We made it to the finish line of another Kentucky Derby season. I am definitely not one to wish Derby away but putting it in the rear view means I’m one day closer to not being pregnant anymore (May 17 can’t come soon enough). Derby + Mother’s Day were the last milestones on the calendar before this due date so now I’m officially in waiting mode.

It wasn’t quite the same as last year’s Derby madness – both here on the blog (sorry for not getting a style series together, promise to get it together next year) and at work (ducked out of party/gala duties) so I’m already looking forward to Kentucky Derby 143. But enough of all that nonsense, let’s talk Derby one more time before next spring.

Want to know what locals and real girls and guys ACTUALLY wear to Derby, this post is for you. I get a little annoyed when the national media think throwing on a straw beach hat means you’re Derby-ready. It doesn’t. We all know that your hat has to be more than just something you can wear on a beach vacation. And I love that Churchill Downs and Derby sponsors bring in national bloggers and stars to shine a little light on Louisville and Derby but sometimes the looks don’t line-up with what Derby is really all about.

So here’s a look at what locals (including yours truly at 39 weeks) wore to Kentucky Derby 142 as well as some snaps from Kentucky Oaks 142. This is always one of my favorite posts of the year with a big thank you going out to all the gals that send in/tag me in pictures. I’ll update this a few times throughout the next couple days so if you want to get your picture added to the round-up, email it to me (danielle@louwhatwear.com) or tag me (@louwhatwear).