Kentucky Derby Fashion

Kentucky Derby Fashion: Get The Look

By: Amanda Pham

When hearing, Kentucky Derby, women embracing their inner ‘Southern Belle’ wearing big brimmed hats embellished with flowers, feathers, bows or ribbons of various colors and designs expressing individuality and creativity come to mind. Adorning a hat to the Kentucky Derby is a long-time tradition believed to bear good luck, so why not have some fun with it? Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is a daytime event that takes place during late spring and early summer. Therefore, a light, clean and fresh look sounded delightful. Some folks tend to select their hat first and then coordinate their outfit to match later. I, however, prefer to create my outfit first.

I felt an overwhelming amount of luck when I entered the Dillard’s department store, approximately forty-five minutes prior to closing time. Somehow, almost instantly, I stumbled upon a slightly off-white hat decorated with lacey ribbons and trimmings of navy blue that compliment the outfit spectacularly. The gloves are a very nice addition for a 1920s vintage touch. Some may say gloves are quite out of fashion, but fashion is an ever-transcending cycle of trends. Why not be a trendsetter and bring it back in the most regal and sophisticated approach by wearing them to the Kentucky Derby?

The Outfit

Envisioned, for the outfit, was a youthful, delicate and posh feel, with a fun but not too bold or bizarre hat. The signature white Hermes Constance belt with the shiny-finished gold ‘H’ buckle and the white and gold Hermes ClicClac H bracelet made a classic golden glow garnish to the ensemble.

The Finishing Touches

According to a journalist from the 1901 Louisville Courier-Journal, “The seats in the grandstand were filled with gaily dressed women and men. The mass of green, pink, red, yellow, blue, all the colors of the rainbow, blending into one harmonious whole was as beautiful a sight as His Eminence in the lead.” They say the Kentucky Derby is “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” where the elegance and style and the splendid array of colors adorned by all attendees concoct a huge part of Derby tradition. Be bold, be daring, but most significantly, always keep it classy.

Photos: Graham Oakley Photography