The Kentucky Derby is coming up, and you want to make a good impression.
Dressing for the Kentucky Derby can be tricky- it’s a formal event, but you don’t want to look stuffy.
Jacci Jaye has got you covered with her selection of men’s Kentucky Derby attire. From bowties to seersucker suits, she has everything you need to look your best at the races.
Let’s get started!
Men’s Kentucky Derby attire
Men’s items should have
Laichow Braid Boater Hat
Boaters are a classic men’s style for the Derby—and, well, you’ve always wanted an excuse to wear one. This pick from Laichow has a unique braid detail that’ll make you stand out from the rest of the seersucker-and-fedora crowd.
Slim Fit Linen Blazer
A breathable linen blazer will keep you feeling cool and collected as you sip mint juleps and take in the races. Look for one with a slim cut and classic details like notch lapels and patch pockets.
A Plaid Pastel Black Label Stretch Suit Featuring the Burnished Broker Plaid
Bright colors can look great when worn with sport coats, as this patterned blazer does. For a more subdued look, pair it with white or stone trousers and you will stand out in the right way at the Downs.
Toyo Safari Hat
A straw Panama hat has a classic derby look and will help keep the sun out of your eyes during the race.
Seersucker Necktie with Matching Pocket Square
Seersucker is a great fabric to wear to an outdoor event that is breezy. Plus, wearing a tie made from seersucker can add some unexpected class to your look.
Stretchy sport coat in a sapphire blue seersucker fabric
Haspel is the company responsible for the original seersucker suit, a classic derby style. Established in 1909 in New Orleans, Haspel continues to produce high-quality suits that are popular with men and women around the world.
Reace Suede Oxford
Wearing low-cut, no-show socks with your shoes will help to keep them sweat-free, and they’re also affordable enough to sustain some wear and tear in the infield.
Bow Tie with a Floral Pattern and a Light Blue Duke
Make a statement with a bold print on an understated accessory. Derby day is the perfect time to go for something dramatic without spending a lot of money.
Kentucky Derby Printed Blazer
This stylish blazer was designed with this year’s Derby in mind, and is guaranteed to make a statement on the big day.
Bow tie in Buffalo tartan for men, pre-tied and ready to wear
The Derby-style shirt is a bright, bold color and features a bow tie. It is perfect for the festivities!
Trim Fit Twill Gingham Performance Dress Shirt
Pastel gingham is a versatile and flattering fabric choice for a classic mint julep.
Hold Your Horses Burgundy Tie
The derby is an excellent location for equestrian ties.
Jordaan Horsebit Leather Loafers
If you’re looking for a style that will perfectly reflect your refined taste, a horsebit loafer is the perfect choice. These shoes are often seen on millionaires and celebrities, and they look great on anyone who has an appreciation for luxury fashion.
Petrvs Horse Signet Ring
This horse-emblazoned signet ring is perfect for the Derby.
Racing Horses Cuff Links
Show your support for your favorite race by wearing something related to it. This can be anything from a T-shirt to a hat.
Horse Bit Tie Bar in Silver
If you want to add an equestrian touch to your suit, consider wearing a tie bar shaped like a horse bit. This accessory will help add personality and style to your look.
Riley Sun Acetate Round Sunglasses
A spectator should have a clear view of the horses during the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Classic Wayfarer 50mm Polarized Sunglasses
Tortoiseshell sunglasses are a stylish and classic addition to any preppy-approved outfit. They can add a touch of sophistication to any look, and are always in style.
Lucky Horseshoe Cufflinks
These horseshoe cufflinks are sure to bring you good luck. They’re a great way to show your support for the horse racing community.
The best men’s outfits to wear in the Kentucky Derby
That Old-Fashioned
If you’re looking to dress smart and traditional for lunch at one of the Kentucky Derby’s many restaurants or spectating the race as a club member, you can’t go wrong with a navy suit and white shirt. A two-piece suit is typically worn, but if the weather is cold or you want to refine your look, a three-piece may be better option.
Your accessories should be minimal in order to complete your outfit. Wear dress shoes like Oxfords or Derbys to finish off your look perfectly.
Cute and Casual
If you plan to sit in the stands at a game, be comfortable wearing jeans. Jeans are generally accepted as casual attire and can look nice when dressed up with a suit jacket in a classic color like grey, navy, beige, or white. You can also add a white shirt into the mix with rolled-up sleeves and the top buttons undone for an easy yet elegant look.
For footwear, choose suede bucks for a casual cool look.
Summery Delight
If you’re looking to dress for the Kentucky Derby, it’s a good idea to switch out your suit pants for something lighter and more breathable in warmer temperatures.
If you’d like to stick with a more conventional look, you can still keep your navy suit jacket. Alternatively, try swapping it out for a seersucker option that is much more comfortable. You can also wear a brightly colored shirt along with tan leather belt and dress shoes to add some extra brightness to your ensemble.
Combine and contrast
If you want to stand out from the crowd and show your adventurous side, mix up your suit separates and wear a different colored jacket with your pants. This can be as subtle or as daring as you like, depending on your personal taste.
To keep your look cohesive, stick to one color family but vary the shade. For instance, wear a navy suit jacket with mid-blue pants. Be sure to keep your shirt neutral so as not to overpower the look. If you’re feeling brave, add another color into the mix through a bright bow tie or regular necktie.
Radiantly Confident
If you’re looking for an alternative way to style your outfit, consider investing in separates in bright and beautiful colors like key lime, Bermuda pink, citron, or coral. These colors will look great in the sunlight and make a statement on their own. If you’re not the type to experiment with fashion often, consider adding colorful accents through a vivid pocket square or colorful belt.
The Influence of Printing
If you want to stand out in a crowd of spectators, consider wearing a bold print suit. However, be sure to downplay your accessories, shirt color, and footwear to let the outfit take center stage.
All sorts of patterned tops
Wearing a patterned shirt can add a fun and distinctive vibe to your outfit. If you want to go all-out, channel your inner maximalist and team your loud, patterned shirt with a rich-toned jacket and pants. For something more understated, choose subtle-toned separates.
Pastel Surprise
If you’re not a fan of rainbow colors, go for washed-out separates instead. Pastels are perfect for embodying summer vibes and putting a contemporary spin on the traditional Kentucky Derby look. They also look handsome when combined with a simple white shirt. If you want to embrace summer and the fashion-forward nature of this look even further, rock sockless loafers or boat shoes.
Accessories that are both Fun and Quirky
If you want to keep your separates polished and toned down in a muted color palette, consider accessories like bows ties, pocket squares, or dress hats.
How should I dress for a Kentucky Derby party?
How should I dress for a Kentucky Derby party? The Kentucky Derby is a very special event, so it is important to dress accordingly. Whether you are attending a party or just watching the races on TV, it is important to show your support for this historic event. There are many different ways to do this, but one of the most popular is by wearing Kentucky Derby attire.
There are a few key elements that should be included in any Kentucky Derby outfit. First, you will need a Derby hat. This can be anything from a simple fedora to an elaborate sunhat adorned with flowers and ribbons. Second, you will need to wear light, summery colors. Think pastels, florals, and whites. Third, don’t forget your seersucker! Wearing this traditional Southern fabric is a sure way to show your Derby spirit.
When it comes to putting together the perfect Kentucky Derby outfit, have fun with it! There are no hard and fast rules, so feel free to experiment with different colors, patterns, and styles. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself and root for your favorite horse!
F.A.Q Men’s Kentucky Derby attire
Can I wear black to the Kentucky Derby?
While black is not typically associated with the Kentucky Derby, there is no strict dress code that says you cannot wear it. If you would like to incorporate black into your outfit, we suggest pairing it with other colors to create a more festive look. For example, you could pair a black suit jacket with a white shirt and pastel-colored tie.
What do you wear to a 2022 Derby?
While the 2022 Kentucky Derby has not yet taken place, we anticipate that the dress code will be similar to years past. We suggest wearing light, summery colors and traditional Southern fabrics such as seersucker. As always, don’t forget your Derby hat!
Why do people dress up for the Kentucky Derby?
Dressing up for the Kentucky Derby is a tradition that dates back to the late 19th century. At the time, the Derby was a very formal event and attendees would dress in their finest clothes. Today, people dress up for the Derby as a way to show their support for this historic event.
Is a tie required at the Kentucky Derby?
While a tie is not required, it is considered proper Derby attire. If you choose to wear a tie, we suggest opting for a bow tie or ascot. These styles are more festive and will help you get into the Derby spirit!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the Kentucky Derby or not, it’s hard to deny that the race is a fashion spectacle. This year, men can get in on the fun by choosing attire that will make them stand out in the crowd. We hope our guide has given you some ideas for what to wear to this year’s Kentucky Derby. If you need more inspiration, be sure to check out our website at southwark.tv for even more fashion tips and advice.
As always, thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you at the races!