Derby Experience

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Derby Attire

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    Hot fashions for women at the Derby

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    Men"s fashion ideas for Derby

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  • Wearing the Derby's official color, this lady in red outshines her floral competition. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Derby gents sporting springtime styles. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Future "First Lady of Oaks" Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Infield fashion sense is all about comfort! Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Youthful clubhouse fashions. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Your best fashion accessories are always a Derby hat and a winning smile. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Who needs the winning horse with a hat this pretty? Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Note the flat sandals ladies! Comfortable shoes are must if your plans take you to the Derby infield. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Colorful guests visit the Churchill Downs paddock. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Bold prints are always in season on Derby weekend. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Louisville's own "Southern Belles" strut their stuff on the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet. Photo: Churchill Downs

  • Fashion sense or horse sense? You decide! Photo: Churchill Downs

Dress to Impress

One of the truly unique characteristics of the Kentucky Derby, and its sister event, the Kentucky Oaks, is that they are sports parties that showcase the finest in spring fashions. Both female and male attendees pull out all of the stops when selecting their Kentucky Derby and Oaks apparel.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Derby dressing in part because what you wear has much to do with where you plan to spend the day. In the reserved seating areas (grandstand, clubhouse, suites and corporate hospitality areas), ladies typically wear pastel-colored suits, frilly dresses or bold separates that coordinate with their Derby headwear and accessories. While high heels are certainly part of the total Derby ensemble, experienced Derby divas also pack a pair of fashionable yet comfortable flats or flip flops to wear home. Who says the high price of fashion has to include blisters?

Not to be out done by their dates, gentlemen leave their pinstripes at home and instead opt for seersucker suits, light-colored sport coats and the occasional madras plaid jacket. Guys, when in doubt, a navy sports coat with pressed khakis or dress slacks, a light-colored shirt and flashy tie (long or bow) is perfectly acceptable!

The Kentucky Derby infield comes with its own agenda and dress code. Unbridled fun and frivolity is the focus of infield fans and with that attitude comes the need to be practical in all apparel choices. Infielders typically sport jeans or shorts, T-shirts, tanks or polo shirts, sneakers or comfortable sandals and other varieties of durable (and washable) attire. Some fans show up centerfield in more elaborate costumes, including fantastic get ups meant to draw attention. Whether you want to be noticed – or just blend into the crowd -- the key is comfort. Be sure to pack a rain jacket along with your cooler, chair, blanket or tarp. If it rains you’ll be glad you did (no umbrellas allowed!) And don’t forget the one thing ALL infielders should wear to the Derby regardless of the weather – a good layer of sunscreen!

So what are the latest Derby and Oaks fashion trends for the clubhouse, grandstand, infield and Derby parties around the nation?  Entertainment Reporter Angie Fenton will keep you looped in to the Derby Style Watch right here on KentuckyDerby.com!