Kentucky Derby 141 has come and gone. Now I am in that post-Derby fog that’s a mix of pure exhaustion and a little bit of sadness that it’s all over. This year was one of my most memorable Derby seasons for a lot of reasons. If you’d asked me a year ago (when I was a giant pregnant swamp monster) if I thought I’d be able to run 13.1 miles, I would have laughed and said it wasn’t even a possibility. Somehow, with the help of my always supportive pal Caitlin, I made it across the finish line. Not only that but we ran for almost the entire race (save bathroom break and a couple of stretch breaks). Who knows if I’ll ever be able to do it again but I can cross that one off my bucket list.

On the more fun side, working on a Derby kick-off party with Moet & Chandon was the perfect way to kick-off Derby week and being part of the team working on the Hermitage Grand Gala was an epic end. It was all capped off with a seriously fun day at the track surrounded by a bunch of my favorite people.

I feel like the BIGGEST dummy for not taking a picture of my outfit from head to toe but honestly there was just no time for that. There was time for lots of snapchatting, betting on all the horses, wandering around and of course, drinking lilies and my Derby drink of choice, Budweisers. It was a good day, so good that it might be hard to top next year but I’m sure I’ll give it my best effort.

A bunch of gals out there gave Derby their best efforts too and the pictures of outfits was enough to have any style savvy girl swooning. I’ve rounded up a bunch but would love to add more. Every year I see a bunch of people finding their way to the blog on the hunt for the answer to the question, “what to wear to the Kentucky Derby?” so the more options there are here to share, the better. Want to add your ‘fit? Send it to danielle@louwhatwear.com or just tag me on Instagram (@louwhatwear).

Thanks for sticking with me through all the Derby posts. It’s back to the regular routine starting tomorrow!

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Caitlin Brey, Hayley Grant and Me (Both Caitlin and I are wearing fascinators by Headcandi)

Ne-Yo and Joey Wagner 

Shelby Skaggs {Glitter & Gingham} and Tyler Back

Alex Davis and Mallory Trogdlen 

Molly Zurlage and Friends

Lindsey White (far left), Molly Zurlage (second from right) and friends

Melanie Abrams (far right) and friends

Dustin Amrine, Maria Gunnell and Joey Zembrodt

Lexy Sheen, Elizabeth Dowell, Leah Stark, Erin Burch, Caroline Klein and Katherine Peterson.

Mallory Trogdlen, Natalie Johnson and Hayley McCauley

Alex and Caitlin Brey with the Hat Girls 

How freaking cute is Elizabeth’s top and skirt set? 

Just me and Hayley hanging with Willie Cauley-Stein

Jaime Smialek – Our Ampersand Photo

Dan and Shannon Kessler with Lainey and Mark Jurich
Annie and Bill Dawson