Show up in style! The most elegant Kentucky Derby attire for your most stylish horse racing outfit yet
Kentucky Derby dresses and outfits for women 2023 mean finding something fabulous, elegant and something a little more statement making than most of our everyday attire. From stunning hats and fascinators to the most fashionable dresses and jumpsuits. I’ve always loved dressing up for the horse races. Whether that’s Royal Ascot, Newmarket or the Goodwood Races. It’s one of those times, besides weddings, where you can wear a fabulous hat. Whether you’re looking for a classic chic style or something more on trend, these are the most beautiful dresses for the Kentucky Derby I came across.
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When and where is the Kentucky Derby 2023
The Kentucky Derby 2023 is on May 6th at Churchill Downs.
Things to consider when choosing your Kentucky Derby dress
You’re going to want to take into account the dress code in the enclosure or area you’re in and the weather when choosing your Kentucky Derby dress and outfit. Some areas require more formal dress codes than others. Their full dress code requirement for each enclosure is here.
Your best bet is to dress in layers. The Kentucky Derby is an outdoor event and you want to be prepared come rain or shine.
I really like matching blazer and dress sets for being able to layer. Even on hot days in the Summer as often the AC is too cold or the temperature drops at night.
Most people will tell you to wear sensible shoes and something that you can walk on grass and gravel in. However, rules were made to be broken and most if the time I’ve just worn a pair of strappy, stiletto sandals as it makes the whole outfit look so much more elegant. As long as you can still walk in them!
Although this year I went for a square heel and they were absolutely perfect for walking around in.
Feathers also don’t fare too well in the rain unfortunately. So you might want to take that into consideration when choosing or designing your hat, shoes and Kentucky Derby dress.
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.
If you’re not going to Churchill Downs but to a Kentucky Derby themed party, especially one that’s inside you can have more fun with your shoe and hat choices. As you don’t have to worry about the weather so much.
Should I choose my hat or Kentucky Derby outfit first
It really comes down to personal preference on whether you choose your hat or Kentucky Derby dress first. If you fall in love with something get it.
If it’s the hat you that you find first there are so many choices on line that you can filter by color to find something that will work. If it’s the dress you fall in love with first, you can always work with a milliner if you can’t find the perfect hat.
If you’re going for a really elaborate hat, a plain dress might be a better bet so that you can let your hat be the focal point. However, if your hat is more simple or 1 color, a pretty floral print dress often looks really stunning.
What are the best Kentucky Derby dresses for 2023
The best Kentucky Derby dresses for 2023 are the ones that speak to you the most and that you feel confident in. Personally I like bright colors, pastels or prints for the horse races and avoid darker colors.
However, if my hats got a lot going on, I tend to always go for a more plain dress and always one that coordinates.
Some of this years biggest color trends are pastels, magenta, sunset colors, aquamarine, green and metallics. Just be careful with wearing metallics during the day that it doesn’t get too glam. Think more elegant garden party than disco diva.
What am I wearing for the 2023 Kentucky Derby Party in Vegas? That’s a surprise but I’ll update this post with photos from the event for some ideas for next years outfit.
Complete your womens Kentucky Derby outfit with the perfect shoes and bag
This is the time to have fun and go all out with your fashion and hat choice. Just be careful with your spacial awareness and your hat around other people!
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