What to Wear to Keeneland's 2018 Fall Meet

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Keeneland’s Fall Meet lasts only 17 days, but there’s certainly a lot of racing fun to be had during those Wednesday-Sunday October stretches. Over the 7 year history of HerKentucky, I find that folks really, really want to know what to wear to the track. In fact, some variant of “What to Wear to Keeneland” is consistently the search that brings the most folks to this site.

When folks ask me in person what they should wear to the track, I tend to ask two questions in response: Where will you be sitting, and what day will you be attending?

At the racetrack, as with most things, location and timing are everything. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be a little more casual than weekend race days. The nearer the track you sit, the more casual you should dress.

If you're going to stay near the Paddock --General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room-- there's no need to dress up very much.  Guys often opt for khakis and polo shirts, and women can wear slacks. You're actually dressing for a horse race in these sections.  These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels. The second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar, for example, often resembles a campus bar or fraternity semi-formal.  While the dress code says "casual", there's plenty of Vineyard Vines ties and Lilly Pulitzer dresses to be seen.

If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event.  The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies.   The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies. 

If you find yourself invited to the members-only Clubhouse, you’ll soon find out that it requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies.  I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels.  In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're fine.

This fall, I have two navy dresses on repeat; both are cute Keeneland dresses, depending on your racetrack plans. This navy ponte Draper James dress could work for any section of the track — just dress it up or down with necklaces or scarves, boots or heels — while this Target denim dress is great for a low-key day in the lower levels. (Denim is a huge faux pas for the upper levels, and isn’t allowed in the Clubhouse!)

Of course, it goes without saying that dressing for the elements is just as important as dressing for your seats. Nothing looks more ridiculous than the poor girl who’s freezing in a sundress or melting in wool. You’ll be on the move a lot — sitting and standing, inside and out — so make sure your shoes fit well, your bag isn’t so large that it causes problems, and your outfit matches the temperature and conditions.

Most of all, look good and have fun!!

Shop these great Keeneland styles!

Draper James Poncho for Football Season

{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Obviously, I mean SEC football season, and especially those magical weekends where you can take in some races at Keeneland AND a UK football game. Bonus points if you need a sweater, wrap, or poncho, especially this Draper James poncho in Wildcat Blue.

Poncho: Draper James | Jeans: Lauren Ralph Lauren | Bangle: Bourbon & Boweties for Sweet Mash Goods

I had so much fun styling this outfit in anticipation of fall football games! I especially love the Kendra Scott earrings and necklace for fun touches of blue that I’ll wear for so many game days!

Earrings (c/o) and necklace: Kendra Scott

If you’ll be in the Lexington area for some Keeneland and football shopping, join me October 2nd at Draper James and October 10th at Kendra Scott for Shop & Sip events benefiting Dress for Success Lexington. Let me know in the comments below what colors you wear on game day!

Draper James Lucky You Sale Favorites

My dress is $40 (also available in navy!!)

(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a very small commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)

Y'all, the Draper James summer sale is the best LDW sale I've seen (and trust me, I've looked at them all!) There are so many pieces that I've worn time and again, and the prices are insane -- up to 75% off! This bell-sleeved dress has been my go-to all summer because it's just so flattering and easy to wear; it's cut to $40, and I'm thinking of snagging it in navy as well! Here are a few more favorites for you!

Tees

This is a great time to stock up on DJ tees and tops. The striped tops are great beyond Labor Day and the tees are $10! The bell sleeved stripe tee has been a staple in my wardrobe all summer -- it's perfect for easy elegance -- and the What Would Dolly Do tee has gotten more compliments than possibly any other article of clothing I own.

Shoes and Boots

I'm pretty certain that I would wear Jack Rogers sandals every day if I could. I love these logo Jacks -- the Howdy Y'all and the Southern Belle are both adorable! The Soludos espadrilles and Old Gringo boots are great deals, too!

Magnolia Dress

Magnolia dress $50; Elizabeth's dress is sold out. (this photo is an iPhone snap!)

This dress is perfection, y'all. I wore it to the track and to a garden party and I've never felt more Southern in my life. The Ponte fabric is ridiculously flattering, and the print is fabulous. It's down to $50. Trust me, you'll be glad it's in your closet next spring!

Let me know if you score anything good from the DJ Lucky You sale! It runs through tomorrow, September 4th.

What to Buy on the L.L. Bean Winter Sale!

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I love L.L. Bean, especially in the winter. Their footwear, flannel, and pajamas really are the best I've found.  And, through tomorrow (Thursday the 4th), L. L. Bean has an additional 25% off all sale prices! I love this sale because there are so many things that you can use right now! Here are my picks for stocking up!

Slippers and House Shoes

Bean's slippers are the absolute best. I got Bob a pair of the flannel-lined leather slippers for Christmas; they've been the perfect thing for this cold weather snap! I've had my Wicked Good Camp Moccasins for a couple of winters now -- it might be time to stock up on a new pair!

Tote Bags

I love the open-top Boat & Tote for carrying odd- or over-sized items, or for daily errands. Order one to keep in your car. Trust me, it will cut the time you spend toting groceries/ Target run purchases in half! The Large bag in Mulberry is under $30!

Tees and Tanks

I LOVE the Unshrinkable Layering Tank. I have this in white and grey, and I wear it under everything from sundresses to sweaters. You can always use a few more plain tees to wear under sweaters and sweatshirts!

This sale is great, and it's made even better by Bean's free shipping! Let me know if you find any good deals - but don't forget it ends soon!

Legally Blonde The Musical Event at Draper James Lexington!

Elle Woods is coming to Lexington, y'all. ELLE WOODS.

The LEXington Theatre Company is staging a production of Legally Blonde: The Musical on July 20-23 at the Lexington Opera House. Even better, the Lexington Draper James store is hosting a shopping event this Wednesday, July 12, from 7-9 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Legally Blonde the Musical. You can  shop, meet the cast of Legally Blonde, and enjoy champagne and sweet treats! To make it even better, 10% of the evening's proceeds will benefit The LEXington Theatre Company. The event is free, but Draper James does ask that you RSVP here! 
 
If you can't make the event, you can always dress in Elle Woods' signature shade of pink. Shop my  Elle Woods-approved Draper James favorites below, and click here for $20 off your order on Draper James' website! 

Alumni Hall is coming to The Summit at Fritz Farm!

Nike Twill Kentucky Hat | Kentucky Alex and Ani Charm Bracelet (c/o Alumni Hall)

I am so excited for the opening of The Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington, y'all. No matter how long it's been since I lived there, Lexington just always feels like home - I have so many family and friends there, Bob and I both went to undergrad and grad school there, and then there are our Wildcats. We aren't just "wear blue and white on game day" Wildcats fans. We're thinking about our 'Cats every day of the year. So, of course, we were so excited when Alumni Hall sent us some fun UK gear to celebrate the opening of their Summit at Fritz Farm store and to get us ready for the upcoming season -- as we all know, basketball season is always almost here in Kentucky! 

Alex and Ani Kentucky Charm Bracelet (c/o Alumni Hall)

Oh my goodness, y'all. Their selection is so awesome. I'm pretty sure I want one of everything on the Alumni Hall website. I love this Alex and Ani charm bracelet so much. And this scarf is such a lovely way to celebrate the Bluegrass State!

Bob loved this Cutter & Buck DryTec polo shirt, and I know I'll wear the Blue 84 Lucille Terry V-Neck Tee all summer long!

Cutter & Buck DryTec polo | Blue 84 Terry V-Neck Tee (c/o Alumni Hall)

When you're a fourth generation Kentucky fan, like we are at our house, you love Kentucky gear that reflects the Wildcats' heritage.  The vintage look of Bob's blue tee is so fun for casual weekends, and the details on my baseball tee are so adorable. Check out the Wildcats logo on the back!

Kentucky 47 Big Blue Nation Tee | Kentucky League Women's Camp V-Neck Baseball Tee (c/o Alumni Hall)

Alumni Hall's newest store opens at  the Summit at Fritz Farm in early May. I look forward to seeing y'all there! Go Big Blue!

Thanks so much to The Summit at Fritz Farm and Alumni Hall for sponsoring this post!

What to Wear to Keeneland's Spring Meet

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Image via Keeneland

The number one question that HerKentucky readers have for us is "What should I wear to Keeneland?"  Here in Kentucky, a trip to Lexington's storied Keeneland Race Course isn't just a trip to bet on the ponies. It's a full-scale experience of racing, food, fun, and, of course, fashion. Trust me when I say that 70% of all the people you've ever met in your life will be at the track any day you go.

Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but with weekend crowds reaching over 25,000 people, you sure will see a lot of Kentuckians at Keeneland. To help you look your best, we've put together a few dress code tips that will help you look great at the track!

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Image via keeneland

If you're going to stay near the Paddock --General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room-- there's no need to dress up very much.  Guys often opt for khakis and polo shirts, and women can wear slacks. You're actually dressing for a horse race in these sections.  These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels.  

If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event.  The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies.   The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies. 

The track's members-only turf club, the Keeneland Clubhouse, similarly requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies.  I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels.  In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're golden.  

Image via Keeneland

Of course, some days at the track are a little more dressy than others. Weekends are generally for more high profile races, and Opening Day tends to bring out dressier clothing. When in doubt, remember dress nicely, look good, and have a great day at the races!