Why do people dress up for the Kentucky Derby?

Asked by: Marcus Oliveira

The dress code is not meant to be restricting to the men or women attendees, but rather to create the experience the Kentucky Derby’s founder was seeking. “It’s part of what’s so fun and it’s a part of that experience.

Why do people wear that to Kentucky Derby?

From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits when it comes to choosing your Derby hat. Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women, however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well.

Do you have to dress up for the Kentucky Derby?

While there is no dress code for guests purchasing reserved box or general admission tickets to Churchill Downs, management reserves the right to deny admission to anyone whose attire they consider to be inappropriate.

Why do people wear big hats at the Derby?

Of the Derby hat tradition, Pfanenstiel noted that hats were considered to be a sign of good luck. “So people thought the bigger the hat, the bigger the luck,” she said. “So that’s where the big brims came into play, and it just stuck.”

What is Derby Day dress code?

The dress code for men and women on Derby Day is Black and White – but you can get away with shades of grey. The official flower for Derby Day is the cornflower. This subtle purple-blue flower pairs perfectly with the monochrome palette for Derby Day.

Can a woman wear pants to the Kentucky Derby?

But keep in mind, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a dress, though most women do. “Some women are more comfortable in pants and that is fine, too. There are all kinds of fun pants for instance, black with big yellow flowers or high-waisted with big full legs, fitted pants suits and jumpsuits,” Ross said.

Do people dress up in the infield at the Kentucky Derby?

There are all ages and all types of people in infield from shorts, to seersucker suits and bow ties, fancy hats and dresses, the name of the game is be yourself and have fun.

Can you wear black to Derby party?

Wear Black
The dress has a modern, stylish silhouette, making it more playful, rather than formal. And the floppy hat tones it down for the daytime occasion, as well.

Can I wear jeans to the races?

You can wear jeans to the races although this does depend on what stand of the racecourse you are in. If you are based in a formal meeting or in the main grandstand then we would definitely advise you to not wear jeans.

Do you have to wear a suit to the races?

The good news is there’s no formal dress code, but if you want to look the part, men usually wear suits around the club enclosure and hospitality areas. Fancy dress is permitted in March but you can be turned away at their discretion.

Can I wear black to a horse race?

Black is chic, but for the races, you can play around with pinks and bold blues. This will give you a statement look that remains eternally elegant. Race day is also a great time to wear white.

Can you wear jeans in the county stand York?

Whilst no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County Stand. In a similar vein, whilst we encourage a sense of style in the County Stand, if gentlemen believe the weather warrants shorts then there is no formal restriction to them being worn.