Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats. The hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color to express creativity and individuality. In the Churchill Downs Infield, hats are a bit more eccentric!
How do people dress for the Derby?
Pick bold, bright colors for your Kentucky Derby outfit
Spectator color combinations are always classic at a horse race. Black and white or navy and white never go out of style — and don’t forget a splash of color in your shoes, purse or accessories. It’s the Derby, after all.
Why do people dress fancy at the Kentucky Derby?
When the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, both American and British women alike wanted to wear their finest to the races, and in those days that definitely included a hat. While statement headwear is typically not necessary formal attire in America today, the tradition stuck at the Kentucky Derby.
What is the most iconic part of the attire at the 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 I wear to the Royal Derby?
THE DERBY – GRANDSTAND HOSPITALITY – BOTH DAYS
Wear a jacket and collared shirt, ties are encouraged. Wear a fascinator or hat. No sportswear, sleeveless vests or bare tops. Smart denim must not be frayed, torn or ripped.
What are 5 Derby traditions?
Derby Traditions
- Garland of Roses.
- The Twin Spires.
- “My Old Kentucky Home”
- Kentucky Oaks.
- Mint Julep.
- Hats.
- Celebrities.
- Trophy & Winner’s Circle.
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.
What are fancy Derby hats 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.
Can you wear black to 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 people wear funky hats for the Kentucky Derby?
Of the Derby hat tradition, Pfanenstiel noted that hats were considered to be a sign of good luck. “So people thought the bigger the hat, the bigger the luck,” she said. “So that’s where the big brims came into play, and it just stuck.”
What is the biggest Kentucky Derby traditions?
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.
Why are hats a thing at the Kentucky Derby?
The tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat began at the inception of the race; the founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. wanted to ensure a good crowd at his event. At the time the race track had a reputation as immoral and dangerous so Clark looked to other successful races for inspiration.
Is there a dress code for the Royal?
For royal women this includes wearing a smart day dress or trousers teamed with a jacket or cardigan. For men it is a blazer or a collared shirt and chinos.
Do you have to dress up for the Derby?
Casual Attire is permitted in the Turf Club, Trophy Room, and Millionaires Row, as well as in all other seating areas including the Grand Stand, which means: Jackets optional, blazers. Vests, collared shirts and sweaters. Dresses, pantsuits.
What do you wear to horse races?
There is no specific dress code for horse races, but it is generally recommended that you dress smart casual. This means avoiding any ripped or torn clothing, and opting for something more tailored and put-together.
What should I bring to a Derby party?
20 BEST Kentucky Derby Party Foods
- Benedictine Spread or Dip.
- Fried Chicken.
- Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs.
- Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich Recipe.
- Mint Julep.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Pimiento Cheese.
- Fried Green Tomatoes.
What food is the Kentucky Derby known for?
The Best Food at the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Sundae. Consider this a Derby-style twist on a classic ice cream sundae.
- Cracklins’ with Pimento Cheese.
- Loaded Kentucky Nachos.
- Kentucky Burgoo.
- Benedictine.
- Old Forester Mint Julep.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
- Chicken Tenders and Fries.
What is the famous drink at the Kentucky Derby?
Mint Juleps
Cool as Kentucky. Fresh as Spring. The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
What does a woman wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Ruffles, flowers, tulle, ribbons, bows, bright colors, wide rims, high feathers, you name it! Pageantry is huge at the Kentucky Derby and drawing from horse racing’s British roots, it all starts with the hat for the ladies. It gives you a chance to add some creativity to your outfit and show off your personal flair.
What do you wear to a horse race 2022?
Fashion experts recommend you start with business casual but encourage you to wear your race-day best. If you have tickets for Keeneland’s Clubhouse, no denim or tennis shoes are allowed and a coat and tie are required for men. Dress and race day attire is required for women.