Not only is the Kentucky Derby one of the most anticipated (and shortest) sports events of the year, but it's also a time for celebrities and locals to display their fanciest attire, including the trademark accessory of the American sport - an extravagant hat.
Sure, one would assume that spectators are visiting Churchill Downs to see and bet on the thoroughbreds, but it's really just a social gathering to determine who has the best and biggest hat - and overall well-coordinated outfit - while sipping on Mint Juleps all day and hoping to cash in after the two-minute "Run for the Roses."
The elegant, classy event requires that attendees be dressed in the same manner, and the tradition of wearing a decorated hat dates back to day one of the horse races, said Kentucky Derby Museum curator Chris Goodlett, according to NBC Bay Area.
Wearing a hat to the Derby symbolized good luck and was started by women who sat front and center in their stylish wardrobes. But men have also taken part in the tradition, and it is now a modern trend to dress in the vintage garments.
"The presence of ladies in the grandstand added great splendor to the racing scene," Goodlett said. "News articles in 1875 make reference to the dress of the ladies, with specific mention of hats."
The 1960s sparked the introduction of the larger, more colossal hats, with wider brims that shielded women's faces, and were said to have an alluring factor that added to a woman's seductiveness without revealing her body whatsoever.
Nowadays, women usually wear the "Southern Belle"-inspired hat, which has a wide brim and is often very ornate. Typically, these hats are decorated with flowers, bows, ribbons or feathers of any color.
Men's hats are usually a 1920s-inspired, solid color hat, according to 9News.
Tips:
1. If your hat has a pattern, keep your dress (outfit) design simple.
2. If the hat is simple, keep your dress (outfit) design simple.
3. Make the hat the focus of the ensemble.
4. If you have long hair, fasten a low ponytail slightly to the side of your head, or keep it down and on one side to highlight the hat's color on your face.
5. Men: wear pants that are in vibrant colors like green, light blue, pink or orange.
If floppy hats don't suit your style or standards, a fascinator would do the trick. This piece is a cross between a miniature hat and a hair accessory, embellished with feathers, flowers, beads or lace and perched on the side of a woman's head. It's smaller, but just as glamorous and eye-catching.
Or you could choose to forego the tips altogether, and make the outfit as funky or creative as you like, but be sure that it is tasteful. Nobody wants to see a disheveled mess at the Kentucky Derby.
Last year, celebrities really went all out and dressed to the nines. You can see some of their colorful, stunning looks, here.
On your mark, get set ... go! Off to the races; enjoy your weekend!
