It’s easy to forget that the race itself is only two minutes long. Every year 150,000 people crowd
the stadium. Thousands fly into Louisville. Millions more watch at home. Hundreds of millions of
dollars are wagered—all for an event that is over in 120 seconds.
It doesn’t matter if those minutes are the two most exciting in sports. The Derby is popular not
just because of the horses but because of the culture surrounding the event. Celebrity cameos.
Mint juleps. High fashion.
What should you wear to celebrate the Derby this May?
Kentucky Derby Fashion Overview
The connection between high fashion and horses is not immediately obvious. And yet the Derby
has been used as a place for the elite to show off their best outfits since at least the 1920s.
Possibly, the relationship goes back even longer than that. In 1901, a newspaper article
reporting on the Kentucky Derby included this passage: "The seats in the grandstand were filled
with gaily dressed women and men. The mass of green, pink, red, yellow, blue, all the colors of
the rainbow, blending into one harmonious whole was as beautiful a sight as His Eminence in
the lead."
Fashion was not a direct motivation behind how the event's culture was shaped. But it was par
for the course. From the ground up, the Derby was always meant to reflect the luxurious
experience had at European events. From day one, the Derby framers were trying to appeal to
the cultural elite—and they succeeded.
They modeled it after events like Royal Ascot in England. These events were social gatherings
for the wealthy. The races were just one part of the social occasion.
Women's hats became a Derby trademark. These fancy hats range from simple to over-the-top.
They feature flowers, feathers, and ribbons. Men dress up too. They wear bright suits and bow
ties. Both men and women use the Derby to show off styles they wouldn't wear elsewhere.
The tradition keeps growing each year. Now even TV coverage highlights the fashion. Many
people watch just to see the outfits. For some fans, the fashion show is more exciting than the
race itself.
Many of the people showing off their clothes at the Derby will be celebrities. Actors. Musicians.
Tons of professional athletes. If you want to stand out with your outfit, know that the competition
will be pretty steep.
Does the Kentucky Derby have a dress code?
The Kentucky Derby does not have a strictly enforced dress code. If you fail to show up in a
blazer that looks like an exploded Easter Egg, you’ll still be shown to your seat without issue.
There are certain areas in the stadium where dress codes are enforced. Lounges and bars that
cater to a more elite clientele. These areas are generally ticket-locked. You will need to have
pre-purchased a more expensive pass just to go in.
The average attendee does not need to dress extravagantly. They do it for fun.
Hats
Hats, as mentioned earlier, are showstoppers in Derby culture. Wide-brimmed, colorful, and
often adorned with flowers, ribbons, and other eye-catching cosmetic features. It’s fun to pick a
nice loud hat.
If you do, consider taking a more reserved approach to the rest of your outfit. You want your
outfit to wow without being overwhelming.
Primary Outfit
For men, it’s blazers, collared shirts, and slacks. For women, dresses and pantsuits are pretty
typical. Color is everything. The Derby takes place in early Spring and the palettes reflect that.
Reach for pastel colors. Light blue. Pink. Yellow. All great options for deciding on your Derby
outfit.
Shoes
While fashion-forward footwear will tie the outfit together, you do want to think about comfort.
Despite the fact that the race itself is only two minutes, the Kentucky Derby is an all-day event.
You’ll most likely get there at 9 AM when the gates open to see the other, lower-profile races,
and explore the historic grounds.
Pick shoes that are appropriate for different types of terrain. There will be times when you may
need to walk through grass or gravelly surfaces, which means stilettos probably aren’t the right
choice.
Have Fun With It
Having the chance to go to the Kentucky Derby is a special opportunity. Have fun with it! Your
choice in clothing should ultimately be a low-stress decision. Dress for the occasion, but don’t
stress to the point of taking out a loan to buy an outfit you’ll never wear again.
Embrace the entire culture around the event. Study up on the horses. Place a well-informed bet
here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/betting/
The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition. As an attendee, you have the rare and exciting
chance to breathe it all in. Take advantage by immersing yourself in all that the event has to
offer.