The Kentucky Derby is just days away! It is a well-known fact that the guests of the Kentucky Derby like to go for drama when choosing their attire for the event. It is one of its charms that although it is a sporting event, it is used as a display for spring fashion. If you get the chance to actually attend, you can bet you will find many people who are, to put it lightly, dressed to impress. If you are a big fan of the derby, throw a party and have your own fashion show with food and beverages true to the event.
The Hats
Possibly what sets The Kentucky Derby apart the most from other sporting events is the abundance of hats that are worn there. Ladies use this time to be a spectacle, designing or having designed hats of all shapes, colors, and sizes. There really are no limits. You can make them as individualized as you want. Those who are seated typically go with more elegant and traditional styles while women on the infield tend to get more eccentric. The hats are a southern tradition and give ladies the opportunity to utilize this very classic fashion accessory.
Come on, when else can you devote so much time to a hat?! Even men have recently gotten into this tradition. If you are having a Kentucky Derby party, make the hats a major focus! Make sure your friends get as obnoxious as they want with them so that it will be as fun as possible. They can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or whatever else you can think of! At the end of the night, trade hats with someone and bring it home as an impressive party favor.
The Southern Belle
Your party can be the time for all your girlfriends to express their inner southern belle. You can wear a dress, pantsuit, or even shorts, although a dress is more common. Women definitely coordinate their Derby outfits carefully, making sure that each accessory has its place. Pastels are a very southern option. Also reds and blues for a more bold approach. Take this opportunity to go through your mom or grandmother's closets and find some unique pieces!
The Men
Oddly enough, it's all about the pants. Men can get away with wearing pink, key lime, and even yellow on their lower half. The key is to be able to be seen from afar and with pants like that your man sure won't be missed. He may even stand out more than you, and at the Derby, that's perfectly acceptable! Let it be acceptable at your party too. The men (and women!) will love it. Men are also challenged to mix it up by choosing a dress shirt with stripes or another pattern, then finish it off with a blazer and a funky bow tie.
The Food
The menu at the Kentucky Derby is filled with southern flavor. Your party should be no different! For an easy interpretation, you can do a backyard barbecue with all your favorite southern comfort foods. You can do appetizers such as chicken wings, shrimp dips, and cheese platters. Beside your main dish you can have friends help you make grits, fruit salad, sweet potato hash, or other foods of the like. One really yummy, and pretty easy, main dish is Andouille Sausage and Black Eyed Peas. If you're grilling you can do steaks or fajita chicken. For dessert, get really southern with apple crepes, various puddings, or devils food cake.
Now that my mouth is watering, let's all go to the store and take full advantage of this excuse to indulge in not only fashion, but food, this weekend!
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