This weekend kicks off some of the hottest calendar events of the season, from the Kentucky Derby and White House Correspondents’ Dinner this Saturday, to the Costume Institute’s annual Met Gala on Monday evening.
And for the fashion-obsessed, these occasions bring out the “best dressed” from all trend-setting circles: stylish southern belles, capitol celebrities and the who’s-who of couture and culture connoisseurs. No matter the genre, sports, politics or art, one thing is for sure – planning the perfect ensemble is everything!
Not all women are fortunate enough to attend any one of these high-profile events, but lucky for them, it’s easy to take fashion cues from these VIPs to curate their own expert ensembles for spring/summer soirees.
From Derby dress like pastel hues, floral prints and chic cocktail styles, to sophisticated black-tie attire worthy of the White House, to gorgeous red-carpet gowns that would make even the night’s tribute designer, Charles James, blush.
Race to Winning Fashion: Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 3rd)
Southern charm is the style sensibility of racing’s biggest day with shades of neutral and pastel hues, lace details and delicate floral prints.
From left to right: All dresses by David’s Bridal. Style 3524FE5C, Short lace cap sleeve dress with beaded waist in Ivory; $99, F15623, Short halter lace dress in Mint; $149, Style 23DB48540, Cap sleeve high low dress with soutache in Ivory; $199, Style T0413MDB, Short mesh print sheath dress in Fuchsia/Multi; $79, Style 119362DB, Cap sleeve short print dress in Turquoise/Multi; $99 (ON SALE FOR $59.99)
Secretary of Style: White House Correspondents’ Dinner (Saturday, May 3rd)
Sleek and understated frocks are the perfect fit for a black tie affair – these styles are capped off with detailed embellishments like peplums and jeweled waists.
From left to right: Style 15652, Long sleeveless stretch satin dress in Wisteria; $169, Style 642869, Long sleeve short lace dress with sequins in Taupe; $99, Style 091880660, Cap sleeve beaded gown with scoop back in Charcoal; $329, Style 21256, Glitter lace long cowl neck dress in Taupe; $159, Style 2742DB, Sleeveless scroll lace peplum dress in Black/Nude; $169
Art of Couture: Met Gala (Monday, May 5th)
One of a kind sartorial show stoppers will rule the day to celebrate this year’s Gala theme – “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” – honoring the great American couturier and his work from the early ’20s to the late ’70s.
From left to right: Style F14196, Tiered organza ball gown in Coral Reef; $189, Style F15586, Long Strapless Stretch Satin Dress in Plum; $169, Style 20742, One Shoulder Stretch Taffeta Long Dress in Red; $149, Style 5478, Cap sleeve slit bodice long dress in Royal; $119, Style CWG617, Oleg Cassini strapless high low ball gown with colored lace in Whisper Pink; $1650
