Still looking for your Kentucky Derby outfit? The procrastinator's guide for men, women and hats

Marina Johnson and Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·3 min read

If you have plans for the 2024 Kentucky Derby and have spent the last weeks or months procrastinating on your outfit, now's the time to pick out your attire.

Or if you already have your outfit picked out and are looking to add some last-minute touches, here's what we know about Derby fashion for the 150th race.

Kentucky Derby 2024 outfits: The ultimate fashion guide to the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Kentucky Derby Outfits

Since the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, men's and women's fashion has evolved. Women would typically wear corsets with a large hoop skirt, a silk dress, gloves, and a bonnet tied beneath the chin during the late 1800s.

Nowadays, Derby goers like to show off. Since the 80s and 90s, "the bigger, the better" has become the name of the game. To learn more about the history of Derby fashion, see the full Courier Journal story below.

Let's dive in and discuss this year's trends. Some areas of Churchill Downs require a dress code, so make sure you know where your seats are and dress appropriately. To learn more, click here.

Kentucky Derby outfits for women

For the 150th Kentucky Derby, you'll likely see anything from fitted suits to loose, flowy dresses. Jumpsuits and rompers aren't uncommon either, but it's good to keep in mind the lengthy bathroom lines at the racetrack when considering these options.

While pastels are common year-to-year, there will likely be lots of attendees in 2024 in an icy, pale blue or florals. Plus, one of the biggest colors for 2024 is red. It is the Run for the Roses, after all!

It's encouraged to avoid stilettos, and choose a wedge sandal or block heel if in need of more elevated footwear.

More: Kentucky Derby dresses: From color to hemline, 8 outfit ideas to try in 2024

Kentucky Derby Hats for Women

While hats aren't technically mandatory at the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, most event-goers wear one. Part of Derby culture, a range of unique headwear from bright colors to fascinators is common.

For those in the Louisville area looking for a Kentucky Derby hat, learn more from The Courier Journal:

Kentucky Derby Fascinator Hat

Part of British culture, fascinators, a smaller but elegant cocktail hat commonly worn for formal occasions, was extremely prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries. According to Vanity Fair, it eventually re-emerged in the late 70s and is still seen in the modern day, including at the Kentucky Derby:

Pink Kentucky Derby Hat

Kentucky Derby dresses

Breezy sundresses and jumpsuits, sequins, ruffles and coordinating outfits for couples are all popular with people planning to attend the races in 2024.

With upward of 100,000 fans flooding through the gates at Churchill Downs each day of Derby weekend, you'll see just about every color under the sun. But if you truly want to be on point, the trending colors for spring 2024 are powder blue, pistachio green, and every shade of pink.

Kentucky Derby outfits for men

Men tend to dress in lightweight sports jackets and slacks, or Bermuda shorts and a sports jacket in the infield, with sunglasses. Neckwear ranges from a luxurious traditional tie to a Southern-inspired bow tie, and help to make an outfit stand out.

Kentucky Derby hats for men

For men, a lightweight straw bowler or fedora is always a popular hat choice. Adding colored feathers or other accessories is common.

Kentucky Derby outfits for couples

For those hoping to match with their partner at the track or a Derby celebration, it's best to compliment one another with a subtle combination of colors and textures. One way to do this is through accessories, such as a pocket square or fedora feathers that blend with the colors in a dress and headpiece.

Derby Party Outfits

For any Derby festivities, especially if at Churchill Downs, you might want to avoid the color green. Learn why below.

There are also plenty of local parties to dress to impress for. Learn more so you can plan your outfit.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Your last-minute 2024 guide for Kentucky Derby outfits