Explore all the Best Looks From The Kentucky Derby 2025

Though it may not be all over your social media like the Met Gala or a Brat concert, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most stylish events on the American social calendar for decades. What started as a day at the racetrack has evolved into a full-fledged fashion spectacle—where the more excessive, the better. 

At its core, the Derby is a celebration of Southern tradition and celebrating the springtime, where dressing up is less of an option and more of an unspoken rule. From bold floral prints and pastel suits to oversized sunglasses and coordinated couple looks, attendees go all in. But the true showstoppers are the hats: wide-brimmed, feather-adorned, and often delightfully excessive.

The hat tradition dates back to the Derby’s earliest days in the late 1800s, when founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. encouraged a European-style elegance for the occasion. What began as a nod to refinement has grown into a beloved form of self-expression, with modern guests treating the Derby as a chance to debut custom, couture-level headwear.

And while the horses may be the main event, the fashion is what turns heads long after the race is over. From celebrities in private boxes to longtime locals in their Sunday best, the Kentucky Derby continues to prove that style—much like the sport itself—is all about going the extra mile.

Stay tuned and come back to see the best celebrity looks from the 2025 Kentucky Derby.