Dress for Kentucky Derby for $100 (or close)
While much fuss is made of the effort and money those of us who are Churchill Downs bound put into our ensembles, the truth is, that many Louisvillians manage to do it on the cheap ... without looking like they skimped.
After all, some people land tickets at the last minute and suddenly have to produce a hat-to-heels look in 24 hours. Others may be going to Oaks, Derby and a black-tie gala and want to save some money for the betting window and bourbon.
This is why some of the best-dressed veterans have creative ways to cut costs. Many locals downgrade last year's Derby hat to this year's Oaks. Or they hat swap year after year with friends.
And plenty of women splurge on the hat and stick with a dress that's hanging in their closet or do the opposite: spend money on a designer dress and embellish the hat themselves at Dee's Crafts or even over a glass of wine at a friend's house.
The bottom line: How much you spend just doesn't matter. As long as you manage to look festive and feel that way, too. Here's how some seasoned and not-so-seasoned locals, including a few CJ staffers, pulled Derby-perfect looks together for less.
Ashley McCullough, sales associate
Derby plans: "This year, I'm going to Oaks. I'm sitting in the grandstands."
Style strategy: "I'm always on the hunt for bargains. I like brand names, but I buy them on sale."
What she spent: About $120. "I got this Calvin Klein dress on sale at Macy's for $80. It was originally $160. I bought the hat at Burlington Coat Factory for $20."
Buy PhotoCasey Phillips (Photo: C-J photo)
Casey Phillips, visual technician for Victoria's Secret, Cosmo model
Derby plans: "I'm probably going to the infield."
Style strategy: "I'm not a dress person and I'll be sitting on a blanket ... so I usually wind up in shorts and a cute top. I wear wedges because I can walk in them."
What she spent: About $38. "I bought the shirt on sale at TJ Maxx for $20 and I bought the hat on sale at Von Maur for $18. I added some flowers I had at home that I hot glue gunned to a hair clip.."
Buy PhotoErin Frank (Photo: C-J photo)
Erin Frank, University of Louisville student and Heyman model
Derby plans: "I have clubhouse seats for Derby this year."
Style strategy: "I'm a bargain shopper, but I find a way to get the whole look together."
What she spent: Around $95. "I found this Emma B. fascinator at Steinmart for $50 and the dress on sale at Urban Outfitters for $35."
Buy PhotoCrissa Candler (Photo: C-J photo)
Crissa Candler, Dillard's cosmetics manager, Indiana University Southeast student and Heyman model
Derby plans: "I'm going to Oaks and Derby this year."
Style strategy: "I shop sales all year and start looking early. My advice is not to wait to the last minute."
What she spent: About $85. "I got this $200 BCBG dress on clearance at the Dillard's for $30 — and I also got these Gianni Bini shoes for $20. Then I found this fascinator at Pitaya for $15. I bought the necklace there too for around $20 because it ties it all together."
Buy PhotoMarissa Watson, salesperson at Blush boutique
Derby plans: "Last year was my first time and I was in the infield. It was crazy. I hope I can go this year."
Style strategy: I wanted to go comfortable, but one of my regrets was that my hat was too casual. I felt out of place. I also had really high wedges, and I was there for about 10 hours and didn't bring a chair! If I go this year, I want to do a retro 1950 Southern belle look."
What she spent: Around $130. "I found everything at Blush. The hat is $79.99 and the dress was $51.99, but I had a 20 percent off coupon. The shoes are on sale for $34, but I already own them."
Buy PhotoTJ White, digital strategist for Courier-Journal Media
Derby plans: "I'm not sure if I'm going to Derby, but I'm going to have a box for Oaks and I'm usually there for work sometime the week before."
Style strategy: "I like to be stylish and wear something that stands out. It's not about budget or brands or even tradition; it's about making a statement. I don't wear a full suit anywhere in life so I don't wear one there either."
What he spent: "About $95. I bought this shirt and jeans at a huge clearance sale at Express. And, then, for me, it's about quality accessories. I'll wear nice shoes and my heirloom pieces — my Roberto Cavali watch, a diamond ring. I will buy a hat if I find one I like, but I'm still looking."
Buy PhotoDemetrius Booker, art director for Courier-Journal Media
Derby plans: "I've been to both Oaks and Ad Sales Day on Millionaires Row, but this is going to be my first Derby."
Style strategy: "Dress with some style and have fun with it."
What he spent: About $38. "I want to dress for the occasion and wear a little color, but I try to keep spending to a minimum. I already had the vest and pants and recently bought the shirt. So I bought a new bow tie for $20 and a pocket square in a box collection for around $18 on sale at Macy's."
Buy PhotoLauren Smith, manager at Ladybug Gifts in Prospect
Derby plans: "I'm not sure if I'm going yet. I've been to Oaks in the clubhouse the past few years."
Style strategy: "I start out with comfortable shoes. I made the mistake of wearing the wrong shoes once, and I won't do it again. Then, I like wearing fun colors and patterns. This year, I'm looking at geometrics and florals."
What she spent: About $100 (with her employee discount). "The dress is $56; the fascinator is $69 — but I get a discount, so they're a little less. I love fascinators because I'm short and I feel like I get lost in a hat. And you don't have to worry about hat hair or bumping into people."
