Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Great Derby Day Style from Vineyard Vines

What do you think of when you hear ‘The Kentucky Derby’?  Perhaps the infamous mint juleps, The Run for the Roses, or very sartorial guys, rockin’ it Derby style.  Since 1875, a tradition of gathering on the first Saturday of May has brought out the most stylish men and incredibly au courant hats on very chic women.

The style at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is colorful, cool and very preppy.  The collection from Vineyard Vines brings their signature looks as ‘The Official Style of the Kentucky Derby’.  From the casually cool to the definitely dapper, Vineyard Vines brings it big for the Derby and beyond!

Ian & Shep Murray, the co-founders of Vineyard Vines in 1998 and brothers from Connecticut, are not only big fans of sailing, but of the Kentucky Derby.

The Manual posed a question to each of the Murray brothers:

How do you define Derby Style?

Ian- Since its debut in 2011, the collection continues to be inspired by all aspects of the Kentucky Derby.  Everyone always wants to look their absolute best on Derby day—it’s a timeless tradition. We aim to offer that special touch to your outfit, whether it be a tie with little mint juleps or a dress printed with horse bits. We’ve always been about having fun and not taking ourselves too seriously, but even we put on our best sport coats and shine our shoes for a day at the races!

Do you have one great derby memory?

Shep- One of my favorite Derby moments was actually when I wasn’t there. I was watching SportsCenter on ESPN and saw our patchwork-wrapped tractors. That was truly an ‘every day should feel this good’ moment.

Below The Manual highlights some the most dapper styles, so if you’re headed to Louisville, hitting a local pub, or hosting your annual Derby party, grab a drink, kick back, and have fun!

Horseshoe Gingham Sport Coat

There is no better way of making a Derby statement than with this lightweight and dapper sport coat.  Paired with khaki short or a brave plaid, you’ll get noticed.

Two-Button Blue Blazer

Always a true classic! The best thing is pairing the blazer with pieces that express your personality. Whether it’s plaid, seersucker pants or shorts, or a statement making fun solid, you can never go wrong with this timeless style. 

Assorted Shirting’s with Bowties

From stripes to gingham and seersucker, nothing is like a crisp a shirt especially when paired with very conversational bowtie.

Neckties That Make a Statement

Their names say it all: Run for the Roses, Mint Julep, Win, Place, Show, Martini & Cigar, and Derby Patchwork Silks.

A Casual Take

From caps and shorts, T-shirts and flip flops, this casual approach to Derby Style, is perfect, but not just for the race.

Tom Handley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…
Rolex quietly revealed a new Day-Date 40 in Everose gold
Rolex just added a new Day Date to their collection without any fanfare
Rolex Day Date Everose 40 Academy Awards

Amid the splendor and prestige of the 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the iconic Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, a new watch was discreetly added to the Rolex Day Date collection. The Oscars, renowned for their grandeur, never fail to deliver a spectacle of epic proportions, and this year was no different, with a lineup of films that captivated audiences worldwide (Oppenheimer, anyone?) as well as a slew of high-end watches.
A new Rolex Day Date just dropped...quietly

Hidden within the exclusive confines of the Rolex Greenroom, reserved for the privileged winners of Academy Awards, lies a solitary showcase set side just for Rolex watches. Tucked away at the far end of the spacious chamber, embedded within the rear wall, this display holds the only Rolex timepiece in the entire lounge.

Read more
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more