Head-to-Toe Kentucky Derby Fashion Guide

The Kentucky Derby isn't all about the horses. It has become a place to see and be seen. Follow ourguide on Kentucky Derby fashion so you'll fit right in.

A fashionable new hat is a necessity at the Kentucky Derby.
A fashionable new hat is a necessity at the Kentucky Derby.


























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Derby Hat Tradition
Hats are a must at the Derby. They are believed to bring good luck, but they have become purely a fashion statement. They can be simple or grandiose, hand-made or custom-made.

Sheila Nobles of C.K. Nobles, the Official Millinery Designer for The Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, says the Kentucky Derby is the Southern fashion event of the year, and even more so, the predominant event for hats.

"If you don't wear a hat to the Kentucky Derby," Sheila warns, "you'll feel like the woman who wears jeans to a little black dress party."

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Hat First or Dress First?
"People remember you for your hat, not your dress," Sheila says, so she recommends picking your hat before your dress. Everything else will just fall into place. Especially for those people who are new to hats, choosing your hat first will give you more options to find the hat you feel suits best.

At her store in Louisville, which she co-owns with C. Kevin Swansey, it can take anywhere from an hour to 10 hours to custom create a hat. It's not a week-long process, so having a hat custom made will still give you plenty of time to find the perfect dress.

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This Year's Derby Trends
Each year, color is the biggest trend. With the weather heating up, the timing of the Derby makes it an ideal place to debut colorful hats, dresses, and shoes. This year, Sheila has been seeing many vibrant colors in hats and dresses-reds, blues, and yellows-and of course the classic Spring pinks.

Don't be afraid to mix colors. Multi-colored ribbons and fabrics are being used on the hats and dresses. Ribbons, florals, feathers, netting, and fabrics in various shades can really make a Derby hat exquisite and memorable.

For a classic Derby look, opt for a large, soft-brimmed hat with florals or feather. Try to keep it simple, and pair your hat with a flowing dress in a basic color.

For a modern look, a hot new trend is the fascinator. Made even more popular by Kate Middleton adorning her head with the trendy headgear, fascinators are a fun new option for Derby-goers. They're made from a simple woven disc that goes into your hair on a comb. They can be topped with feathers, ribbons, florals, netting, and fabric, much like the classic Derby hats. One more reason to love a fascinator-you won't end up with hat hair at the end of the day.

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How to Wear Your Derby Hat
Whether you're short or tall, or have a round or long face, there's no pre-determined hat style that you should wear. "You really just have to try them on," Sheila says. "You never know!"

Once you find your perfect hat and a complementary dress, you have to know the right way to wear it. No matter if you make a hat yourself or have one custom made, you have to have sizers on the inside. Once you put on your hat, you shouldn't have to touch it the rest of the day. Secure your hat with hat pins for a little extra reassurance. Your hat should fit about 1 to 2 inches above your ears. Any closer and your hat will make your ears poke out, which isn't very comfortable or attractive.

Also, you should not place your hat too far back on your head. If you do, only the people behind you will see the splendor of your Derby hat. It defeats the purpose of making a grand entrance.

As for Derby hat etiquette, women never need to remove their hats like men are expected to do. But if you're in a crowded space with an 8-inch brim hat, do be careful not to knock into people.

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Put Your Best Foot Forward
Since most of the attention will be paid to what is on your head, not your feet, Derby shoes don't get much attention. This is perfectly fine since practicality calls for less extravagant shoes at the Derby. Because of the cobblestones at Churchill Downs, high heels can be problematic. Cute flats are perfectly acceptable. Also, because of the unpredictable weather, cute flats can be quite handy. If you like, you can bring a large purse where you can discard your flats and slip on your high heels once you get inside. Pack a small clutch so you can mingle and socialize without becoming a hazard with a huge purse and wide-brimmed hat.

Article by Jennifer Beeler

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