Dressed to Kill at the Kentucky Derby

The month of May brings one of the celebrated rites of spring - the Kentucky Derby.  This celebration combines style, money and good times!  This is one of the few times where men can wear bright colored clothing and no one will raise an eyebrow.   Before we consider "derby gear" let's take a look at past derby dapper men as well as beautiful ladies.  

Unknown spectator dons White Hat and Pink Striped Suit

 

Star Jones Usher Smooth Dr. J and wife Dorys at 2006 Derby

Muhammad Ali Sports a nice Windowpane Sportcoat at the 2006 Kentucky Derby

Tyrese and Michael Jordan at the 2012 Derby

Tito Jackie and Marlon Jackson at the 2006 Derby

Star Jones and Chef Herb Wilson at the 2009 Derby

Gabrielle Union and Shaun Robinson at the 2007 Derby

D-Wade at the 2009 Derby

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy at the 2008 Derby

Smoky Robinson and wife Frances at 2010 Derby

In terms of what men should consider wearing to the derby it's been said that the derby is the unofficial kick-off of the Seersucker suit season.  This cotton  or cotton blend puckered striped suit comes in a variety of colors:

Red Seersucker Suit

Traditional Navy

EJ Samuel Lavender Vested Seersucker Suit

Double Breasted Seersucker Jacket

Another colorful option is the cotton Madras Suit:

Brooks Brother Madras Sportcoat

Brooks Brothers Madras Shorts

Brooks Brothers Madras Bowtie

Another smart option are cotton poplin suits:

The above suits, which come in a variety of colors, are practical in that they're cool, breathable and relatively inexpensive.  In regards to shoes the Buck shoe, which comes in a variety of colors, work very well with these suits.  

Buck Shoes by Assunta

  

San Antonio Shoes

  

Bass Buckingham Shoes

Of course you'll need a hat to complete your outfit.  There are many from which to choose from:

Derby Hats

Former Piston John Salley sports a Fedora Straw with MJ

  

Tom Brady Sports a Straw Fedora at the 2006 Derby

Unknown Spectator dons Flat Top Straw Hat with White Buck Shoes

As I alluded to earlier this is the one major event where one can just "let their hair down" and wear what they want to wear without feeling "out of place".  However:

 Hot Mess at the 2008 Kentucky Derby

So put on your zaniest outfit and party on!