Today’s Derby Dress of the Day is one of the first ones I spotted when I started hunting down looks for the races. The color palette is perfectly Southern but I love how the print is a little less traditional. This look would work well for a lot of different areas of the track but I picked (and paired it with options) for the Paddock because of two things: it’s got pockets and wide straps.

Pockets are clutch in the Paddock because you don’t have a seat or a table (unless you get there at the crack of dawn and scoop one of the benches), so you’ll need any extra space to keep track of your stuff. One of your hands is definitely going to be dedicated to holding your drink so those pockets are clutch for your bet tickets, lipstick or some cash. And since your hands will be full, you’re not going to want to be adjusting dress straps (or a strapless dress) so picking a dress with wide straps that you won’t have to mess with is key.

If you wear this dress to a wedding and want to pair it with some sky-high heels, I’m all for it. But for the Paddock, you’re going to want to keep it a little closer to the ground. My tip is to stick with neutral wedges. That way you’ll stay comfortable being on your feet all day and if someone spills something on you (inevitably they will) or you step in something (a serious risk), they won’t be ruined like a bright color pair might be.

Last but not least, your bag needs to have a shoulder strap. A clutch will kill you in the Paddock (see above and the no place to sit your stuff part). You’re going to want something that can hold all your essentials to sling over your shoulder. You’ll have easy access to your stuff but not have to worry about asking everyone around you to hold your drink while you look for a couple bucks.

Laced Verbena Dress: Anthropologie
Wedges: Dolce Vita | Steve Madden | Kenneth Cole

Cross-Body Bags: Kate Spade | Forever 21 | Vince Camuto