Women's hat wearing is not as fashionable as it once was.*
But! You would never know
that walking
through the Grandstand
and Clubhouse of Churchill Downs
on Kentucky Derby Day.
There is a "riot" of women's hat fashions from big-ticket couture down to the tiny-ticket
cocked-to-the-side mini hats. Regardless of price and style, Derby Day is the day to "put on your Ritz"...
"do your thing"... and celebrate your own style.
There are as many fashions as there are young ladies and women expressing them:
- Want attention? A 12 inch brimmed straw with a flock of feathers will grab
it and media photographers, too.
- Want a tailored look? Coordinate the hat by style and color to the outfit
and accessories.
- Want casual cool? Select a casual sun straw or cowgirl hat.
- Want compact fun? Select a fascinator or mini hat to top off your attire.
On Derby Day, there are no fashionistas, though there are an amazing number of contests, formally
organized or not:
Widest Brim. Most Flowers. Best Looking. Worst Looking. Whackiest.
And so on.
Derby Day is also a day to make your own bonnet. Start with a plain straw that
you like and then let your creativity begin. Perhaps the only needed tools are a glue gun and a
hair drier and/or steam iron. Decorations: Ribbons. Flowers. Feathers. Bling. Pins. Then,
you're off to the Derby with your own entry.
"Whatever the way...
The Kentucky Derby is a very special
day
for women and hats."
