It’s time to dust down your finest hat—the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner. The event— often dubbed “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”—returns on Saturday, May 3. Whether you’re heading to the Churchill Downs racecourse or attending a themed watch party, there’s ample opportunity to impress with your outfit.
While everyone is certainly vying to stand out on Derby Day, it’s also important to nod to the timeless and elegant dress code the event is known for. To make fashion lovers’ lives easier, the Kentucky Derby now publishes a style guide each year, which provides inspiration and guidance. On the bill for 2025? Pastel tones, jewel accents, and bold silhouettes.
Keeping those big picture ideas in mind, we’ve rounded up outfit ideas that are guaranteed head-turners. Read on for inspiration—these looks are all winners in our eyes.
A White Power Suit
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Abbot Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph aced the dress code when she attended the Kentucky Derby in 2024. The actor’s sleek suit in crisp white with a matching overcoat was both modern and classic, particularly when teamed with sleek accessories and a wide-brimmed black hat.
A Strapless Midi and a Mesh Hat
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Content creator Alix Earle stayed true to her youthful style while ensuring her outfit was polished and pulled together. The TikTok personality opted for a cream-hued strapless fit-and-flare gown in a tea length and brought a sense of fun to the fore with a tasseled hard-shell bag and a chic mesh hat.
Lucky Green
Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
In keeping with this year’s reference for jewel tones, emerald green is always a good idea. Go for a simple, figure-hugging dress in this lucky shade, like model Kate Upton, and up the ante with bright accent-colored accessories in colors like teal or fuchsia pink.
Double Down on the Flowers
Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images
Destiny’s Child alum Michelle Williams’ hat was undoubtedly center stage at the Kentucky Derby—but rather than shying away from prints, the performer complemented her flower-adorned tulle headwear with a watercolor-style pleated frock in complementary tones.
Go Retro in a Cloche
Stephen Cohen/Getty Images for Longines
Note to self: bigger isn’t always better. While wide-brimmed hats are de rigueur, let model Marisa Miller remind you of the inherent elegance of an ultra-feminine cloche silhouette.
A Monochrome Moment
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot
Regal by name, regal by nature. Arguably, no one provides race day style inspiration better than Kate Middleton. For her last appearance at Royal Ascot, the Duchess of Cambridge showed exactly how to nail head-to-toe tonal dressing, in a scarlet V-neck number by Alexander McQueen. The Duchess complemented the dress with a Philip Treacy hat, Jennifer Chamandi pumps, and Sezane hoop earrings.
A Tasteful T-shirt
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot
If you’ve identified the perfect pencil skirt, why not team it with a T-shirt silhouette knit for a look that’s both nonchalant yet fancy enough to be formal? That’s just what Lady Eliza Spencer, niece of the late Princess Diana, has done here in her Michael Kors ensemble. A ladylike wide waist belt and barely-there sandals tie it all together nicely, as well as an eye-catching hat.
Pastel Pink
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse
It might be a particularly topical shade for spring/summer 2025, but soft pink is always on-trend for the Kentucky Derby. Instagram darling Morgan Riddle shows how it’s done for a day at the track, in an ankle-length and cut-out ballet slipper-hued dress, styled with pristine neutral accessories.
Joyful Yellow
Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Bring your own sunshine in head-to-toe yellow, which also tips a hat (pun intended) to this year’s pastel tone inclusion in the style guide. You can make like Nicky Hilton and find a matching hat, or team your outfit with cream or white accessories for a more muted effect.
Be Bold
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot
Lastly, don’t forget to let your originality shine. Whether it’s via a sculptural, fashion-forward fascinator, a voluminous silhouette, or a print that commands attention, your Kentucky Derby outfit shouldn’t look and feel like you’re wearing a costume. Be true to your taste and personal style, and you’ll be sure to be noticed for all the right reasons.
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