What to wear to the Kentucky derby, the Oaks,a reception etc

My husband and I are going to the Derby as guest of

Colonel in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. We have a reception billed as a ';get acquainted social hour(s)';. What to wear: Cocktail dress or more casual? What about men? At the Oaks and the Derby we will be sitting 1st floor Grandstand. For the Oaks I have a jacketed sundress and for the Derby, a sort of a Piccasso black and white jacket with lemon and peach accents which I can wear over a

black dress or with a black a-line skirt and yellow top or with black or white pants. My hat is black and has 17 inch diameter with black bow and curly ribbon ends. Should I have some flowers put onit to match my jacket? Advise. Then there is a BBQ on Sunday. Again what to wear? Oh, I%26#39;m 65 so it has to be age appropriate.

What to wear to the Kentucky derby, the Oaks,a reception etc

Sounds perfect. Do check weather.com before packing. The barbecue is very informal, and the get acquainted hour is informal as well.=,,,if that%26#39;s the same one that they hold at the Hyatt?

What to wear to the Kentucky derby, the Oaks,a reception etc

Grandma

Sounds like you%26#39;ll be right on the money.

As for the hat: in my opinion, simplicity is always more sophisticated. But, by all means, if you%26#39;re in the mood for a few extra flowers, then do it. You won%26#39;t have to worry about over-doing it. Ladies Derby hats are a show unto themselves that day. You%26#39;ll be surprised at what you see.

Have fun (and a mint julep)!

Check out these Derby hats.....

鈥logspot.com/2007/鈥entucky-derby-hats.html

That one guy should sell seats on top of his.

I think I%26#39;ve seen that guy before. If he%26#39;s the one I%26#39;m thinking of, the horses on his hat actually move around in a circle.