Mad Hatter

We all know the Kentucky Derby is a horse race, but the underlying truth is that it’s really a fashion show! And of course a big part of the Kentucky Derby look is your hat. Everything from super-wide brims to exaggerated cloche-style toppers… all adorned with fun details, of course.

Since the Kentucky Derby is generally accepted as the Red Carpet event for race fashion, women go all out with their hats. That means a simple, brimmed sunhat isn’t enough if you want to be part of the fashion fun. Anything goes, so don’t be afraid to branch out from your usual picks.

Hats may be adorned with netting, beads, bows, fascinators… and those are the more “tame” options women came up with! Since the idea is that “anything goes”, the bigger, the better. Also: the fancier, the better. Feeling creative? Your hat is where you can channel that energy.

Don’t Forget Your Dress

When planning your hat, don’t forget about the rest of your outfit. Your dress and your hat should complement each other, not compete for attention.  Important Tip: Buy the hat first, then the dress.

Most Importantly: Have Fun With It!

Whatever style you choose, and however you choose to accessorize your hat, keep in mind the whole point is to have fun with it. Think about it: horse racing captures the essence of summer: sipping Mint Juleps, forgetting the world as you focus on the horses (or the fashion) and enjoy a good old summer day at the races.