Within the seated sections of Churchill Downs, you will find hats of elegance and style. 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.
Why are Kentucky Derby hats a thing?
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.
What is the difference between a Derby hat and a fascinator?
The key differences between a fascinator and a hat are that fascinators only cover a part of the head and can be worn on the side of the head. Whereas hats cover the entirety of the head with a large brim. What is this? A fascinator cannot stand on the wearer’s head by itself like a hat.
When did derby hats go out of style?
1970s
British men were still wearing the bowler hat for high-level business deals into the 1970s. But, after that point, it truly did fall out of fashion.
What’s the difference between a fedora and a derby hat?
A bowler or derby hat has a round crown with no indentation, and a narrow brim curled on the side. A fedora has a tear-drop shaped crown, low sitting, and a slightly wider, flat brim. Fedoras can have a deep crease down the center of the crown and dramatically pinched sides giving it a much sharper look.
Can I wear a fascinator to Kentucky Derby?
If you choose a hat for Derby Race Day, you can wear a 5-6” brim no problem. The favored look is a wide brim with a flower. If you are concerned about looking appropriate, wear a fascinator that feels comfortable in size, and is not too large.
When did derby hats become popular?
origin of style
…it and known as a derby in the United States, was introduced in 1850. Cloth caps with visors became standard attire for workingmen and boys. During the last quarter of the century, the soft felt hat became popular in the United States.
What is the average cost of a hat for the Kentucky Derby?
The price of a Kentucky Derby Hat can vary widely. Since the hats are a fashion statement, spectators are willing to spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars for one. While Derby goers can find hats online for less than $100, the typical Derby hat will cost a few hundred dollars.
Should your Derby hat match your dress?
The most important characteristic of a Kentucky Derby hat is originality. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality with your hat! Let your hat be the star of the show by pairing it with a simple dress – and of course, make it sure matches. At HOM we always say, pick a dress to match your hat!
How do you wear your hair with a Kentucky Derby hat?
“Wearing your hair in a side chignon, which sits to one side at the nape, is a beautiful and visible style to wear with a hat without distracting from the hat’s beauty,” said Roche. “Another benefit is that the hair will still look great when you take off the hat. No hat hair!”
What is another name for a Kentucky Derby hat?
Hat or Fascinator? A more recent trend in Kentucky Derby headwear is the fascinator.
Why is a derby hat called a derby hat?
Traditionally men wore this type of hat on semi-formal occasions (Wikipedia). It was also made in the US in the 1850’s and it is thought to have been named after the Derby horse race (also known as the Epsom Derby or Derby Stakes) in England. Now that’s enough about men’s hats.
What color hat is most flattering?
Because a hat is worn so closely to your face it is important that the colour of the hat flatters your skin tone. If you have pale skin, a warm colour such as pink or rust is a good choice. Darker skin is easier to choose for, although if it is very dark, black is best avoided.
Can you wear blue jeans to the Kentucky Derby?
Jackets preferred, blazers, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits and slacks and capri pants are appropriate. Jeans/denim, shorts, t-shirts, halter tops, athletic wear and tennis shoes are not permitted in these areas.
Can you wear pink to Derby?
If you are planning on attending the Kentucky Oaks on the Friday before Derby Day, you’ll want to make sure you have something pink to wear. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in as much pink as possible.
Do people wear cowboy hats to Kentucky Derby?
Every spring, on the first Saturday of May, Derby goers descend upon Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to flaunt their outrageous best. From over-the-top fascinator hats to swishy top hats, cool cowboy hats to sun hats festooned with frilly florals, the spectacle of festive hats is not to be missed.
What are the little derby hats called?
Now to the question of the headwear called a fascinator. Smaller than a traditional hat but equally as stylish, this little number perches perfectly on your head and won’t give you the dreaded hat hair!
Why are Derby hats so big?
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 are women’s Kentucky 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.
What is the most expensive Derby hat?
The most expensive of hats seen at the Derby
The hat and dress are both by designer Jack Loder. Notably, Peck’s hat was made of 1,264 diamonds. Moreover, it is set with a 37.53-carat beryl jewel. The one-of-a-kind hat looked like a crown sitting on top of Peck’s head.
Can you wear a black dress to the 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.