Kayla Hafling - April. 28 2023
Get Off To The Races With These 5 Kentucky Derby Outfits
The countdown to Derby is on! With Derby less than two weeks away, you’ve probably been planning the perfect Derby outfit for months. But, if you’re anything like us and always end up planning your outfit up to the last minute, now is the time to officially begin checking off your Derby outfit checklist! From hats and dresses to purses, shoes, and accessories, there are so many different aspects of your derby outfit to consider. Luckily, if you are in need of some last-minute inspiration to plan the perfect Derby outfit, PinkTag has you covered!
Though hats technically aren't mandatory at the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, they might as well be! When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for the Kentucky Derby, the never-ending debate over which comes first—your hat or your dress—has yet to be settled, but we recommend hat first! There are so many fun and fabulous Derby hat styles to choose from that there is truly no limit to your creativity when it comes to the perfect Derby outfit. So, if you have your eye on one of our beautiful Derby hats but have no clue how to style it, we’ve put together a list of our five absolute favorite Derby outfits to help inspire your creativity.
And with that, we’re off to the races!
Maximalist & Bold
If you love color, there is no better time to express your bold side than the Kentucky Derby! Though Spring fashion is all the rage when it comes to Derby attire, you will see every style during your day at the track—so, if bold is your thing, go for it! For the ultimate bright and bold look, we love the Burning Love Boutique Dress. The bright orange hue of this cami midi dress will have all eyes on you, especially when paired with a contrasting Derby hat or fascinator. We love this dress paired with the Dare to Dream Derby Fascinator in a citrusy light green, or the You Are My Sunshine Derby Fascinator in a vibrant yellow. This bold and summery color scheme is sure to draw heads and make you feel like a ray of sunshine!
Pair this Derby outfit with some comfortable block-heel shoes, like our Sasha Heels, or something a little bolder, like our Carmela Sandals. Lastly, don't forget the accessories! With this vibrant outfit, we recommend something a little more understated and fun, like the Victoria Equestrian Stud Derby Earrings, and a simple necklace, like our Lula Chain Necklace. When it comes to your bag, remember that bags are restricted to 12 inches, so the smaller the better! All you really need are the essentials anyways—think sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet, phone—so we recommend the cute and summery Sol Ata Rattan Bag in white! These accessories will perfectly tie together your maximalist look with a cute equestrian twist.
Minimalist & Chic
If minimalism is more your thing, the Kentucky Derby is the perfect place to go full-on glam. When else will you have the chance to rock a chic full sequin dress? And, just because you’re going understated does not mean you can’t turn heads. We think there’s nothing more alluring than a classic look, and our Glitz Sequin Derby Dress truly fits the bill. With one shoulder and a high leg slit in a beautiful sparkly champagne color, this dress is everything you need to look minimalist chic. When it comes to your Derby hat, we recommend a sleek and simple fascinator, like the gorgeous Unbridled Derby Fascinator or the Prestigious Derby Fascinator. These classy styles add just enough interest without taking away from your gorgeous dress—and they add a touch of whimsy too!
When it comes to accessories, the simpler the better. We’re loving the Krystal Chain Earrings, which add some boldness to your look, paired with a simple gold band, like the Krystal Chain Bracelet. Finally, when it comes to shoes, the Della Mule Heel is certainly the "it" shoe of the season. With clear straps and a nude base, this heel is perfectly understated—while still showing off your pedicure! Keep your look consistent with our Ariana Quilted Crossbody, which perfectly coordinates with the gold chain jewelry. This minimal but chic look will have you feeling glamorous all day long.
Falling For Florals
If there’s one style that you can’t go wrong with at the Kentucky Derby, it’s easily florals. A true Spring staple, there’s nothing more fitting for the Run for the Roses than a beautiful floral dress. This year, we’re fully embracing the cottage core look with the Callie Derby Dress. This one-shoulder chiffon maxi dress is whimsically romantic, and the pink and orange florals are perfect if you're headed to the track for Oaks Day. For a dress this feminine, we recommend a Derby fascinator with just as much whimsy! Try pairing it with the Chasin’ You Derby Fascinator for a sweet and modern look, or steal the spotlight with the Fashionista Fascinator in a matching hue. This Derby outfit is sure to make you feel like you’re fully embracing the season.
With the fun print of this dress, we recommend keeping your accessories simple. The Gold Double Side Pointy Bangle adds a touch of daintiness to your Derby outfit, especially when paired with our Butterfly Crawler Earrings for a little extra sparkle. When it comes to shoes, the paired-back Della Mule Heel or the Kinsley Sandal—a summery espadrille—is exactly what you need. Add an equally summery bag, like the Straw Clutch Purse, and you’ve got the perfect look for an exciting day at the track.
Spring Queen
Nothing says Spring like pastels, and the Kentucky Derby is the perfect opportunity to rock this trend to the fullest. We love a pastel Derby outfit almost as much as we love the event itself, which is why PinkTag has so many beautiful pastel boutique Derby dresses to choose from. This year, we’re completely obsessing over the Virginia Plaid Derby Dress to rock the pastel look. With a feminine and sweet midi length and adorable lace-up detailing on the front, this dress will have all eyes on you. When it comes to your Derby hat, we recommend something equally as showstopping, like the Let’s Go Derby Fascinator or the All Or Nothing Derby Fascinator. The super chic style of these fascinators perfectly elevates the classic sundress to a whole new level.
To really look the part, we recommend some fun Derby-themed jewelry, like the Marley Equestrian Charm Necklace and the Mini Gold Hoop Earrings. This paired-back look adds just enough charm—and you’ll be getting compliments all day on your fun taste in jewelry! When it comes to your shoes, you can’t get more chic than a classic pair of pumps or our trendy Buggy Heels. With a chunky block heel, you’ll be surprised how comfy these are for a long day! Lastly, pair your pastel look with a simple bag, like the Woven Straw Clutch, and you’re off to the races! Trust us, you’ll truly feel like a spring queen.
Southern Belle
If you’ve ever been to the Kentucky Derby, you’ve probably noticed one trend that never goes away—the Southern Belle. The Derby not only showcases the finest in spring fashion, but it's also a time to embrace your inner Southern charm with feminine florals, flowy silhouettes, and bold Derby hats. So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Belle, look no further than the gorgeous Sunflower Garden Jumpsuit. The soft peach color is perfect for Spring, and the pops of yellow sunflowers give it an adorable Southern twist. Plus, this jumpsuit is so comfortable you’ll be finding excuses to wear it all Summer long. If you’re looking for something bold to add to this Derby outfit, we’re falling for the fun designs of the Lily Derby Fascinator. It’s just vibrant enough to ensure all eyes are on you, while still keeping it classy! Or, if you want to go full Southern Belle, we can’t recommend the Let’s Do Brunch Derby Fascinator more, with its glossy cream-colored silk flower.
When it comes to accessories, this is the perfect look to incorporate something fun. We’re loving the Jockey Pearl Cluster Earrings, but if understated is more your thing, our Sunflower Earrings are a no-brainer! Lastly, keep your Derby outfit fashion-forward with our on-trend Della Mule Heels and Madeline Cork Wristlet to carry all your essentials. You’ll feel like a true Southern Belle when you step into this Derby outfit!
When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for the Kentucky Derby, the most important thing is making sure you feel comfortable and confident all day long! Whether you lean into the bold colors and patterns we expect to see this year or you keep it classy with your favorite little black (or white!) dress, you’ll make an impression on everyone around you. The Kentucky Derby is a beloved and time-honored tradition in Kentucky culture, and there truly is something for everyone to enjoy! From the cheering crowds to the abundant mint juleps, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the moment. So, check out our Derby Collection today and start planning that amazing outfit!