What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. The Derby is on Saturday, and it’s as good a reason as any to throw a party. The guys get dressed up, the gals wear dresses and big hats, and it’s a fine time. Here’s how to look the part while still having a few bucks left over to go to the window with (even if the “window” is a hat placed on a chair in the living room of the host’s house).
The Blazer: Uniqlo Cord Lane slim fit jacket – $49.90 ($69.90). The traditional seersucker look without going whole hog on a suit. Made from cotton, half lined, and cheap. Derby day, in part, is a glorified costume party, so don’t break the bank on something that might not see a huge amount of use.
The Shirt: B.R. Slim Fit Stretch Shirt – $29.75 w/ BRTHINKBIG ($59.50) Lightweight fabric but far from flimsy. Moves really well. Nice for going tieless too, if you chose to do so here. Always on sale.
The Belt: Bonobos Wool Triple Stripe Belt – $38.40 w/ SALEAWAY. Some saturated color to break up the rest of the outfit. SALEAWAY is good for an extra 20% off Bonobos sale items.
The Pants: B.R. Kentfield Pant in Linen/Cotton – $34.75 w/ BRTHINKBIG ($69.50) Featured yesterday over here, but these are the option in warm graphite. Should pull lots of duty this summer. Perfect weight linen/cotton blend. (Code is good for 50% off select styles. Many thanks to Thomas D. in the comments for pointing out these get the 50% cut)
The Non alcoholic beverage: Q-Tonic
The Watch: Seiko Beige Dial Chronograph – $115.00
The Bow Tie: TheTieBar Diamond Tip Warm Grey Chambray – $15.00. A diamond tipped bow tie is sleeker than the standard squared off end bow ties out there, and the grey chambray helps keep you out of Easter Bunny Coloring Book territory.
The Shoes: Aston Grey Blue Suede Lace-ups – $64.95 w/ HEATUP Dead ringers for Banana Republic’s blue suede derby, only much less expensive. Blue is a bit muted, so your feet, while clad in blue suede, aren’t screaming at everyone when you walk in a room. Code is good for $5 off one pair of shoes as long as you’re a member of their email club. Don’t forget to use SHIPR for free shipping too.
The Sunglasses: Original Penguin “The Fryer” 50mm – $78.00. Far from oversized, key-hole bridge, and a lighter than average tortoise shell pattern.
The Reminder: Bring cash! Singles preferably. See #5 over here for how to setup an unmanned betting window at your party. And to avoid fisticuffs, keep it to a buck a name (not $5 or $10… degenerates will ruin the fun).
The 2014 Kentucky Derby airs from 4 – 7 ET this Saturday on NBC. Top Photo: J. Poe
Right on. I’m throwing a birthday shindig at Emerald Downs for the Derby; hopefully my guests can draw some inspiration from this.
just got 50% off the linen pants w/ code BRTHINKBIG, took em down to $48 and change w/ shipping, had I had the patience to find something that cost four bucks to bump that over $50, they would have given free shipping as well.
Awesome. Updated above!
I’ve been invited to a Tequila cocktail party stating “Southern dress” on the invitation — I’m thinking something along these lines may very well work. That belt is probably a bit too wild for me, but the jacket, pants, and bow tie look good for a themed afternoon of dress.
Only gave me 40% off. Must be another one of those luck of the draw codes.
This one is just a bit too monotone for me. It gets somewhere in between a proper suit and a jacket-with-odd-trousers combo. But maybe the jacket is a bit bolder in person?
I do need a pair of blue suede bucks, though. Anyone able to suggest a pair that come in widths? Technically I wear a 10.5 3E/4E, but I can squeeze into an upsized 2E (a pair of Bass Brocktons in 11 2E fit pretty well, but last I looked, are not available in blue in anything but a medium width).
Picked up the pants in store just last week. Love them
I had about a month to prepare for a big horse race that took place a couple weeks ago. I picked out a full-on Suitsupply outfit, but because I had to fly and pack it or wear it, last minute I changed to something very similar to what you show here and am so glad I went with comfort…plus I could ease my mind about ruining a good suit during travel.
I chose some red/rust colored pants, canvas belt, white dress shirt, appropriate Cole Haan Nike Air dress shoes, striped Navy & Sky Blue socks, and that Blue Chambray Jacket from BR you pointed out a few weeks ago. I made it really pop with a Tie Bar pink/blue/apple green bowtie, and a Tie Bar pink pocket square with Blue Dots. Topped it all off with Aviator sunglasses. I’m telling you, it was straight up P.I.M.P….and besides having a good time, I got the best picture of my life out of it.
Love the Derby! Mint Julips, sunshine, and fun. Great looking outfit above. Perfect for a day at Churchill.
Wondering if those BR pants are available in waist sizes under 30? The way it comes up on the site has me thinking they’re not made any slimmer as opposed to simply being out of stock.
I believe there is a certain hat missing from this outfit.
Not for Derby parties in Montana. I am hoping it doesn’t snow on Saturday morning.
Eh, pass on the watch. Too sterile to be fashionable.