There are only 13 days left until the 87th running of the world famous Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race in Middleburg, Virginia.  Half of Washington will be headed down for a day of sipping mint juleps, watching horses and hanging with friends.  Of course the best part about the day is donning some of spring’s best trends and an impressive hat for the occasion.  I, along with two other fashion insiders in Washington, DC will be judging the annual hat contest, which also means I need to be on the hunt for a big hat to compliment my dress.  So what will you be wearing?

If you are like me, a dress is on the menu, as well as comfortable shoes since most of the guests will be standing on grass.  I’ve put together a few outfits with punches of color, feminine and flattering for different shapes.  Remember to keep jewelry to a minimum if you will be wearing a statement hat.  Your hat should complement your dress, not detract from it. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope a bit by wearing a skirt and a top.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below.

Sandals
Totes

Topshop Premium Bonded Lace Dress

Longchamp Le Pliage Handbag

Jack Rogers Women’s Rio Navajo Thong Sandal

Carolee White Pearl Stud Earrings

J.Crew Lady four-strand pearl necklace

Reiss Kana EMBROIDERED TOP DRESS

Kaliko Cherry blossom loops fascinator

LK Bennett Natalie Clutch

L.K. Bennett Maddox Patent Court Shoes, Latte

Kiki McDonough 18ct gold, citrine & diamond earrings

Astley Clarke Shaun Leane Bracelet

Day Dresses
Sandals

Milly Sarah printed cotton-twill dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Round Sunglasses

Ebags Straw Studios Violet

Emily Elizabeth Bee Stud Earrings

Giuseppe Zanotti Women’s E20359 Thong Sandal

American Apparel Floppy Summer Hat

Gala Dark Green Chunky Curb Chain Necklace

Day Dresses
Sandals

Topshop Crochet Shirtdress

Forever 21 Flat Bow Floppy Hat

Kate Spade New York Sailors Knot Hinge Bangle Bracelet

Kate Spade New York Triple Threat Faceted Red Bangle Bracelet

Kate Spade New York Make a Splash Idiom Bangle

kate spade new york Off the Beaten Path Bangle

Eric Javits Squishee Flap-Top Clutch

Kate Spade Pavé chandelier earrings

Cocktail Dresses
Sandals

Alice + Olivia Cora plissé-georgette dress

Carolee 40th Anniversary Collection Pearl Strand Bracelet

Lauren Merkin Lucca Clutch

KORS Michael Kors Ruby Sandal Wedge

Forever 21 Striped Floppy Hat

CAROLEE Glass Pearl and Stone Cluster Clip-On Earrings

Carolee 40th Anniversary Legacy Collection Crystal & Faux Pearl Collar Necklace

Day Dresses
Wedges

Raoul Optic White Pleat Detailed Cotton Dress

Fred Flare Giant Floppy Saint Tropez Hat

Kate spade thin bow belt

Diane von Furstenberg Lytton python-effect leather box clutch

Ben-Amun Black Pearl Drop Earrings

Clara Kasavina “Gypsy” Filigree Cuff Bracelet

daniblack Women’s Alana Too Wedge Pump

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