One of the most anticipated events of the season is almost here; Boulder Lifestyle Magazine throws the best Kentucky Derby party in town (click here to buy your tickets!) and in preparation, I’ve put together a guide for how to dress for the day. Surprisingly, this won’t be a nod to traditional Derby fashion with frilly frocks and fabulous hats but rather a call for practicality and indulgence, which means: buy a fabulous dress you can (and will) wear again!

In the past 6 years of working with personal styling clients, it’s clear that most Boulder women don’t have a dress for every occasion. The perfect yoga pants? Check! The activewear that can go from a workout to dinner? Check! A dress for a Spring/Summer wedding or a school fundraiser party or a Mother’s Day brunch? Maybe not… The May 7th party is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to the dress you want, deserve, and will repeat.

Willow: Boulder’s premiere boutique for modern sophistication, Willow carries Rachel Zoe, Halston Heritage, and new line Elliatt. Their racks are currently brimming with beautiful dresses by these top designers. Complete your outfit with a clutch by Claire V.

Christina’s: Known mainly for what goes underneath the dress, Christina’s Luxuries (in addition to the best undergarments in town) carries many fantastic fashion lines. Their Nicole Miller collection fits many different body types and will look as stylish and appropriate today as it will in 5 years.

Chelsea: One of Boulder’s oldest and most storied boutiques, Chelsea’s aesthetic is classically feminine. Lines like Plenty by Tracey Reese, Theory and Calypso St. Barth offer numerous options for dresses or, more boldly, jumpsuits and rompers! Make sure you finish off your outfit with jewelry by Denver designer Christy Lea Payne!

Common Threads: At Boulder’s best consignment boutique, when you score, you score BIG. If you’re shopping on a budget, J.Crew, Banana Republic and other big brands are available in near perfect condition for a fraction of the retail price. Those looking for top designers will score even bigger; I’ll be wearing the navy blue stretch wool Lanvin cocktail dress I found there for $250 when it retailed for well over $1000.

Giddy Up!