What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby? 50 Outfit Ideas

The “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” season is finally here! Everyone must feel the atmosphere, experience, and traditions that make the Kentucky Derby so unique and memorable for the attending. But how to dress for the Kentucky Derby to make a lasting impression?

We’ve already talked in detail about What To Wear At The Races, but Kentucky Derby deserved a post of its own according to our editors, so here we are!

Dressing up for the derby is a sport in itself. You want to look unique, stylish, and comfortable simultaneously. Most attendings bring their A-game to the derby so it only makes sense for you to bust out all your special moves and rock your outfit!

After all, you will be making tons of memories at this event so make sure looking back on your pictures is worthwhile! You will find people dressed in the craziest yet classiest outfits, trying various drinks and enjoying fireworks, singing, dancing, and having the time of their lives.

Styling Tips for Her

  • You can plan your entire outfits around your hat. Skipping it is out of the question because you would be missing out on the experience. Thus, if your hat is bright, bold, and statement-worthy, keep your outfit simple & straightforward to contribute to the uniqueness of the hate.
  •  Opt for a smaller fascinator that can be clipped or attached to a headband if you have short hair.
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  •  Pull your hair back in an elegant bun or side ponytail to make the hat the statement piece of your fit.
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  •  Wedge-heeled sandals are your best bet for staying comfortable and classy simultaneously. If you wish to wear stilettos or other kinds of heels, go for it! You can keep a pair of flats or flip-flops in case your feet get tired from standing around all day long.
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  •  I always preach accessories can make or break your outfit, and similar is the case here! You can elevate your look to the next level by opting for the appropriate accessories that complement your outfit. Keep it simple and dainty if your clothes and hat are doing all the talking. Contrarily, you can go all out with bold earrings and necklaces if your dress and hat are simple, demure, and soft.
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  •  When planning an outfit, think bold and outside the box. Unusual prints and colors are most likely to be a hit if executed correctly!

Styling Tips for Him

  • It is probably for the best to leave your jeans behind. Instead, opt for breathable fabrics, including linen, cotton, and seersucker.
  •  If you plan on wearing shorts, complete your outfit with a fancy blazer or suit jacket, or at the very least polished vest.
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  •  You can get as creative as you want when choosing your suit. You will find a huge variety of prints, and colors when choosing your suit. Head on to Vineyard Vines or Shinesty to find the suit of your dreams. And maybe even match with your significant other!
  •  Make sure to add character and finishing touches to your outfit with the appropriate accessories! You can go for unique watches, suspenders, ties and bowties, lapel pins, sunglasses, and belts. The options are endless!
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  • If all else fails and you can not decide upon an outfit for the life of you, opt for a pinstriped suit, and you are good to go! Pair it with a bright-colored shirt if the suit is neutral, or make it pop with complementing accessories and shoes to blend right in.
  • Please make sure to keep a handsome amount of cash on you. You might end up placing bets or buying snacks and beverages.
  • Kindly go through this list of prohibited items at the venue before you leave for the races!

What Attire to Wear to the Kentucky Derby?

Women’s Outfits

50 – English Tea Party Meets Kentucky Derby in Pastel Hues & Delicate Embroidery

49 – Opt for Brightly Colored Stripes to Stand Out in the Summer Sun

48 – Do Not Forget to Carry Flats to Swap Those Heels

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47 – Add a Bright Red Lip to Contrast Against the White Jumpsuit

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46 – Go All Out in Various Shades of Pink for the Oaks Day!

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45 – Swap the Sandals for a Pair of Heeled Cowboy Boots to Show Off

44 – Match Sparkly Shoes & Accessories to Make this Outfit Stand Out

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Shop the dress below:

Marta Mini Dress

43 – Opt for a Solid & Bold Dress & Pair it With a Hat in Complementing Shades

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Get the look:

Kentucky Derby Hat

Draped Skirt Knit Dress

42 – Get Extra Fancy & Add Opera Gloves to Truly Stand Out

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Scalloped Mini Dress $160.00

Evening Gloves in Champagne $12.99

41 – If Hats Are Not Your Thing, This is the Way to Make a Statement

40 – Maroon, White & Black is a Match Made in Heaven!

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39 – Add Uniqueness With an Eyelet Dress

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38 – A Pearl Choker Exudes Just the Right Vibes

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37 – Add a Fun Scarf to the Bag to Make the Look Brighter

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36 – Pair a Bright Yellow Hat With a White Plaid Fit to Stand Out

35 – This Floral Dress is How You Slay at a Derby!

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Rosalind Dress $370.00

Twist Strap Mule Sandal $54.60

34 – This Orange Number is the Perfect Way to be Distinct

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33 – Swap the Printed Clutch for a Shimmering Silver One to Complete the Look

32 – Choose a Hat that Matches the Colors of Your Dress Perfectly

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31 – Lime & Pink is a Combination That Always Slays!

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30 – Printed Blazers & Flared Pants are the Way to Go if Dresses Do Not Work For You

29 – The Accessories Elevate This Fit to an Entirely Different Level

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28 – Get Comfy & Stylish in a Complementing Scarf & Pant Set

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27 – Swap the White Crop Top for a Blouse with Collar Details

Couple Goal Moments

If you like coordinating your outfit with your S/O then you must check out these Celebrity Couples Matching Outfits.

26 – Go All Out With the Prints to Match Your Boo & Exude Couple Goals

25 – Opt for a Similar Dressing Style But Make it Unique Individually

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24 – Match The Color of Your Shirt to Your Woman’s Dress for Subtle Cohesiveness

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23 – It Does Not Get Any Easier to Twin Than in Similar Printed Clothes

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Get the flamingo suit:

Tropical Print Suit

22 – From the Glasses to the Shoes, Matching Your Significant Other is the Effortless Way to Complement Each Other

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21 – This Shade of Blue is Summery, Bright & Just Right to Attract Attention Towards Yourselves

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20 – Keep it Subtle, Classy & Elegant by Matching Your Lady’s Dress With Your Bow Tie

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Shop the looks:

His:

Tweed Golf Hat

Ivory White Shirt $109.00

Hutson & Genius Slim Fit Pants $248.00

Bow Tie $55.00

Hers:

Rhinestone Headband $53.00

Valerie Dress $675.00

Metallic Mules $395.00

19 – And Decking Out in Pink is How You Nail The Oaks Day & Honor the Cause

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Men’s Fits

18 – A Pastel Blazer With Bright Plaid Pants is the Ideal Combination for the Races

Yellow Derby Seersucker Suit

17 – Match Your Shoes to Your Hat in Neutral Tones to Make the Suit Eye Catching

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16 – Color Blocking Done Effortlessly!

This look has so much going on that breaking it down became a must! The hat matches the shirt effortlessly; the matching suit does its job phenomenally, and the belt complements the shoes immaculately. And finally, the printed bow tie is just what this outfit needed to complete it!

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15 – Add Distinctiveness & Individuality With the Right Accessories: the Hat, Suspenders & Shoes!

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14 – The Polka Dot Shirt Complements the Striped Pants & Abstract Shoes Phenomenally

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13 – Add a Blazer or a Funky Vest to Keep this Outfit Fun & Make it Derby Appropriate

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12 – Sage Green & Shades of Cream & Ivory are What Summers are All About!

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11 – A Floral Lapel Pin Adds Just the Right Amount of Character to Knock this Look Out of the Park!

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10 – Exude Major Squad Goals by Opting for the Craziest & Brightest Outfits to Slay at the Derby

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09 – A Shimmery Jacket Might Not be Everyone’s Cup of Tea But When Done Right, Looks Fantastic!

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08 – Add a Hint of Color to a Neutral Toned Suit With a Vest & Unique Hat

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07 – Get the Appropriate Shoes that Tie Your Entire Look Together

The brown aspect of the shoes complements the pink suit and vest, while the ivory matches the white shirt of the outfit, uniting the ensemble.

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06 – Pair a Mustard Yellow Vest With a Brown Suit to Make Your Fit Pop

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Celebrity Looks

05 – Joey Fatone Looks Incredible in This Blue & White Plaid Set

Swap the black bow tie for an olive green or navy blue one to make it blend better with the clothes and accessories!

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04 – Frances & Smokey Robinson Exude Major Goals in these Bright Red Pieces

Frances’ printed suit is to die for!

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03 – Victoria’s Secret Model Georgia Fowler Stuns in a Pale Blue Versace Dress

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02 – Rachel Platten Looks Dreamy in an Abstract Matching Suit

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01 – It Does Not Get Any Sharper Than Chris Pine in Fine Lines!

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