Over the years, the Churchill Downs hat tradition has remained for women and continues to be a Kentucky Derby staple. Although women aren’t required to wear a hat to the races, most do.
Do I have to wear a hat to Kentucky Derby?
No Derby outfit is complete without a hat. While wide-brimmed hats are the most popular style, there’s really no limit to how creative your headwear can get. In fact, wearing a hat to the Derby is reportedly good luck, according to the Derby itself.
What should a woman wear to the Kentucky Derby?
A pantsuit, cocktail dress or business formal attire is recommended. Of course, you’ll want to accessorize accordingly. Pearls, a vineyard vines clutch and a stunning Derby hat are a must! Casual is key.
What is the dress code for the Kentucky Derby?
Smart Casual
Jackets and blazers optional, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate. Cargo shorts, t-shirts, halter tops, athletic wear, frayed or torn denim or shorts and tennis shoes are not permitted in these areas.
Do you have to wear a hat to a horse race?
You can wear anything you want. Just be comfortable and remember that going to the races is about having fun while looking your best. Also, I’ll let you in on a secret. The ladies aren’t the only ones who get hats.
Can You Wear Derby with jeans?
As such, derby shoes can work just as well with a pair of jeans as they can with wool trousers. All you need to do is select the right pair for your needs. While black and brown leather varieties appear traditional and sophisticated, suede designs, brogue styles, and derby boots often seem more relaxed.
What do you wear to a 2022 Derby?
According to the Derby’s official website, women in the reserved seating areas typically wear spring dresses, pastel-colored suits or bold separates that coordinate with their Derby headwear and accessories. For men, sun-drenched, tropical colors in bold stripes or busy plaid and bright pastels steal the limelight.
Can you wear black to a Derby?
While there is no official dress code, most Derby-goers avoid wearing black, as it is considered unlucky. Wearing jeans to the Kentucky Derby? Denim, jeans, shorts, and tennis shoes are the only items permitted on Derby Day in the Infield.
Can you wear black to Derby Day?
What Colour Bag with a Black Dress? Because the dress code for Derby Day is strictly black and white, there can be no colour in the mix, even for accessories. This means that you may want to choose contrasting accessories with your look or stick with the same block colour.
Why do ladies wear hats to horse races?
It’s a tradition that dates back to when the Kentucky Derby first started in 1875, stylist and creative director of YRB magazine Darius Baptist told ABC News. “When women got dressed up, especially when they were going to church and formal events, the woman’s crowning glory was the hat,” he explained.
Do you have to wear a fascinator to the races?
Although top hats and tails are not mandatory for men at other race meets, you will still see plenty on show. Likewise, fascinators are perfectly acceptable headwear for ladies, but if you love a good hat, then the races are the perfect occasion to wear one.
What is the dress code for horse riding?
Well, that’s honestly pretty simple: the best horseback riding clothes are closed-toe shoes without a heel (or with a heel less than 1″), some comfortable pants, and a shirt that does not overly restrict movement. That’s about it! Of course, winter wear would include gloves and a jacket but the same rules still apply.
Do black shoes go with blue jeans?
Blue jeans and black shoes is a great, classic combination that looks effortlessly stylish. It’s the perfect way to give your jeans a more sophisticated, modern edge. For casual occasions, choose sneakers or boots, but if you’re after a more formal look, opt for loafers or brogues.
Can I Wear derby shoes without socks?
If you’re wearing brogues, derby shoes or monks, you need to be wearing socks. Not only is it going to be pretty uncomfortable (and unhygienic) to not wear socks, but it’s also going to look incredibly unstylish.
Which shoes to wear with formal pants?
The best shoes to wear with formal pants are almost always formal shoes. Think Oxfords and Derbys, and then some more. Yes, there are some other dress shoe options too, and boots can also look good with the right type of dress trousers.
Should hat match shoes or dress?
Your hat or headpiece should complement your entire outfit. Do remember, however, to match your shoes with your handbag ‐‐ when your hat comes off, your shoes may otherwise look lost on with your outfit. As a rule, think, light straw fabrics for spring/summer; felts and fabrics should be kept for autumn/winter.
What are 3 traditions of the Kentucky Derby?
Among the long-standing Derby traditions are the drinking of mint juleps (an iced cocktail consisting of bourbon, mint, and sugar), the wearing of ornate hats by female spectators, and the raucous partying that takes place in the track’s infield.
Can you bring a purse to Derby?
Churchill Downs’ purse, bag policy
Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Each guest is permitted: one large clear bag —either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or 12 inches by 6 inches clear tote bag.
What is a women’s Derby hat called?
“If you’re headed to Louisville, a fascinator is easier to travel with. It fits neatly into a smaller box, and some are even packable.” But whether you choose to crown your Derby look with a wide-brimmed hat or a feathery fascinator, you’ll be sure to turn heads in style.
What started the hat tradition at the Kentucky Derby?
The idea of the hat has been around since the beginning of the Kentucky Derby, with Col. Meriwether Clark Jr.’s decision to model the races after British horseracing whom had a strict dress code for both men and women, including hats.
How expensive are Kentucky Derby hats?
How Much does a Kentucky Derby Hat Cost? The average hat for the event is between $300 and $500, which is not cheap for something that is all style and no substance.