Wear your best Derby hat or outfit and join in the "Fashion on the Field" contest!

There are no rules for attire at the Grandstand Gala, but if you're dressing to impress,

here are some tried and true tips for an authentic "Derby" look ...

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LADIES' STYLE

 

Attire

When selecting your dress for the Kentucky Derby the recommended practice is to keep it simple, so it doesn't take away from your hat! You can also let the color and excitement of spring inspire you and select a dress full of color, or floral or equine patterns.

 

Hats

Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women, however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well. Wearing a hat is much like getting into costume, you might be pleasantly surprised to see what type of character you become. From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits.

At Churchill Downs, you will find a wide range of head-topping styles.

In the seated section of Churchill Downs, you will see hats of elegance and style. Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats. The hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color to express creativity and individuality.

In the Churchill Downs infield, hats are a bit more eccentric! You will see hats in all shapes and sizes, as well as some hats exuding humorous themes.

A more recent trend in Kentucky Derby headwear is the fascinator. Smaller than a traditional hat and just as stylish, this piece of headwear has become more popular among Kentucky Derby attendees over recent years. Recently popularized by Kate Middleton, these chic, headpieces are made from a woven disc topped with feathers and netting and secured to your head via a comb or headband. They can be simpler to wear than a hat, and won't give you hat hair!

 

Accessories

Since the hat is the focus of Derby fashion, there's not much need for large, statement jewelry. Let your hat be the attention grabber as your primary accessory and keep the jewelry simple. You can also celebrate the day with Kentucky Derby themed jewelry.

 

GENTLEMEN'S STYLE

Attire

The Kentucky Derby provides a splendid excuse for men to get just as dressed up and decked out as the ladies! The modern Derby man possesses an unparalleled color palette. Sun-drenched, tropical colors in bold stripes or busy plaid and bright pastels steal the limelight. Although, if you want a more polished look, a classic navy or seersucker blazer is always in style.

Starting with the pants because it is the eye-catcher from a distance, gents should turn to sun drenched pants in vibrant colors like Key Lime, Ocean, Bermuda Pink, and Citron. Any one of these colors paired with the right shirt and blazer will make you stand out like no one else.

Now that you have the pants you know that you’re going to have some fun with the shirts. A great dress shirt in a complimentary color will go a long way. Don’t be afraid to grab a fun gingham or striped shirt to turn it up. This is the one day of the year that more is better.

The jacket is what brings everything together and you can’t go wrong with the classic navy blazer. If you want to have a little fun on top though, a nice chalk stripe can really make the ladies’ big hats turn. As far as 2- button or 3-button it’s a person preference but we recommend sporting the 3- button side vent for a more polished look.

Next is the tie. Most gentlemen wear a necktie, but a bow tie is always a great option. If you never wear bows, try it out and you may like it. 

For shoes, there are many types of horse bit loafers out there and everyone has their idea of who makes the best ones. The most important thing you need to know is that they should be worn sockless.

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Hats

Top it all off with a fedora or bowler hat for the complete Kentucky Derby look. Men's Derby hats are generally solid in color and inspired by the style from the 1920s.

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Accessories

Now you are ready to throw back some bourbon and tie on a bowtie. The most important thing about your Derby outfit for men is to be confident. No matter what you wear, it’s how you wear it, gentlemen.