Racegoers in the USA are undoubtedly looking forward to the Kentucky Derby 2026 which will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, there is no official dress code but according to them, “Derby fashion is all about style and tradition. For women, colorful dresses and bold hats are the norm. For men, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras are popular. Comfort meets Southern charm!”
They also suggest that men “typically wear colorful suits or sports coats, often in bold prints, pastels, or preppy plaids. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and stylish loafers or dress shoes. A fedora or bowler hat adds a classic Derby touch. The key is polished, springtime flair—don’t be afraid to stand out! “
Unlike UK society events such as Royal Ascot, it would seem the brighter the better is the way to go when it comes to fashion if you are attending the Kentucky Derby. However, believe it or not, colourful doesn’t mean brash and this is where I think racegoers who attend typically make fashion mistakes.
Over the years, there have been plenty of outfits that have not hit the fashion mark. NationalWorld looks at the worst dressed over the years. Believe it or not, the Kentucky Derby attributes the fashion in the 2000s had a lot to do with the Prince and Princess of Wales and the website states that “Thanks to the popularity of Kate Middleton and Prince William's royal wedding, impeccably designed fascinators and elaborate headpieces made a strong comeback.”
In the meantime, the Kentucky Derby 2026 is taking place on Saturday May 2, it is an all-day event but the actual race is slated to occur at 6:57 p.m.
1. The Kentucky Derby encourages bold outfits but there is bold and then there is TOO BOLD
These racegoers obviously wanted to attract attention at the Kentucky Derby, but their fashion outfits failed to impress | Getty Images
2. A guest wearing a flowers and pearls attire attends the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky
I love flowers and pearls but this is OTT even for me and not at all elegant | Getty Images
3. Guests attend the Kentucky Derby 149 at Churchill Downs on May 06, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.
This is kind of of a Mary Poppins look gone wrong! | Getty Images for Churchill Downs
4. Former baseball player Jayson Werth with wife Julie
More Strictly Come Dancing than Kentucky Derby, perhaps this is the look Jayson and Julie Werth were opting for | Getty Images