What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party: An Ultimate Guide

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race—it’s a fashion show!

Whether you’re hosting a race-watching party or visiting Churchill Downs, the key to a successful Kentucky Derby party is stylish attire that gets people talking.

Fashion at the Kentucky Derby: It’s All About the Hat

The most important element to any Kentucky Derby outfit is the hat. Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is not only tradition but is also said to bring good luck.

This fashion accessory sets the race apart from other sports, entertainment, and formal events. Most women and some men wear hats that express their style, creativity, and individuality. You’ll see elegant and sophisticated hats adorned with bows or flowers as well as modern hats in unique shapes and styles.

No matter your Kentucky Derby outfit, let your hat set the theme.

10 Stunning Kentucky Derby Hats

We offer a wide selection of formal hats perfect for attending a Kentucky Derby party.

Cameron Women’s Hat – Tan and Navy Blue

The Cameron Women’s Hat in tan and navy blue is handmade in England and features an ivory trim and bow detail. Its striking elegance makes it a perfect accessory to wear to the Kentucky Derby.

Bellissimo Fascinator – Black

The beautiful black material and swooping fabric of the Bellissimo Fascinator makes this hat an unforgettable accessory to any Kentucky Derby outfit.

Aster Women’s Flower Fascinator – Light Blue

Stand out from the crowd with the Aster Women’s Flower Fascinator. This hat’s unique light blue headpiece and ribbons makes a delicate statement. Pair the Aster with a white, ivory, blush, or navy dress to complete your Derby look.

Darcey Cocktail Hat – Buttercream Yellow

The Darcey Cocktail Hat is a work of art, turning heads and drawing eyes from across a crowd. Adorned with flowers and quill details, you can add this buttercream yellow hat to any printed or floral dress.

Delaney Wide-Brim Hat – Natural and Navy Blue

For a modern twist on a classic Derby hat, consider the Delaney Wide-Brim Hat in natural and navy blue. This versatile and elegant hat speaks for itself and is a gorgeous addition to your Derby dress.

Zola Women’s Fancy Headband – Ivory

The Zola Women’s Fancy Headband in ivory is a timeless and beautiful headpiece. Its flower details and delicate feather trim will charm passersby, and you can pair it with any color or printed dress to complete your look.

Annaliese II – Pink and Navy

The pink and navy Annaliese II is a high-quality, versatile piece perfect for racing events like the Kentucky Derby. The two-tone colors make your hat stand out and add a touch of elegance to your Derby outfit.

Lia Kentucky Derby Hat – Ivory and Blue

For a bright, soft, elegant touch, try the Lia Kentucky Derby Hat. Perfect for a navy, ivory, hot pink, coral, or matching light blue dress, the Lia is charming, pretty, and delicate.

Toni Fascinator Hat – Ivory and Powder Blue

You can’t go wrong with the Toni Fascinator Hat. This exclusive two-tone fascinator is custom-made, and it’s the perfect accessory to your Kentucky Derby ensemble.

Cameron Women’s Hat – Tan and Ivory

If you’re looking for a timeless Kentucky Derby hat, consider the Cameron Women’s Hat in tan and ivory. The large ivory bow detail and trim perfectly complements the natural tan color of the hat, and it’s sure to be the star of the snow.

What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

At a Kentucky Derby Party, it’s time to pull out all the fashion stops.

The Hat

No Kentucky Derby outfit is complete without a signature, striking hat. Whether you wear a popular wide-brimmed style or an elegant fascinator, make it the centerpiece that inspires the rest of your fashion choices.

The Dress

After finding the perfect Kentucky Derby hat, the last thing you want is to draw attention away from it. Keep your dress simple and elegant. Let your hat do the talking.

The Shoes

The Kentucky Derby is an all-day event, so you want to make sure you find shoes that are comfortable to wear while matching your look. Spring heels, summer sandals, open-toed shoes, or chunky espadrilles are good options.

The Accessories

You already have the perfect accessory: A stunning, eye-catching, elegant Kentucky Derby hat. Don’t let other accessories, like jewelry and bags, take away from your centerpiece.

For jewelry options, think simple and subtle over statement pieces. For bags, focus on carrying what you need during race day and following the size limits of the venue.

Shop Stunning Kentucky Derby Hats at Gold Coast Couture

At Gold Coast Couture, we offer a wide selection of formal and casual hats for every occasion, including a variety of Kentucky Derby hats that are perfect for a day at the races. We have all the latest styles and trends, and our design team is constantly adding more pieces to our inventory.

With a wide selection of designers and styles to choose from, we are ready to help you find your new favorite hat.

Schedule an appointment today to get started.