Hi Belle –

So I happen to buy this fabulous skirt from Zara in Fuchsia and realized that it would be great for Gold Cup.  However, I’m having trouble thinking of what I could wear with it.  As you may know, Gold Cup tends to get hot and sticky so I’m looking for ideas that would keep me cool and comfortable but still cute and stylish…  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! 

xoxo, Cate

Polyvore Set Here.

Yes, the lawn at Gold Cup is either very muggy or very rainy, no in between.  So I recommend something light like chiffon or breezy like voile cotton.  I also advise you to wear wedges.  After all, the Cup is held on grass, and heels will just aerate the turf and muddy your ankles.

Here we have a dotted, chiffon blouse from Agent Provacateur in chiffon.  (Yes, that Agent Provacateur.)  I like that the color of the dots coordinates with the skirt and that it has a short sleeve and fun neckline. If the $290 blouse is out of your price range (and really, whose price range is it in?), I would recommend a lace top or a cotton voile top over a nude tank. 

Also, to keep your clothes, and you, from smelling like you’ve been standing in the sun sweating Mint Juleps and Champagne for hours, use vodka.  That’s right, we fight alcohol with alcohol.

Mix one part vodka (swill will do), and three parts water in a spray bottle.  Spray clothes the night before and let air dry. 

Then before you get dressed, apply a really good quality, unscented deodorant and anti-perspirant to your underarms.  Then, spray your chest, inner thighs, behind your knees, and back with unscented aerosol deodorant. I choose unscented because after several hours of sweatingm scented deoderants develop a cloying, musty smell that just screams, “I’m sweating like a CEO in an oversight hearing!”

Vodka is an old theatre trick that should keep you, and your clothes, from smelling like yesterday’s liquor cabinet.  Always, a good thing.

For Gold Cup, I always recommend a hat.  If you don’t want to invest in a true derby hat, a straw, wide-brimmed hat works well.  Just make sure it has a strong brim and not a floppy one.  Floppy=Beach Hat.  Then you can add ribbon, sequins, brooches, whatever you want to gussy it up.

Lastly, bring a clutch purse with a shoulder strap.  You don’t want to play balance the cocktail all day long, and a simple chain clutch will keep your valuables protected and drink in equilibrium.