GirlsGuideTo | One Dress, Two Dates: Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo

Saturday is the combination of two of my favorite days of the year: The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. It’s pretty much going to be a party all day long! If you’re like me, and going to be running between events all day (and enjoying both “themes”), you’re going to need a versatile look so you’re not feeling out of place in any situation.

Which is why I love the day dress. A simple, neutral dress can be the manipulated in anyway to fit any event you have. See how I’ve styled one dress for two dates: A Derby Day Cocktail Party and a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

Derby Day Cocktail Party

Start with this adorable and on-trend cream lace dress with a peplum (Nasty Gal, $58). Add in a little classic Southern prep with espadrilles. I love these navy and green wedges (Target, $30) because the colors are just so perfect! Belt the dress with a casual braided leather belt (J.Crew, $30) and then load up on the jewelry. I love this gold and pearl necklace (Forever 21, $8) and tons of bangles!

And of course, finish the look with a giant hat (Forever 21, $13) and giant sunnies (J.Crew, $118) to watch the horses fly around the track in style. Bonus: After Derby Day, this is a great hat for lounging by the pool!

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Again, start with the cream lace peplum dress. Add in a pop of color with these leather wedges (Zappos, $40). The pattern is so much fun! Store your stuff in a fringed cross-body bag (Delia’s, $30) and belt the dress with a simple brown belt or add a pop of color with a red or orange option (Forever 21, $7) that coordinates with those fabulous shoes!

If your Derby hat gave you a little hat hair, no problem! Pull your hair back into a side braid and show off these neon earrings that look like little peppers (Zappos, $40). Still not under control? Use a patterned scarf to tie the look together!