It’s Derby season in the Bluegrass and we know what that means – lots of hats, bright colors, spring dresses, bow ties and seersucker galore. When it comes to shopping for Derby, though, you don’t want to splurge on items that will get only one weekend, or a day’s worth, of wear. At The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, you can make a quick trip to find the essentials that will have you looking like a million bucks on Derby day and all summer long.

For the Ladies 

The Dress: For many ladies, this is the starting point for their entire race-day look. It’s key to find one that will pair perfectly with a hat or fascinator. Stop into Tory Burch for a chic, preppy dress that you can then wear for Mother’s Day brunch or that summer wedding you just received an invite to.

Looking for something a little more laid back? Stop into H&M for a breezy summer dress that will keep you looking and feeling fresh in the paddock. Then break it out for backyard barbecues or dinner al fresco with friends.

The Bag: You want to make sure your bag fits the track’s size regulations, so stop into Kate Spade for a whimsical clutch or Coach for a classic crossbody bag that will fit your necessities (don’t forget the Band-Aids, bobby pins and a pen for your program). Pick something timeless and you’ll end up reaching for it for years to come. A crossbody is a summer essential, great for shopping farmers’ markets or for making it easy to sneak through crowds at summer music festivals.

Shoes and a Hat: The finishing touches to your look are key. Stop into the newest addition to The Outlet Shoppes, 50 East Shoes, for a pair to match whatever dress you choose. Rack Room Shoes or Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH are also great options to find a shoe that both complements your look and is comfortable enough to wear all day. You may even want to throw a pair of flip-flops in your bag – we love the options at J.Crew Factory – to put on for the long walk in and out of the track.

For the Guys: We don’t want to forget about the guys, especially since many of them go all out for the first Saturday in May. A crisp, new button-down in spring plaids from Brooks Brothers will turn heads at the races and become a closet staple after the last mint julep.

Or pick up a new pair of dress shoes at Johnston & Murphy in a light shade of leather to match with spring’s brighter color palette. The classic style loafer or oxford will become a closet workhorse – great for work, summer weddings or outdoor parties.

New Shades: Sunglasses are a signature piece that you can wear almost every day. Derby is the perfect excuse to splurge on a new pair at Sunglass Hut. With styles from name brands like Ray-Ban and Maui Jim for the guys, and Prada and Fendi for the gals, everyone can find their winning pair.

And since long summer days are right around the corner, you’ll be adding style to your daily routine.

Up Your Tech Game: If you’re sitting in an outdoor box, you might want to consider bringing along a Bose speaker to listen to music or the latest race updates. A smaller, compact speaker is allowed at the track and can add to the fun throughout the day. Snag a new one and then throw it in your pool bag to break out every weekend. It’s also a nice addition to any backyard get-together.

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is the simplest stop for knocking out all your Derby shopping in one stop. With ample parking and a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Louisville, you’ll be in and out in a flash with all your shopping taken care of – stress-free. It’s almost as fast, and definitely as fun, as the Derby’s signature event.