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Kentucky Derby Etiquette: Wear Your Hat In Style

30 Apr 2010 By: Diane Gottsman

Tasteful Ways to Wear Your Hat In Style

The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” is an exciting 1.25 horse race that is held the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky.  It is famous not only for the race itself, but for the many traditions associated with the event such as the famous Mint Julep, which is the official drink of the Derby, and Burgoo, which is a stew made with pork, beef, chicken and vegetables, considered to be the staple meal.  However, no tradition is more popular than beautiful woman arriving in fabulous dresses wearing elaborate hats.  What better time to splurge on a new chapeau or dust off your hatbox and don an old favorite.  Although you may not be planning to attend this famous horse race, you may want to brush up on your hat wearing skills and utilize them at your next social event. Consider these hat tips before making a major purchase.

  • Hat first, outfit next.  The focal point of your Kentucky Derby ensemble should be your hat, so spend extra time selecting the perfect hat before determining what semi-formal dress you will pair it with.  Most women select a wide brimmed hat to shield the sun from their eyes, as well as make a powerful fashion statement.
  • Take into consideration the shape of your face and your body type.  Your hat frames your face as a silver frame compliments your favorite photo, therefore, it would be a good idea to take a valued friend along to give you honest feedback before making a major purchase.  Remember that if you are a woman of larger proportion, you should avoid a small hat that will underwhelm the overall look you are trying to achieve.
  • Select a hat that doesn’t completely overshadow your face, especially your eyes and mouth.  The real beauty is still underneath the brim and you want others to see and enjoy your expression throughout the race.
  • When making your dress selection, a simple yet elegant dress in a solid color is always a safe choice. Avoid a floral dress if your hat is covered in flowers.  “Matchy-matchy” is not the look you are going for.
  • Scale back on busy jewelry.  Your hat is an integral part of your Kentucky Derby wardrobe and oversized jewelry will compete with your bold hat selection.
  • Finally, be aware of your surroundings.  While you may not be sitting in Millionaire’s Row, where the rich and famous enjoy the race, you may be seated at a social event such as a wedding or theatre performance where your oversized headwear is blocking the view of fellow guests.  The Kentucky Derby is a venue to create drama but your nephew’s baptism may call for a more subdued type of head covering.  Always use your best judgment and enjoy the event.  

For More Information on the Kentucky Derby Visit: http://louisville.about.com/od/attractionsevents/p/kentuckyderby.htm 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.