Showers in the forecast? Here's what men, women can wear to the Kentucky Derby if it rains

We know we don't live in sunny San Diego where the average rainfall is zero percent in the month of May. Nevertheless, until the Louisville forecast says otherwise, we always believe clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures will prevail the weekend of the Kentucky Derby.

So, guess what? The forecast says otherwise.

That means we need to have a wet weather plan in place for our Kentucky Derby weekend wardrobe. While not ideal, a few simple adjustments are all you need to deal with the wet weather forecast, says Melissa Huff, owner of Mamili boutique and the Mad Hatter 502, 826 E. Main St., in Louisville.

"Now that there is rain in the forecast for Oaks Day, we do have customers coming in asking how they should dress," Huff told the Courier Journal. "We suggest a lightweight hooded poncho, some cute rain boots if it's pouring rain, and a dry cleaner bag to wrap around your hat or fascinator."

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Here are four more wet weather tips to make sure you're prepared for any type of weather during Kentucky Derby weekend:

How to protect your Kentucky Derby hat from the rain

Loosely wrap a dry cleaner bag or poncho around your headpiece so it keeps your hat dry but doesn't damage any feathers or bows or other embellishments.

Huff suggests carrying your covered hat into Churchill Downs if you have tickets for indoor seating. If your seats are not undercover, you may want to wear your hat in its dry cleaner bag as long as it's raining to keep it from being damaged. It might seem like a weird look, but trust us, those in the know will all be wearing their hats this way, too.

You may be asking, why not simply carry an umbrella? The answer is simple — they are not allowed inside the track. We see trash bins full of them at the security gates at the entrance to Churchill Downs when it's unpleasant weather on race day.

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How to dress warmly for cool weather at the Kentucky Derby

Thanks to the damp weather forecast, Huff is also selling more pashmina wraps and shawls this week.

"If it's chilly, they can add some warmth, especially at the end of the day," she said. "If you have a waterproof trench coat, that's also an option."

What to do if last-minute rain gear is sold out

A word of warning. When there is a hint of inclement weather, items like ponchos and rain boots tend to sell out fast on the weekend of the Kentucky Derby. If the store shelves are empty, rubber flip flops will do in a pinch, or old footwear you don't mind tossing out at the end of the day.

And if you can't find a poncho, here's a trick my running friends and I live by if it's raining at the starting line of a race. We cut holes for our heads and arms in large garbage bags which are easy to toss away when it stops raining or you arrive at your covered seat at the track.

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What should I bring to the track for Kentucky Derby weekend?

Regardless of the weather, you should pack these items when you head to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby:

• Bandaids because you never know when you'll get a blister and it's a long day on your feet at the track

• Safety pins, bobby pins, a pen and chapstick are small items worth tossing in your bag

• Advil or Excedrin or whatever headache medication you like best

• Cash because the betting windows do not accept debit or credit cards

• Flip flops, even if it is not raining. A lot of us like to slip them on after the races for the walk to the car

• Phone charger and/or external charger so you can remember the best part of the day, rain or shine.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 4 things to wear to the Kentucky Derby if it rains