How to Put an Outfit Together for the Kentucky Derby

Dressing for the Kentucky Derby can be an art form. Fashion and people watching are both big parts of the fun of Derby Day. Think carefully before you put together an outfit for the Kentucky Derby. Unlike most other events, hats are commonly sighted at the derby, on both men and women.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select semi-formal daywear for your derby outfit. Women typically wear dresses, and men wear suits or nice slacks and dress shirts.

    • 2

      Opt for lighter summer fabrics. The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May, so the weather will likely be warm. You can get the weather forecast at the courier-journal.com (see Resources below).

    • 3

      Choose your Kentucky Derby hat before you go out looking for the rest of your outfit. Hat wearing is a tradition as old as horse racing itself, and women at the derby sport some of the most fantastic hats to be found. You can find a list of hat makers at ApparelSearch.com (see Resources below).

    • 4

      Research the types of hats worn to the derby over the years to get an idea of how to put together the most appropriate chapeau for your derby outfit. Visit the Courier-Journal of Kentucky website to see hats from previous Kentucky Derby days (see Resources below).

    • 5

      Pick a hat with a wide brim to keep your face out of the sun and to make the most visual impact. Get a hat that has at least two colors in it, so it can act as an accent to your derby dress.

    • 6

      Take your hat with you when you shop for the remainder of your derby outfit. Your dress should complement the hat, but not match it too closely in color or style. Long-time Kentucky Derby hat makers suggest that you choose a neutral beige or white dress to put together with a vibrantly colored hat.

    • 7

      Refer to your derby seating arrangements before you look for shoes to wear to the race. General-admission tickets mean that you will be standing on grass all day long, so pointed-heel shoes will not be suitable for women. The muddy grass may also mar finer men's dress shoes.