Skip to Content

Passion for fashion? Visit the new StyleList!

The crazy fashions of the Kentucky Derby

Filed under: Accessories, Clothing, Dresses, Celebrities with Style


Kentucky Derby style

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

  • A portrait in black and white
  • The Queen
  • You bet
  • Red roses
  • Michael Jordan

The Kentucky Derby brings with it so much excitement -- the parties, the betting, the race itself -- but none of that comes close to the excitement of the fashions.

Of course, the hats are the main draw -- from the fabulously funky to the terribly tacky, unique hats (for the men as well as for the ladies) are an absolute must. But one can't get away with wearing only a hat to the Derby. (Seriously. Don't try it.) When it comes to clothing, here's what you can expect:

  • Classy classics -- Remember, this is a traditional Southern event, so ladies work it in ladylike suits and heels. Uptight is now sexy, you know.

  • Flirty and feminine -- You'll also see loads of floral and polka dot day dresses. A swingy skirt finishes off the look.

  • Give it up for the gentlemen -- We love seeing the men really get dressed. Seersucker suits and hats are ideal for the Southern gentlemen, but we're not going to complain about a stylish shirt and slacks.

  • And then there, there's everyone else. As much as we love the true fashionistas of the Derby, it wouldn't be a real event without real people. In addition to the celebrities in couture, there are also plenty fashion faux pas -- exposed underwear, overly copious cleavage, undershirts as outerwear, etc. Be sure to check out the gallery for a smattering of styles -- there are celebrities, regular folks, and everything in between.

How You Voted

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Nipple cream as lip balm?
    StyleList readers are willing to try anything! 80% of you either love the idea or, at the very least, think it's worth a try. Get the full story.

    notsogoodphotography on flickr

    Skip the skinny jeans
    Skinny jeans might be bad for you, but more than 50 percent of you never wore them anyway! Get the full story.

    Getty Images

Featured Galleries

StyleList Fashion Blog bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Bee-Shyuan Chang540
2Maureen Dempsey420
3Kristen Seymour310
4Marissa Gold220
5Amber Stolec200
6Jessica B. Matlin190
7Courtney Dunlop150
8Ben Widdicombe120
9Sarah Cristobal80
10Melissa Foss40