Trend alert | Here's what men will be wearing at Kentucky Derby 150 | Community events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville business owner wants men to feel just as confident as the female fashionistas at Churchill Downs this year.

Anna Bunting owns Anna's Additions in Lyndon, Kentucky. This year, she is advocating for the men to get in on the fashion action.

If Bunting has her way, the big trend for men at the track in 2024 will be a unique pocket square.

We’re not talking about your typical fabric pocket square. Instead, it’s a rectangular plastic insert that nestles into a coat pocket—with an array of flowers and/or feathers that peek out on top.

Anna's Additions Kentucky Derby 150 fashion trends — Anna Bunting owns Anna's Additions in Lyndon, Kentucky. Pictured here is her and her husband at a day at the track, the first day she thought of the pocket square insert. *(Photo from Anna Bunting)* Feb. 28, 2024

Bunting came up with the idea before attending a day at the track last year.

“I was wanting to add a little pizzazz to my husband’s outfit because we were both going with a black and white theme,” Bunting explained. “I had a beautiful apple-green color in my fascinator, and I wanted to incorporate that in my husband’s outfit.”

So, the creative business owner, who’s been designing hats and fascinators in her basement for years, decided to make a floral pocket square for him.

Bunting said the design took off from there.

"I made them for a few other gentlemen whose wives bought hats, and then media members too.”

Bunting eventually outgrew her basement and decided to open a storefront in July 2023. She sells holiday décor, wreaths, home décor, florals and more.

This week, the store will be revamped to incorporate “all things Kentucky Derby.” Bunting said there will be plenty of accessories for women and men.

“We’re also going to sell ties, bowties and colorful socks," she explained. "We want everyone to feel their best.”

IMAGES | Anna's Additions Kentucky Derby fashion

Bunting is selling her designs to local retailers. You can find the pocket square at Tunie’s Boutique, The Urban Market, Lulubelles, Peacock on Third in Bardstown, Von Maur’s trunk show on April 13, and of course, Anna’s Additions.

The pocket square ranges in price from $25 to $42.

Bunting’s goal is to sell at least 1,000 unique, hand-made pocket squares this Derby season, but more importantly she says her goal is to make her customers feel more confident.

“I just really enjoy helping women look fantastic during the Derby season,” she said. “I love helping them put it all together, so they feel good at the track. It’s such a big deal in our community.”

Some other trends men can watch for in 2024 include reversible bowties, as well as regular ties that display a different color or pattern on the knot of the tie.

Countdown to Derby 150: