Tuesday, April 30, 2013

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!

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Douglas Prather