Derby Day is and probably will always be my favorite southern holiday of the year. I’ve been enamored by the Kentucky Derby (particularly its fashion) since I can remember. It’s funny– I don’t typically wear hats. Even the lightest baseball caps usually give me a headache after thirty minutes or so, which was always unfortunate during my afternoon tennis matches in the Florida heat. However, I have zero qualms about wearing an oversized derby hat or fascinator for any duration of time. I’m like a mom who finds the strength to lift up a car to save her child, except I muster the strength to wear big hats and/or headbands to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. I’m particularly excited about this year’s fuchsia Kentucky Derby dress (and the entire ensemble) because one of my all-time favorite style icons, the one and only Victoria Beckham, designed a line exclusively for Target. This ruffle hem dress is one of her best-sellers… for obvious reasons. It’s simply darling.

The fuchsia and white pair so well together, and the color-contrasting ruffle hem is a perfect combination of classic and fashion-forward. Not only does this Victoria Beckham x Target ruffle hem gem work as a picture-perfect derby dress, it’s also a chic and office-appropriate option for both business meetings and recreational weekend festivities. Plus, it’s comfortable, well made, and only $35. I literally can’t say enough good things about this dress (or the collection as a whole)– but I will say that I think every southern girl deserves a design or two in her closet. Head down to the bottom of this post for full fuchsia Kentucky Derby dress details, including the insider scoop on where to find last-minute derby hats and fascinators on a budget.

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Before you scroll down to the outfit details, I’ve gotta tell you that this exact style fascinator is unfortunately out of stock. I bought it for last year (check out my favorite outfits for Derby Day 2015 and Derby Day 2016), and I loved it so much that I styled it again with this simple Kentucky Derby dress. I did, however, try to find similar styles at a variety of price points, so here’s what I found… from least to most expensive. Click each individual image to shop!

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Shop the Look: Fuchsia Kentucky Derby Dress: Victoria Beckham for Target, $35 | Shoes: Sam Edelman, $120 (similar style) | Clutch: Kate Landry, $65 (similar pineapple style) | Fascinator: Amazon, $28 or Etsy, $70 or Etsy, $140 (exact style sold out, similar styles linked at different points) | Earrings: Chaps, $9 | Bracelets: Kendra Scott, $63 (on sale) | Ring: BaubleBar, $32

 
If you’re still looking for guidance on what to wear on Derby Day, here’s the ultimate guide to horse racing fashion. Remember, Derby Day is May 6th! Time to starting picking out those outfits! What will you be wearing?!