As many of you may know, the 141st Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday. I feel like the Derby is the ultimate occasion for having an excuse to dress up and have a mint julep (or two) during the day. The buildup to the actual event always seems like the best part of the day. You kind of forget that the purpose is to see horses race in what is nicknamed “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Sure, that’s exciting. The most exciting part of this historic day for me? The fashion (obviously). Today I’m styling two different looks from Soho Boutique in Hyde Park to give you a dose of Derby inspiration.

The Kentucky Derby is a day for dressing to the nines, and topping it all off with a statement-making hat. Did you know that wearing a hat to the Derby is said to bring good luck? No matter what the legend says, we can all agree that hats are what everyone’s looking at the day of the Derby. Some women pick a hat first, then find a dress to complement it. For these two outfits that I styled, I picked the hat first for one and the dress first for the other. It came together perfectly!

This first outfit is the perfect balance of black and white. Whereas my second look is a clear daytime option, this is a great outfit to transition into night. This fitted Nicole Miller dress gives off a more formal vibe, and the lace cutouts add a nice element of surprise. Is there anything more sophisticated than a black and white combination? There’s something about the way they contrast that makes it so timeless and elegant. Speaking of elegant, this hat made me speechless when I saw it. It’s sophisticated and glamorous, and I knew it was the perfect pop against the white dress. As you can tell, the only jewelry I’m wearing is pearl earrings.

If you’re worried about over-accessorizing, ditch the excess. Since your hat and dress will be doing all the talking, stick with understated elegance and keep it simple when it comes to jewelry. That way, you won’t have multiple pieces competing with each other. After all, you want people to see that amazing hat you’re wearing ;)!

  Nicole Miller Dress via Soho Boutique | Christine A. Moore Millinery Hat via Soho Boutique

I wanted to go for a colorblocking look with one of my Derby outfits, because this is the perfect event to play with colors. Plus, it’s spring, so adding bright colors is always encouraged. This Shoshanna lace dress fit like a glove, and gives off feminine vibes with the scalloped hemline. I’m a big fan of green and pink together, so this Christine Moore hat was the obvious choice. I love that the flower is front and center. It makes a statement without being too much. If you’re wanting to go the girly and feminine route, lace and cheery colors are the way to go!

Shoshanna Green Lace Dress via Soho Boutique | Christine A. Moore Millinery Hat via Soho Boutique