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Racing Fashion Weekly

You are invited · Sat 2 May 2026

Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs, United States

flagshipHats required

Women: Elevated pastels (pink, pistachio, buttery yellow), architectural power peplums, floral print cotton, eyelet, smocked dresses. Shoes: Wedges (boho cork or sculptural metallic), woven styles (ballet flats, sling-backs, Mary Janes). Comfort essential. Accessories: Elegant watches, functional and fashionable bags.. Men: Monochromatic pastel palettes (baby blue, butter yellow, mint), double-breasted jackets, bold pants with patterned shirts (gingham/stripes), classic navy or seersucker blazers. Neckwear: Traditional ties or bow ties. Shoes: Loafers, wingtips, spectator shoes, or velvet slippers (sockless). Hats: Panama, fedora, boater, bowler, newsboy, or flat caps (optional).. Millinery: Essential. Cartwheel hats (exaggerated/sculptural), ladylike pillbox/brimless styles, Silver Screen Hollywood styles (veils, headscarves, turbans), fascinators. Materials: Neutral shades (ivory, toffee, mahogany) with textures like raffia, straw, weaves. Featured milliners: Christine A. Moore, Jenny Pfanenstiel, The Hat Girls.. Style: Pastel palettes, jewel accents, monochromatic head-to-toe looks, architectural peplums, sculptural silhouettes, bold texture. Men's trend: Replacing traditional bowtie with brooch. Footwear trends: Wedge revival, woven openwork shoes.

Kentucky Derby

Theme colours

  • pink
  • red roses
  • pastels
  • seersucker

what to wear

The dress code

Dress standard
Black Tie / Morning Dress
Millinery
required

Women

The most exciting two minutes in sports. Spectacular hats and Southern elegance.

Required

  • Derby dress
  • Spectacular hat
  • Elegant footwear

Encouraged

  • Large brimmed hat
  • Bold colours
  • Florals
  • Pink and pastels

Leave at home

  • Casual wear
  • Small fascinators (go big!)
  • Denim

Men

Southern gentleman style. Seersucker suits and bow ties tradition.

Required

  • Suit or sports coat
  • Dress shirt
  • Dress shoes

Encouraged

  • Seersucker suit
  • Bow tie
  • Pastel colours
  • Pocket square

Leave at home

  • Casual wear
  • Jeans
  • Sneakers

Formal enclosures

Elevated pastels (pink, pistachio, buttery yellow), architectural power peplums, floral print cotton, eyelet, smocked dresses. Shoes: Wedges (boho cork or sculptural metallic), woven styles (ballet flats, sling-backs, Mary Janes). Comfort essential. Accessories: Elegant watches, functional and fashionable bags.

General admission

Monochromatic pastel palettes (baby blue, butter yellow, mint), double-breasted jackets, bold pants with patterned shirts (gingham/stripes), classic navy or seersucker blazers. Neckwear: Traditional ties or bow ties. Shoes: Loafers, wingtips, spectator shoes, or velvet slippers (sockless). Hats: Panama, fedora, boater, bowler, newsboy, or flat caps (optional).

Styling notes

Pastel palettes, jewel accents, monochromatic head-to-toe looks, architectural peplums, sculptural silhouettes, bold texture. Men's trend: Replacing traditional bowtie with brooch. Footwear trends: Wedge revival, woven openwork shoes.

Weather

First Saturday in May - 18-26°C. Louisville spring, can be warm and humid.

Check the official details before you go: kentuckyderby.com ↗

for the day

Shop the look

save the date

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