In less than a week, hundreds of DC prepsters and socialites will be flocking out to Great Meadows in Northern Virginia for Gold Cup. The event that kicks off summer in the DC area - a series of horse races out at Great Meadows fields in Virginia is the place to see and be seen on the first Saturday of May (that is if you're not at the Kentucky Derby) is Gold Cup - dozens of alumni associations, state societies, and corporations buy tents along the tracks for members and guests to eat, drink and be merry while wearing their Sunday best.
Personally, I go to see what all the gals are wearing. I doubt that you'll find such high density of Stephen Bonnanos or Jack Rogers navajo style sandals, Lily Pulitzer and JCrew dresses anywhere else north of the Carolinas.
However, if you can't spend $350 on a Vineyard Vines or Lilly dress, there are ways to look the part on a budget - especially if you dropped a couple hundred on your University Row tickets.
This season, Target has an adorable strapless, a-line seersucker dress by Merona for $40. With a pair of Reefs or simple flip flops and a floppy hat, you'll be all set. Also, check out the usual victims - Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Forever 21, Macy's and Nordstrom for other budget friendly. If you've got a little bit more bling to work with, JCrew has lovely jersey dresses that are not only cute, but also versatile (add a light-weight cardigan to make it office friendly) and perfect for Gold Cup.
Regardless of whether you're buying a new dress, or wearing one from a previous year, be sure to accessorize with a strand of pearls, a wide brimmed (or otherwise colorful and interesting) hat and a ribbon belt. You can make even the most worn dress look brand spankin' new with a new necklace.
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