Kentucky Derby Fashion and Hats: What to Wear and What NOT to Wear
Start mixing your mint juleps and dusting off your most overdone hats!
The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and if you’re heading to Churchill Downs in Louisville this weekend and still struggling to find the perfect outfit, FEMAIL is here to help make sure you don’t step a foot wrong.
All eyes will be on the track at 6:57 p.m. for the $3 million horse race, touted as “the most exciting two minutes in the sport,” on Saturday after a day of festivities, with gates opening at 9 p.m.
From conversation and a drink of your choice to following a dress code and the one item you absolutely must avoid, we asked etiquette expert Myka Meier to weigh in on how to be the perfect Kentucky Derby participant.
From conversation and a drink of your choice to following a dress code, we asked etiquette expert Myka Meier to weigh in on how to be the perfect Kentucky Derby contestant
Myka, who founded Beaumont etiquettesaid DailyMail.com customers should use “Happy Derby” to greet people on the big day.
The drink of choice at the derby is the mint julep — but beware, you may be asked to leave if you’re “over-served,” she said.
In terms of conversation, the derby is clearly an extremely social event, so Myka recommends that people read up on the horses and their names, times of day, and the basics of the race – “like The Kentucky Derby” [is] a mile and a quarter long or 10 “furlongs.”‘
Sharpen up your derby terminology! A fun fact is that every running horse is three years old,” she added.
And if you want to place a bet, there’s nothing worse than a sore loser.
“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, you want to remain kind and respectful to others. Everyone, for the most part, comes to the derby for a good time and stays in a good mood! Bad sportsmanship is looked down upon and seen as bad etiquette,” Myka said.
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts when it comes to dressing up for the Kentucky Derby.
The bigger the better in most cases – but ALWAYS follow the dress code
The key to a Kentucky Derby winning outfit is embracing color.
Myka advises people not to wear dark colors and it is ‘even seen as anti-social’.
“Choose bright, fun, festive colors instead to show support,” she told DailyMail.com.
Myka advises people to lean for color and not doing so could be considered ‘anti-social’. A spectator at the 148th Kentucky Derby in 2022
“Lightweight fabrics for outfits are encouraged in warmer weather – traditional lighter fabrics for suits are often seen, such as seersucker.”
As for headgear, Myka added, “Hats and fascinators are strongly encouraged! The more festive, imaginative and over the top the hat, the better!’
But this bigger is better attitude doesn’t apply to one accessory.
“Leave large handbags and bags at home. In fact, it’s a rule at the Kentucky Derby that you can’t take any bag larger than 12 inches in any direction,” Myka said.
And you also have to be practical with your shoes.
“Flats, block heels or wedges are recommended as there are many different types of surface at Churchill Downs and you want to avoid sinking your heel into grass or pebbles,” the etiquette expert warned.
But there is one accessory you should leave at home: an umbrella.
Umbrellas are not allowed to be used at the Kentucky Derby. Opt for a tight rain jacket instead,’ Myka suggested.
Along with these dos and don’ts, Myka reminded people to follow the dress code.
“It is good etiquette not only to follow the dress code provided, but it is also a good way of showing respect to reflect the festivity and formality of the occasion.”
Wear practical footwear, Myka warns, because “you want to prevent your heel from sinking into grass or gravel.” Participants in the 2022 Kentucky Derby
What is the dress code at the Kentucky Derby? It depends on your vantage point at Churchill Downs
Speaking of dress code, it depends where you watch the race at Churchill Downs.
There are three dress codes on the track: the casual ‘track casual’, the well-known ‘smart casual’ and the most formal ‘business casual’.
On his website, Churchill has Downs the dress codes for every area.
The circuit has also broken down their rules, which FEMAIL has included below: