What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby in 2024
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Kentucky Derby Dresses
The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, which means Kentucky Derby Parties and the Kentucky Derby!
If you aren’t sure what to wear to a Kentucky Derby Party, it’s surprisingly easy. 😊
What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby
In general, this is what you should wear to the Kentucky Derby:
- Wear a knee-length or a midi dress
- A cute Kentucky Derby hat
- Comfortable wedges (or open-toed heels)
- Cute earrings and jewelry
The best Kentucky Derby dresses come in bright color colors (like pink, orange, blue, and purple), have polka dots, or have a floral print. I'd suggest shopping at Lulus, Amazon (just search "Kentucky Derby dresses"), and Martha's Vineyard for Kentucky Derby dresses. Rent the Runway is also an amazing place to look!
Knee-length and midi dresses are the best for Kentucky Derby outfits. And of course, you can't forget a Kentucky Derby hat!
Classy and Cute Dresses to Wear to the Kentucky Derby
Below are cute and classy Kentucky Derby dresses for 2024.
Best Kentucky Derby Dress with Puff Sleeves:
This puff sleeve dress is so cute! Perfect for the Kentucky Derby and for other events too, like graduation, a summer wedding, or to a mother-daughter cotillion event!
Best Black and White Kentucky Derby Dress:
This black and white dress is perfect for wearing to the Kentucky Derby! Pair with black heels and a white and black hat for a cute Kentucky Derby outfit.
One woman from Lulus said, "Perfect Derby Dress. I wore this to a horse race event and it was perfect. Fits true to size and is good for smaller chest gals." — Tara M.
Best Plus Size Kentucky Derby Dress:
This black and white polka dot Kentucky Derby dress comes in plus sizes up to 4X-Large. This is one of my favorite plus size Kentucky Derby dresses! Plus, this dress is so affordable too!
This Kentucky Derby dress comes in more cute designs with floral print!
Best White and Blue Kentucky Derby Dress:
This blue and white floral dress is so darling!
Best Light Pink Kentucky Derby Dress:
This light pink ruffled dress is so cute. It is so pretty and feminine too!
Best Kentucky Derby Dress on Amazon:
This Kentucky Derby dress is under $45 on Amazon and comes in plus sizes.
Best Unique Kentucky Derby Dress:
This cute yellow and white dress is perfect for wearing to the Kentucky Derby!
Best Kentucky Derby Dress by Lilly Pulitzer:
This bright and cheery dress is perfect for spring, summer, or a Hawaiian vacation. Order a size up to ensure this dress fits.
Best Checkered Kentucky Derby Dress:
This black and white gingham midi dress is literally called the "Kentucky Derby" dress on Lulus. Wear with red heels and a red Kentucky Derby hat!
This blue lace dress with cap sleeves has an open back. So sexy!
This Kentucky Derby dress has long sleeves and is under $35. Plus, the flit and flare shape hides a tummy and is perfect for curvy women.
This is the perfect little dress if you want something that travels well. Note: This Kentucky Derby dress is body fitting, so you may want to wear spanx underneath it.
This Kentucky Derby dress has long sleeves. This dress has pockets too! 🙌
This red and white polka dot Kentucky Derby dress is SO flattery on women with curves.
Dressystar 1950s Polka Dot Dress
Pink V-Neck Dress
You can't go wrong with a solid-colored knee-length dress for a Kentucky Derby party.
This ruffled Kentucky Derby dress is flowy, soft, and feminine.
This empire, flowy dress is very flattering.
Knee-Length Skater Kentucky Derby Dress
Where to Buy Kentucky Derby Dresses
Need a Kentucky Derby dress, but not sure where to start searching?
Below are my recommendations on where to shop for Kentucky Derby dresses and plus-size Kentucky Derby dresses online.
1. Amazon
Amazon is amazing for affordable Kentucky Derby dresses.
2. Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer is great for cute and classy Kentucky Derby dresses.
3. Lulus
Lulus is a great place to shop for floral print Kentucky Derby dresses, high-low Kentucky Derby dresses, and midi-length Kentucky Derby dresses.
4. REVOLVE
REVOLVE is great for buying really feminine and unique Kentucky Derby dresses.
5. Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is an AMAZING place to get a designer dress to wear to the Kentucky Derby at an affordable price!
Plus, you can search for Derby dresses on Rent the Runway by size and body type.
6. Anthropologie
Anthropologie has amazing Kentucky Derby dresses for women and stylish, chic plus-size Kentucky Derby dresses for women.
FAQs about What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby
Below are a few FAQs you may have about what to wear to the Kentucky Derby or to a horse race.
What kinds of dresses do women wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Most women wear knee-length or midi dresses to the Kentucky Derby in spring colors.
If you already own a classy Easter dress or a spring wedding guest dress, you can likely wear that. 😊
Should I wear a hat to a Kentucky Derby party?
Yes, absolutely!
You will feel left out if you don’t have a hat to wear to a Kentucky Derby party.
Most women wear pink, yellow, or white hats to a Kentucky Derby party. Straw hats, Organza sun hats, and headbands with feathers are popular.
Amazon and Etsy have lots of cute Kentucky Derby hats for women on sale.
Shop Amazon for Kentucky Derby Hats
Shop Etsy for Kentucky Derby Hats
Should I wear heels to a Kentucky Derby party?
It really depends!
If you are going to be outside on the grass, you will probably want to wear cute wedges to a Kentucky Derby party.
You can’t go wrong with cute sandals too.
Many women love the Jack Rogers sandals. They are preppy and perfect for the Kentucky Derby.
What kind of purse should I bring to a Kentucky Derby party?
If you will be out all day, you’ll likely want a medium-sized purse that will hold water, a snack, and sunscreen.
Otherwise, you can bring a small straw clutch or a fun and feminine purse with you to a Kentucky Derby party.
Can I wear a romper to a Kentucky Derby party?
You can wear whatever you want to the Kentucky Derby, but I would strongly advise against wearing a romper.
Rompers are cute, but they are too casual for the Kentucky Derby. You’ll want to wear a dress if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb.
Where can I find dresses for the Kentucky Derby?
Check out Amazon, Vineyard Vines, Dillard’s, Lulus, and Lilly Pulitzer for cute dresses to wear to the Kentucky Derby.
Where can men find good clothes to wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Vineyard Vines is the perfect place for men to find collared shirts and jackets to wear to Kentucky Derby parties.
You will find LOTS of classy plaid and gingham shirts in turquoise, light blue, and pink that are just perfect for wearing to the Kentucky Derby.
Southern Tide has LOTS of khaki pants in every size imaginable for men to wear to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Outfits and Dresses for Inspiration
Want ideas on what to wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Below are a few photos to give you an idea of what to wear to a Kentucky Derby party for both men and women.
Guides to Get You Ready for More Spring and Summer Fun
Want more cute outfit ideas? Check out these guides for ideas on what to wear.
Cute Spring Outfits Inspired by Stitch Fix
Spring Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
Best One-Piece Swimsuits on Amazon
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Christina Marie from Chic Lifestyle (offering beauty product reviews, very easy makeup tips, and affordable outfit ideas for women)
