by Draper James in Lexington, enjoy a sweet tea, and try on one of these gorgeous pieces. I bet you'll find something you love!

Ariat International Brand Shop at The Summit at Fritz Farm

Photo courtesy Ariat.

I am so excited that Ariat is opening a brand shop at The Summit at Fritz Farm! 

I recently had the opportunity to preview some pieces from Ariat's Two24 footwear line, and y'all are just going to love them! Two24 pays homage to Ariat's equestrian heritage - both English and Western riding wear -- in a fashion-forward line for everyday use. Y'all, the craftsmanship on these products is amazing. The leather feels amazing, and you can see the difference that handcrafted design makes!  

I recently got a peek at these Ariat Two24 men's boots at a Keeneland event.

In keeping with Ariat's equestrian heritage, the Two24 line's name is a nod to Secretariat's world record 2:24 running time at the Belmont Stakes. In fact, Ariat's brand name is derived from the legendary "Big Red" horse. Now, any horse lover can tell you that Secretariat's success was due to a visionary woman, his breeder and owner Penny Chenery. The Ariat brand was founded in the early 1990s by resourceful women who wanted to revolutionize riding boots for comfort and performance. Now, with the Two24 line, Ariat brings their designs to everyday footwear.

“Ariat is named after one of the greatest thoroughbred racehorses of all time, Secretariat. His heart was outsized, and he was a fierce competitor who loved to run – everything we aspire to be as a company and brand,” said Beth Cross, President and CEO Ariat International, Inc. “To be able to open a brand shop in historic Lexington, the horse racing capital of the world, is special. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the greater Lexington community.”

It really is a perfect fit! 

Ariat Two24 ladies' footwear.

The Ariat Brand Shop opens this Thursday, April 27th, at The Summit at Fritz Farm on Nicholasville Road in Lexington. I hope to see y'all there!

(This post was sponsored by Ariat International; all opinions are my own!)

Draper James Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection

Y'all! Draper James dropped their 2017 Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection today and it is soooo good!

This envelope clutch is so cute for a day at the track.

And this tee is perfect for low-key Derby week festivities.

This hat would be so fun for Thurby.

I love the colors on this dress. It'll be so great for summer soirees.

And I may even love the skirt more!

Even better? Click this link for $20 off your next Draper James order.  And look for Draper James opening soon at the Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington!!

(This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky receives a nominal commission on every product link you click in this post. All opinions are my own!)

Easy Derby Time Style with Off Broadway Shoes!

It's Derby Season, y'all! The Kentucky Derby is only three weeks away and it seems like a new party or event pops up on the calendar every day! When last-minute Derby time events arise, I find that the right accessories can elevate a basic dress in a hurry. Of course, a great fascinator is in order, as are some comfortable, stylish pumps. Fortunately, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse has me covered for great accessories at a great price.

Last weekend, I attended Off Broadway's Kentucky Derby Hat Trunk Show, and I was able to pick up some great accessories for my own Derby needs. I found an absolutely perfect pair of Cole Haan pumps and a fun pink fascinator, all for around $100. I was so excited to play around with some dresses I already had; I feel like I'm ahead of the last-minute-invite curve!!

I love this combo paired with a bell-sleeved black and white striped dress. It's also a great pairing with solid navy!

It's also a great pairing with solid navy!

This time of year, you never know when a white party will pop up on your radar! And the shoes are the perfect pairing with a bright coral dress! Lace dresses are always great for Derby time events.

Thanks so much to Off Broadway Shoes for helping me find the perfect solution for Derby time parties! 

{This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes; all opinions are my own.}