Derby Dress Code in Kentucky: Honoring Fashionable Customs and Popular Styles

Ya catch the vibe at the Kentucky Derby? Every year it's all about dressing to impress alongside your perfect race bets. Here's the lowdown on what you'll see in the posh Churchill Downs clubhouse during this springtime soiree.

If you're the type to look at fashion as a waste of time, then simply keep doubling down on those six-leg parlays. But don't forget to regularly check out our tips on betting on the Kentucky Derby - every little bit counts!

First things first, let's delve into the tradition of Kentucky Derby hats. And it's not just any ordinary hat, but something straight outta a royal ball. Kicking off in the 1800s, founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. aimed to bring the high society crowd to the race. These ladies would don extravagant, wide-brimmed headpieces adorned with flowers, feathers, or ribbons as they sipped on mint juleps and built a crowd for the colts.

The trend suggests: bigger the hat, bigger the luck, so if you're backing Forte at +325 this year, then a giant hat it is!

Derby Day Dress Code: For the Ladies and Gents

Fashion at the Kentucky Derby is all about paying homage to vintage British and French elegance while keeping a finger on the pulse of the newest trends. Here's how you can dress for the occasion:

For the Filly:

Take a cue from your inner Southern belle. Give your crafter's low patience a workout as you design a colorful, preppy dress to impress. Florals are en vogue, fitting right in with the ladies watching the colts run for the roses.

For the Stallion:

Fellas, it's time to up your Derby attire. Light-colored blazers, dress pants, and ties are the usual suspects, but why not bring some personality to it with a tropical or funky print? Top it off with a fedora or bowler's hat for added class.

Celebrity Looks: Yay or Neigh?

The Kentucky Derby is an exclusive event that draws the rich and famous. Here's a roundup of some of the best (and worst) celebrity looks in recent years:

The Best:

Travis Kelce: Never boring when it comes to fashion, Travis always delivers on the Derby day.
Joey Fatone: Favorite of the fashion crowd, the former NSYNC member always turns heads with his eye-catching suits.
Bianca Belair & Montez Ford: Cohesive and classy, these WWE stars slayed it on the red carpet.
The 2019 Green Bay Packers: If Aaron Rodgers looks sharp in a beige monochromatic look, most definitely expect the rest of the team to be on-point.

The Worst:

Tom Brady: The seven-time Super Bowl champ has missed the fashion mark at the Derby in every appearance thus far.
Will Levis: The Kentucky QB needs to step up his style game, given his controversial food preferences.

That's all, folks! Show up in style and cheer on your horse at the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Just remember, bigger the hat, bigger the luck!

At the Kentucky Derby, fashion isn't just an afterthought, it's a chance to emulate British and French vintage elegance with a modern twist.
For the ladies, channel your inner Southern belle by designing a vibrant, preppy dress that complements the flowers and femininity of the event.
For the gentlemen, opt for a light-colored blazer, dress pants, and a tie, but don't be afraid to add a touch of personality with a tropical or funky printed accessory and a hat like a fedora or bowler's hat.
The Kentucky Derby draws the rich and famous, and some of the best celebrity looks include Travis Kelce, Joey Fatone, Bianca Belair & Montez Ford, and the 2019 Green Bay Packers.
Some less successful celebrity looks include Tom Brady and Will Levis, who may need to step up their style game to impress at the Derby.
Remember, just like betting on the Kentucky Derby, fashion counts, and the bigger the hat, the better your luck may be!