Known as America’s Greatest Race, the Kentucky Derby is a longstanding equestrian and social tradition at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1865, this horse racing event continues to be a fashion-focused event for all spectators. Whether you’re partying in the infield, or dressing up as a VIP in the box seats all the way up to the Mansion (the most exclusive tickets at the Kentucky Derby), one must dress their best. And yes, a hat is a must, even if you’re a gentleman!
The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown horse racing series on the first Saturday in May. American Pharoah was the last triple crown winner in 2015, who later went on to win the ‘Grand Slam’ of racing at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Source: www.kentuckyderby.com
Style has evolved over the years, however it does stay pretty consistent with beautiful dresses, hats or fascinators, and fabulous accessories. Women plan their Kentucky Derby outfits months in advanced to participate in the Longines Prize of Elegance. Below are some equestrian style inspired outfits we’ve chosen for this year’s Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re watching from home, or attending this year’s Derby, dress in spirit and add some equestrian details to ‘sport the horse’. The hat or fascinator can be the most important part of the outfit. Christine A. Moore is the official milliner of the Kentucky Derby, so if you forget to ‘dress your head’, she will be on site at Churchill Downs with fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces.
If you’re looking for the BEST Kentucky Derby experience, be sure to get tickets in the Mansion. In 2017, Longines invited us to be a part of their exclusive guest list, and it was truly the most unforgettable experience. But, just know that only 296 lucky individuals can buy Mansion tickets, so if you can’t get a hold of one, then try back again next year. These tickets can cost more than $13,000 a piece, but you won’t be disappointed…
The views are incredible, and you won’t have to ‘push and shove’ to get an elegant bite to eat or served specialty cocktails all day.
The Feminine Derby Goer
Whether you love pink, or florals (or both), bring out that ‘inner lady’ by dressing the part this Kentucky Derby.
Gal Meets Glam Dress: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gal-meets-glam-collection-tie-waist-satin-midi-dress-nordstrom-exclusive/4920329?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=POWDER%20PINK
Leather Bucket Bag: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/danse-lente-mini-johnny-leather-bucket-bag/4909770?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=PINK
Fendi Block Heel Sandals: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fendi-chameleon-block-heel-sandal-women/4949589?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=ICE
The Classic Derby Goer:
We love the clean lines from Ted Baker. Add an equestrian style clutch like this one from Miss Scarlett Boutique for a subtle touch of ‘horsey’.
Dress by Ted Baker: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ted-baker-london-chatsworth-fit-flare-dress/4879460?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NATURAL
Stuart Weitzman Shoes: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-nearlynude-ankle-strap-sandal-women/4260005?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=WHITE%20NAPPA
Horse Clutch: https://www.missscarlettboutique.com/collections/off-to-the-races/products/exclusive-horse-lucite-clutch-purse
The Edgy Derby Goer:
Not everything has to be ‘traditional’ at the derby. If you’re edgy, show off your glam in a cold shoulder dress with studded block heels. Remember: stilettos are not the most efficient or comfortable shoes for horse racing, so wear something that you can walk around and stand in all day long.
Dress by Alice + Olivia: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alice-olivia-florentina-off-the-shoulder-dress/4862138?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLOOMING%20BOUQUET
Christina A. Moore Fascinator: http://www.camhats.com/product-page/rusalia
Shoes Sam Edelman: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-yaria-studded-block-heel-sandal-women/4865446?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20SUEDE
Horse Bit Ring: by Tocci https://www.toccidesigns.com
The Male Derby Goer:
Blue hues and white pants are ‘In’ for this season. The 1901 leather horse bit loafers from Nordstrom are comfortable, and add a touch of equestrian style to the look (along with the running horses silk tie). Top it off with a Fedora by the Blake Collection, and your man is set!
Trim Fit Linen Blazer: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-mens-shop-trim-fit-linen-blazer/4465115?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NATURAL
Hat by the Blake Collection: http://www.camhats.com/product-page/alister
Horseprint Tie: “Bringing Up The Rear” https://www.alynn.com/v/a/alynn-novelty-bringing-up-the-rear-blue-tie
The Children Derby Goers:
Don’t forget to dress the kiddos in Kentucky Derby style! Stop by Vineyard Vines to get them both an adorable racing-inspired look.
Vineyard Vines Girls Dress: https://global.vineyardvines.com/girls-dresses/girls-run-for-roses-fit-and-flare-dress/7Q0679.html?dwvar_7Q0679_color=111&cgid=derby-kids#start=6&cgid=derby-kids
Vineyard Vines Boys: https://www.vineyardvines.com/boys-blazers/boys-basic-blazer-eight-to-eighteen/3J0020.html?dwvar_3J0020_color=406&cgid=derby-boys#start=1&cgid=derby-boys
‘Izzy’ Sunglasses by Ray Ban https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RJ9060S%20CHILD%20007-izzy-purple-reddish/8053672291674?category_Id=332945
Horse on a stick: https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-World-Giddy-Up-Stick-Horse/dp/B00DOFT3OW
So, who are you rooting for this Kentucky Derby? We usually root for the horse we’ve seen run in person. This year, we’re going for Good Magic! 
Good Magic was the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner at Del Mar.
For more information on the Kentucky Derby, visit: www.kentuckyderby.com
