As many sports lovers say, the Kentucky Derby lets you experience some of the best two minutes of your life. The event is coming up fast and what more can keep you awake at night than thinking about your outfit for the day!
Let us admit, it can be daunting when the sport is fast approaching and you are making frequent trips to the shopping malls going crazy with the endless options for hats, dresses, shoes, etc. that are there for you to choose from.
It can be a nightmare especially if it is your first time at the Kentucky Derby 2021 and you have read in magazines about all the trendy wear at the sport.
The Kentucky Derby along with the Kentucky Oaks exhibit some of the best spring fashions in town and attendees put up their best show when it comes to selecting the appropriate outfit for the event.
Kentucky Derby 2021 fashion
If you are one among those who have no idea what to wear, don’t worry as there are no hard and fast rules about an outfit to the Kentucky Derby. But lucky for you, here are some quick fashion tips and ideas that can help you makes heads turn at the event. What you wear also depends on where exactly you are seated on the Kentucky Derby day, but following the below tips, you will be happy with your outfit for the day.
The famous Kentucky Derby hat
One of the most important style statements on the day is the famous hat. After all, the hat is what makes the event stand apart from many other sports. It is not just an addition to your dress, wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is a sign of good luck. Any many believe, the bigger and bolder your hat is, the more luck you receive.
And recently hats have been a statement symbol for not just women at the event. Many men have also started sharing the tradition along with women. Depending on where you sit on the ground, you will find hats of all varieties. For example, at the famous Churchill Downs section, you would find hats exhibiting style and elegance.
If you have heard about that famous ‘picture hat’, you definitely know the Kentucky Derby fashion. The picture hat also called the Kentucky Derby hat is big and bold so you don’t shy away from clicking pictures and making your trip to the sport one to remember for many years to come.
Our fashion tip for the hat is to select one that has a wide brim. You can buy one that is decorated with feathers, ribbons, bows or even flowers. To add your individual charm and character to the hat, you can also customise one at home with the same things making it closely resemble the dress that you choose for the event.
If you want your hat to scream American from the roof tops, choose a one that has a fixed brim and a really simple ribbon tied as a bow on the side. Some people show their humorous side by giving a funny twist to their hats to bring more fun to the event.
In the end, there are no rules to the hat for the Kentucky Derby, so select something that showcases you and goes well with the rest of your fashion outfit for the day. Remember to keep it simple so you are not going crazy selecting a dress that goes well with it.
Your dress for the day
Just like the hat, a dress is also a given when we talk about the Kentucky Derby fashion. You can find dresses with ample variety – from formal day suits to strapless sundresses. The Kentucky Derby day can be warm and you will probably be out all day long. So, whatever type of dress you choose, make sure that it is comfortable and the one that you can carry all day long.
If you are going a bit loud on your hat and selecting one that has big, bold patterns, go for a solid single-colored dress, so your dress and the hat are not conflicting each other but rather complementing.
Looking at popular trends, you can never be wrong if you are choosing a floral dress for the event. The Kentucky Derby is all about flaunting those feminine frocks that you find hanging in stores and leave you wondering where to wear them.
Now is the time to buy a floral number in a subtle color like lavender, baby pink, yellow or powder blue. So, if you end up buying a dress with big bold flowery pattern, go for a single bold colored hat to match with it. Or vice versa.
The right shoes
Whether heels, pumps or flats, don’t try a style that you’ve never worn before. In the spirit of the day, many women wear something that they are not comfortable with forgetting that they may have to wear it for a whole day.
Your best bet is to sport a sexy pair of heels with your pretty dress, but always keep a pair of flats in your bag to quietly slip into when your feet start to hurt under pressure. For a quick tip, select a color that matches your hat or your handbag. If you want to play safe, a black or a red pair of heels always looks fabulous.
Your open-toed sandals will be an instant hit at the event but don’t lose your mind shopping for one. At the end of the day, it will be comfort that will matter the most, so select something that is easy to wear, lets your feet breathe and feels comfortable for you to carry whole day long.
Suitable jewellery
Jewellery is not the showstopper at the Kentucky Derby – it is the famous hat. But a small, sleek piece of jewellery around the neck will not harm but only accentuate your dress and make you look complete. Let your hat do all the talk at the sport and simply add an understated strand around the neck or simple bangles for the icing on the cake.
Your handbag
The Kentucky Derby is not a place to flaunt those big shoulder bags, but to keep them somewhere with that extra pair of flats that you may need later during the day. To mingle and place your bets, choose an evening clutch that goes well with your dress and hat and is easy to carry too. Something that has a light chain strap is better, so you can hang it on your shoulder to keep your hands free when needed.
Those sunglasses
The Kentucky Derby is not an event to flaunt that expensive branded pair of sunglasses you wear everywhere. Leave the serious look home and reach for something that is more sporty and feminine for the event. Opt for different shades such as white, rose gold or blush pink that can go well with your dress and that beautiful hat you’ve chosen for the Kentucky Derby.
And we have not forgotten you, Gents
We know the Kentucky Derby is as exciting an event for you as it is for your beautiful other half, so here is your golden rule of thumb for the best Kentucky Derby wear.
When shopping for men suit for the event, take something which makes you look sophisticated, suave, dapper and classy. Whatever you select – stripes, checked patterns, bright colors or pinpoints, ensure they match your personality and top your suit up with a well-polished pair of black or blue leather shoes. For that oomph, add a contrasting pocket scarf to your suit with a matching bow tie.
In the end, whatever fashion style statement you want to make at the Kentucky Derby, the key is to keep comfort your number one priority. Everything will fall apart if you’re not comfortable in what you are wearing or carrying at the event because it needs to last for good 12-16 hours, even longer if you intend to party after your long day at the tracks.
Remember, only when you are comfortable in what you are wearing will you be able to enjoy the Kentucky Derby and make the most of the day.