Giddy up, pony watchers. Get ready for some Fabergé egg fabulousness at Churchill Downs, because Johnny Weir and his style sidekick, Tara Lipinski, are teaming up to be the first Kentucky Derby fashion experts on today’s NBC broadcast.
“There are so few sporting events that also have this whole culture sideshow to the actual big race,” says Weir, who attended the first leg of the Triple Crown in 2010 in an “outrageous hat, of course.”
“That’s what’s so amazing about the Kentucky Derby,” he says. “There is drinking, partying, celebrity and fashion.”
Don’t expect their commentary to be catty. Rather, it’s an exploration of the culture and pageantry. And with Weir involved, you can bet the house it will be entertaining. “Clearly, I am not above critiquing somebody, saying what I think I’d like to see better. But I am totally aware that I look like a loon most of the time,” he adds.
We asked the cheeky skaters-turned-style experts how to wow on Derby day.
The Shoes
Johnny says to remember that if you’re going to the Derby, or any outdoor party, your heels could be a liability.
“I love watching the ladies who attend the event, who walk out to the winner’s circle, and they have to walk through all of this grass. They all have the crazy skinny high heels. You watch them sink into the ground and struggle,” he says, laughing. “I think a more reasonable shoe might be in order.”
Lipinski advises men to look for a nice wingtip or loafer and to leave their boring socks at home. “I don’t love a sock unless it has been well-thought-out and is exciting,” she says.
Dress Formal
Don’t be a party pooper. “I am not down with people showing up in jeans and cowboy boots,” says Weir. “This is a huge event. It’s an opportunity to bring culture and sports under one roof, where everyone is watching for both.”
Spring Fabrics
Wear natural air conditioning, says Weir.
“Something I wasn’t ready for in 2010 was that it was really hot and rained and was muggy and was hot again. I chose to wear Chanel tweed (above left) that day, and it doesn’t breathe, so you get shiny and sweaty and puffy from water retention and drinking too much. I think a fashion faux pas is wearing too many layers. I am going to go a bit breezy. Visible sweat lines are a major faux pas.”
The Dress
Johnny is all about spring hues and higher hemlines. “Celebrate the season in a fresh, vibrant ensemble in spring and summer. Don’t wear black. And avoid a ground-sweeping dress. This is the spring ‘coming out’ for your legs, which you should moisturize. Sheen and shading are everything.”
Lipinski says to keep it simple and let the hat shine. “This year, I’m a fan of the florals and pops of color, but I do love when the statement is so simple, when you have a one-color classic dress and the hat is what makes the outfit stand out.”