Fashion at the Kentucky Derby: Maintaining Time-Honored Style and Fashionable Trends
Saddle up, fashion enthusiasts! Every year, the Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race - it's an extravaganza of fabulous fashion. So, while you're stocking up on the best race props and picks, don't forget to plan your stylish ensemble for the big event.
The first Saturday of May is a call to break out your finest spring wardrobe for both men and women. Wide-brimmed hats, chic dresses, and floral prints aplenty, here's the head-turning fashion you can expect to see in the Churchill Downs clubhouse this season.
If you're one who thinks fashion is a time-waster, then hey, keep on focusing on those six-leg parlays! Just make sure you take the time to brush up on our tips for betting on the Kentucky Derby. A little expertise could mean a whole lot more winnings!
First Things First, The Hat Tradition of Kentucky Derby
The minute someone whispers the Kentucky Derby, the image of fancy hats springs to mind. Yes, the hat is the crowning glory of every fashionable lady's ensemble at the event. Back in the 18th century, founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. wanted to attract the city's elite, so he brought in well-heeled women to sip their mint juleps and create a following for the colts.
Those large, grand headpieces were the epitome of opulence back in history, worn on the most special occasions. The wide brim, which shields your eyes from the sun, is usually overflowing with flowers, feathers, or ribbons, and is an ode to creativity. So, if you're betting on the 2022 odds-on favorite, Forte, at +325, it's good luck to don the biggest hat you can find.
Derby Day Dress Code
The Derby style is a timeless blend of vintage British and French fashion, evolving with modern prints, fits, and trends. Whether you're in Louisville or cozied up on your couch at home, dress the part with this guide:
For the Fillies
Go full Southern belle! You've spent weeks perfecting your hat, so make sure it's the star of the show. Bright, patterned dresses are usually the popular pick for the gals. Springy floral prints make for a lovely contrast against the greenery of the racetrack.
Style for the Stallions
Thankfully, the guys are starting to get the memo and stepping up their game for this outdoor event. A light-colored blazer, dress pants, and a bow tie are the basics. But it's becoming trendy to see men sporting tropical or vibrant patterned blazers. To finish off the look, a fedora or bowler's hat completes the dapper ensemble.
Yay or Neigh? Celebrity Looks, The Best and, Maybe, Not So Great
The Kentucky Derby is all about glamour, so you can bet your bottom dollar that the most influential celebrities are in the crowd of 150,000. Here are some of the best and more questionable looks from recent years:
Best: Travis Kelce
Travis never misses a beat when it comes to style, whether he's stepping onto the football field or the Derby. He's the epitome of swagger.
Best: Joey Fatone
Former NSYNC member Fatone has made a name for himself at the Derby. He's not afraid to make a statement with his eye-catching suits. If there's one bet that's a sure thing, it's that Fatone will be best-dressed again this year.
Worst: Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl champ has made a few appearances at the Derby and, truth be told, missed the mark every time.
Best: Bianca Belair & Montez Ford
The WWE stars stunned the red carpet with this look. The cohesion between Ford's suit and Belair's accessories was spot on. Belair took the hat game to a whole new level, adorning it with roses.
Worst: Will Levis
I would have expected a little more from the Kentucky QB, renowned for his odd culinary preferences, such as putting mayo in his coffee and eating bananas with the peel on ahead of the NFL Draft.
Best: The 2019 Green Bay Packers
The boys stepped off the field and headed to the Churchill Downs grounds in style. Aaron Rodgers looked sharp in his beige monochromatic look.
- fashion enthusiasts might take inspiration from celebrities' dapper ensembles at the Kentucky Derby, especially Travis Kelce's swagger or Joey Fatone's eye-catching suits.
- In addition to the horse race and gambling on sports, the Derby also offers a blend of fashion-and-beauty, with men wearing light-colored blazers and tropical patterns, and women donning vibrant, flowery dresses.
- With racing events like horse-racing's Kentucky Derby, people can enjoy not just the thrill of the race, but also the entertainment value of the extravagant lifestyle, including fashion, entertainment, and celebrity spotting.
