23 Unique Kentucky Derby Outfit Ideas

Did you know that the Kentucky Derby is as much a fashion show as it is a horse race? It’s the longest running sports event in the country and a chance for people to wind the clock back decades with fashionable apparel choices! Need some unique Kentucky Derby outfit ideas? Let Peerspace be your guide with 23 inspired choices for a grand affair!

1. Pick a flamboyant hat or fascinator

Start your Kentucky Derby outfit off right with a hat that demands attention. A fascinator filled with floral elements is just the right amount of old-fashioned elegance. You could also go with a wide-brimmed sun hat, for a more contemporary look. 

2. Choose a floral printed midi or maxi dress

Midi and maxi dresses have been in style for decades and can form the foundation for your Kentucky Derby outfit idea. Floral prints can be bold, even to the point of having cloth flowers blooming on the fabric. Especially roses at the Run for the Roses event! Or you can choose something more subtle; how far you take it is entirely up to you.

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3. Pick pastel colors for your outfit

Pastel tones are a staple at the Kentucky Derby for both men and women. Light colors not only look great but will fit in with the wider fashion trends. Pale blue is especially popular and a great choice for a men’s check shirt or women’s dress.

4. Complete your suit with a floral tie

Kentucky Derby fashion is bold so we don’t want understated ties in solid colors. Make your suit ensemble stand out even more with a floral printed tie. Pastel colors are always in fashion at the Derby so pink, light blue, peach, and white should be central!

5. Add a veil for an air of sophistication

Hats are one thing, but veils are wonderful fashion accessories from the early to mid 1900s that instantly add an air of mystery and sophistication, even now. Pair a veil with a pillbox hat or fascinator for an instant vintage outfit that’s sure to impress!

6. Wear formal dress gloves for the Derby

Ladies’ fashion in eras bygone included formal dress gloves for major events like the Kentucky Derby. Check out opera gloves or lace gloves to wind the clock back a few decades! 

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7. Head back to school and embrace the preppy style

Polo shirts, khaki shirts, and other icons of prep fashion are going to be out in force at the Kentucky Derby. These are great style choices you might already have in your wardrobe. 

8. Ditch the belt and try some suspenders

Suspenders are the vintage alternative to belts that add an even dressier look to any man’s ensemble. Since they are typically more visible than a non-statement belt, you can get really flashy with these if you want. Statement suspenders might have pinstripes or are simply a bold color that stands out against a planer white or pastel shirt. Plus, they hold your pants up!

9. Catch everyone’s eye with a white suit coat

A white suit coat really stands out in a sea of blacks and blues. It’s also an outfit option that will be sure to impress among the pastel and floral shades the Kentucky Derby is famous for. It’s the perfect mix of vintage and contemporary, especially when paired with pants in a bold shade, like green or purple. Your shirt and tie should also be a darker color to really make all that white pop!

10. Choose some extra-flashy dress socks

Kentucky Derby outfit ideas don’t stop with your pants and shoes. Even your socks can have a bit of extra flair! Polka dots, checks, and floral prints in bold colors are the way to go here. They’ll stand out even more if your shoes and pants are in a solid shade, by the way. Otherwise they might get lost in the patterns you choose.

11. Get fancy with a ruffled midi dress

Midi dresses don’t have to have floral prints to catch everyone’s attention. A ruffled dress in a solid shade has a more contemporary feel while still being up to Kentucky Derby standards. Pastel pink and blue are popular choices here. Feel free to pair this dress with a fascinator and opera gloves if you want more vintage elegance instead!

12. Toss the tie for a snappy bowtie

A bowtie is just the thing if you’re tired of ties yet still want a bit of bling for your collar. They can be plain or something vivid, like red or pastel blue for a splash of color that really ties the outfit together. Not to mention they’re an instant addition to your ensemble, unlike a tie, which might need to come on and off, depending on how hot and humid Derby Day is.

13. Keep your toes exposed with summer sandals

Kentucky Derby days can sometimes be a hot event so choose shoes that emphasize comfort as much as style. Summer sandals are the best option, especially if they come themed with horse prints and other cute touches!

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14. Pick a polka dot dress in contrasting colors

Since floral prints are so popular on Derby Day, you can still stand out with a polka dot dress. These can be any length; mini, midi, or maxi, and are typically in two shades. Pick a hat or fascinator in a bright contrasting shade for a fast and easy Kentucky Derby outfit idea!

15. Add some old-fashioned dapper appeal with a straw skimmer hat

Straw skimmer hats have an old country look that contrasts strikingly well with the modern look of a Derby suit. A colored band adds a touch of extra contrast that you can jazz up even more with a feather or other extra accessory.

16. Embrace all the colors with a tropical printed suit

A Hawaiian shirt isn’t nearly enough for the Kentucky Derby. Try an entire suit with tropical prints like the ones above! Even the shoes match the ensemble. And best of all, these suits are mostly in the pastel shades popular for Derby attire.

17. Keep a pair of flat heeled shoes in reserve for comfort

A pair of nice spike or square heeled shoes will look elegant along with your Derby outfit. But keep in mind that it will be a long day of being on your feet. A pair of flats in reserve are a good idea to maximize your comfort!

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18. Keep the sun at bay with chic sunglasses

Sunglasses are another accessory you’ll need, especially if your viewing puts you right in line with the sun. A pair of dark shades with a frame in a single bold color like white are fashionable currently. But you can always jazz them up with floral patterns, wings on the tips, and other additions!

19. Go a little more casual with a silk neckerchief

You can skip the bowtie or necktie entirely and try a silk neckerchief if you want some neck flair that feels more casual. Neckerchiefs are fast to put on and are a great addition if you need to keep your shirt unbuttoned on a hot day.

20. Think about avoiding green in your outfit

Little known fact: green is considered bad luck to wear on Derby day. The tradition goes back decades; technically, it only applies to riders or horse trainers. Still, if you want to embrace the Derby spirit a little more, skip any green when planning your outfit!

21. Try on a pork pie hat

Pork pie hats go back over a century in American fashion and are a prime choice for men’s Derby Day attire! The rounded rim helps them stand out from other fashionable hats. Feel free to add a feather, flower, or other touch of color to the ribbon as well.

22. Add a touch of flair to your suit pocket with the right handkerchief

Even your hankie should be a bit extra on Derby day! You should go for a bright shade like red or gold that matches or contrasts to your suit. Floral colored handkerchiefs look amazing when folded to look like a rose on your breast.

23. Bring a clear rain poncho just in case

Derby days aren’t guaranteed to be good weather events. If rain does come for a visit, be prepared with a rain poncho. Go with a clear one so everyone can still admire your stunning Kentucky derby outfit!

Kentucky Derby outfit ideas: conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is a wonderful opportunity to dress up a little. Our Kentucky Derby outfit ideas include unique fashion choices for men and women to help you put on a great show. If you’ve found Peerspace to be helpful in your outfit planning needs, think about browsing our party venues near you as well for your upcoming Derby celebration!

Find unique event venues for your Kentucky Derby party on Peerspace