Tip your hat to these Kentucky Derby outfits we're seeing at Churchill Downs

Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·1 min read

2024 Kentucky Derby weekend, horses may be in focus, but it's also all about the outfits. We are talking 150 years of fashion, after all.

From the initial running of the Kentucky Derby in 1875 to now, the fashion at the racing event has largely evolved. As previously reported by The Courier Journal, it was common for many of the first women attending the event to wear large hoop skirts, corsets and a large bonnet.

While a wide-brimmed hat or fascinator, as an unspoken "must" of Derby culture, is still going to be seen by spectators in the 150th Run for the Roses, much of the fashion culture has changed.

Kentucky Derby Outfits, Attire Fascinators to blazers: The ultimate fashion guide to Kentucky Derby 2024 at Churchill Downs

Let's take a look at 2024 Kentucky Derby outfits, attire

According to The Courier Journal, lots of trends are in this year for the 150th celebration of the Kentucky Derby including colors like pale blue, pistachio green, pink and red. Sequins, sparkles and shades of ombre also shouldn't come as a surprise to attendees, with all sorts of accents like ruffles and large bows acceptable for the occasion.

Bold dresses, chic accessories are in at Kentucky Derby 150

Guests displayed their fashion sense as they entered the facility during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.
Guests displayed their fashion sense as they entered the facility during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.
(L-R). Kimberly Hailey, Lisa Dawson and Lucy Howard displayed their fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.
(L-R). Kimberly Hailey, Lisa Dawson and Lucy Howard displayed their fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.

Hats are a "must" for 150th Kentucky Derby attendees

Fashionable hats and dress were everywhere in the grandstand at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Thurby, May 2, 2024.
Fashionable hats and dress were everywhere in the grandstand at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Thurby, May 2, 2024.
Rachel Ferree wore a fashionable hat during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.
Rachel Ferree wore a fashionable hat during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May. 2, 2024.

Best 2024 Kentucky Derby outfits

Thurby 2024 attire

Nicole Steele, on the outside of the Paddock, waves to her friend Kim Carver, in the foreground, as the two talk while attending Thurby May 2, 2024 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Nicole Steele, on the outside of the Paddock, waves to her friend Kim Carver, in the foreground, as the two talk while attending Thurby May 2, 2024 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Veronica Miller, left, Trena Smith, Trish Raidt, Maria Baumgartner and Christa Stamp, right, had their picture made at this years Thurby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2024
Veronica Miller, left, Trena Smith, Trish Raidt, Maria Baumgartner and Christa Stamp, right, had their picture made at this years Thurby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2024

A look at Kentucky Derby fashion over the years

2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show

Models walked the runway showing off the top looks for the 150th Kentucky Derby at the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Dillard's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Models walked the runway showing off the top looks for the 150th Kentucky Derby at the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Dillard's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Models walked the runway showing off the top looks for the 150th Kentucky Derby at the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Dillard's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Models walked the runway showing off the top looks for the 150th Kentucky Derby at the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Dillard's Spring Fashion Show at Caesars Southern Indiana on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

2023 Kentucky Derby Attire, Outfits

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2024 Kentucky Derby Fashion: Hats, outfits and accessories