Making a statement at the Preakness

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Preakness in Baltimore, Maryland. While this is the second leg of the Triple Crown, many people know this event to be a jammed packed concert party on in the infield of the track. However with such an illustrious event steeped in tradition there is a much more civilized way to enjoy a day filled with great horse racing among friends.

The Preakness was just one of many horseraces run throughout the day. I was fortunate enough to watch the races from the Stronach Group Owner’s Chalet. Not being a horseracing expert, I eagerly put down several bets. My strategy was to pick horses based on their names or jersey silks. Plus I was rooting for Always Dreaming to win the race and be one step closer to winning the Triple Crown. Unfortunately, neither he nor I came away as winners yet still it was a fantastic day enjoying good friends, food and drink as well as checking out the derby fashion.

Naturally for my Preakness fashion, I chose something that would truly make a statement. A statement look can be tricky because whether it’s pulled off successfully or poorly, it is going to be noticed. Done poorly it’s a look that can come off gimmicky and can really only be done once.  Done correctly it can be an excellent look for special occasions.

I originally picked up these Prada floral pants to wear to a wedding in Key West. Since it was an outdoor spring wedding so they were ideal for the season. I wanted to bring that same festive spirit to the Preakness. Little did I know I would be hobnobbing with the likes of Kevin Spacey, Sam Hunt, Dredd, Victoria’s Secret Model Josephine Skriver and several of the Ravens and Redskins players. Many of who stayed even after the final race to dance late into the evening to some of the best dance mixes I’ve heard in a long time.

The secret to creating a great statement look is to not overdo it. Because the pants were both floral and green, I toned down my overall look with a light blue blazer, also from Prada. The trick was to coordinate the rest of my ensemble allowing the pants to take center stage. A mini patterned bow tie in the same green as the pants, along with a fedora and blue loafers completed my look.

I’m raising my Black Eyed Susan, the official drink of the Preakness, to both the Stronach Group and Brandlink DC. Thank you for a wonderful day and incredible experience!

Details/Create a Signature Preakness Look

While the majority of my look was vintage Prada, you can create a similar look without breaking the bank.

Floral trousers – Prada (similar – Vineyard Vines); Light blue cotton unlined blazer – Prada (similar – J Crew); White dress shirt – Armani Collezioni (similar – J Crew); Bow tie – Vineyard Vines (similar – Ties.com); Fedora – Goorin Bros (similar); Blue loafers – Gucci (similar – Mercanti Florentini); Aviator sunglasses – Gucci (similar – Ray Ban)