Whether you're watching the most exciting two minutes in sports at Churchill Downs or at home, here's how to look great doing it.
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What you wear to a sporting event typically tends to be an afterthought... unless you're heading to the Kentucky Derby. The annual horse racing competition is the one day of the year when the outfits are equally as important as the sport. And with the first Saturday of May fast approaching, it couldn't be a better time to start brainstorming your look. From bright and bold sport coats to classic hats and statement accessories, here are a few stylish items for looking your best at Churchill Downs this year.
Official Kentucky Derby Attire
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Seersucker Blazer
Official Kentucky Derby Attire
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Seersucker Blazer
If you're shopping Derby outfits, then there's no better place to turn to for that than Vineyard Vines, the Official Style Of The Kentucky Derby. Its 2024 collection, which is filled with tons of stylish duds, like this pinstriped blazer.
Classic Boater Hat
Scala Laichow Braid Boater Hat
Classic Boater Hat
Scala Laichow Braid Boater Hat
A boater is a classic men's style for the Derby—and be honest, you've always wanted an excuse to wear one.
Bright Trousers
Vineyard Vines Stretch Breaker Pants
Bright Trousers
Vineyard Vines Stretch Breaker Pants
When it comes to appropriate derby attire, the brighter the better! These eye-catching salmon trousers from Vineyard Vines is guaranteed to make anyone stand out in a crowd.
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Bold Bow Tie
Tie Bar Light Blue Duke Floral Bow Tie
Bold Bow Tie
Tie Bar Light Blue Duke Floral Bow Tie
Derby day is no time for understated accessories: take a chance on a dramatic print in a small format for major impact without a major commitment.
Linen Blazer
J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Jacket in Irish Cotton-Linen
Linen Blazer
J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Jacket in Irish Cotton-Linen
A breathable linen blazer will leave you feeling as cool as you look.
Seersucker Tie
Jacob Alexander Men's Seersucker Striped Pattern Regular Length Neck Tie
Seersucker Tie
Jacob Alexander Men's Seersucker Striped Pattern Regular Length Neck Tie
Seersucker is the perfect fabric to wear to a breezy outdoor event. Bonus style points for wearing a tie made from seersucker—an unexpected, but classy choice.
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Seersucker Sport Coat
Haspel Sapphire Bleau Seersucker Stretch Sport Coat
Seersucker Sport Coat
Haspel Sapphire Bleau Seersucker Stretch Sport Coat
Better yet... why not wear a seersucker suit? Established in New Orleans in 1909, Haspel is responsible for the original seersucker suit—a derby classic.
A straw Panama hat has a classic derby feel (and will help keep the sun out of your eyes during the race).
Plaid Bow Tie
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Buffalo Tartan Pre-Tied Bow Tie
The Derby is all about bright, bold colors and bow ties—and this one checks all the boxes.
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Horse Tie
Ties Hold Your Horses Burgundy Tie
Horse Tie
Ties Hold Your Horses Burgundy Tie
There is no more appropriate venue for an equestrian tie than the derby.
Gingham Dress Shirt
Vineyard Vines On-The-Go brrrº Gingham Shirt
Gingham Dress Shirt
Vineyard Vines On-The-Go brrrº Gingham Shirt
Pastel gingham is the perfect accompaniment to an iconic mint julep.
Statement Suit
Shinesty The Kentucky Secretariat
Bright colors look great when it comes to sport coats. While a brilliantly patterned blazer like this might be a bit much for your average night out, pair it with white linen trousers (or matching pants!), and you will turn heads in the right way at the Downs.
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For a true Millionaires Row look, you can't go wrong with a horsebit loafer.
Statement Cufflinks
Cufflinks Racing Horses Cufflinks
Wear your love of the races on your sleeve.
On-Theme Jewelry
David Yurman Petrvs Horse Pinky Ring
On-Theme Jewelry
David Yurman Petrvs Horse Pinky Ring
A signet ring is an elegant everyday piece, but this horse-emblazoned one is particularly perfect for the Derby.
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On-Theme Cufflinks
Cufflinks, Inc. Horseshoe Cuff Links
On-Theme Cufflinks
Cufflinks, Inc. Horseshoe Cuff Links
Make it your lucky day with these lucky horseshoe cufflinks.
If you're going to wear a timepiece, make sure it's one from Longines, the official timekeeper of the Derby.
Sharp Shoes
Todd Snyder x Sanders White Suede Buck
Sharp Shoes
Todd Snyder x Sanders White Suede Buck
A sharp pair of cream oxfords will complement your statement look perfectly.
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You'll want to have a prime view of those horses for the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Lauren Hubbard
Writer
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and co*cktails.
Sam Dangremond
Contributing Digital Editor
Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, co*cktails, travel, and the social scene.
