Trot on Over to See the Best Kentucky Derby Looks of All Time
We’re not horsing around: It’s almost time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.The event's 151st outing will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky May 3. And while viewers will be chomping at the bit to see which of the 20 steeds cross the finish line first, that's not the only reason we're struggling to hold our horses. Fans will also be saddling up to go through all the star-studded looks.
Because from the head-turning hats and the bouquet of floral prints to the dapper bow ties and the sharp suits, the fashion is anything but horseplay.
"Derby fashion is a celebration of culture and expression with each year serving as a showcase of communal creativity," Zanna Roberts Rassi said in an April 2 press release for Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Whether it's through striking colors, statement headpieces or fantasy frills—the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs sets a new standard for fashion's influence on sports and culture."
And you can bet there will be celebrities at this year’s derby, too. Simone Biles will tell the jockeys to get ready as the "Riders Up" announcer, and Grace Potter will sing the national anthem. In fact, the three-time Grammy nominee has already been practicing her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" quite a bit—even when carpooling.
“When I’m picking up my kid, you can hear me going ‘and the rocket’s red glare’ in the car as I’m coming in," Grace, who shares 7-year-old Sagan with husband Eric Valentine, said on the April 29 episode of Southern Living’s podcast Biscuits & Jam. "They’re like, 'Oh, here comes Ms. Potter.'"
Fans can watch the daylong coverage of the Kentucky Derby starting May 3 at 12 p.m. EST on USA Network and then 2:30 p.m. EST on NBC—though the main race won’t take place until about 6:57 p.m. EST. And while the event has been dubbed the "most exciting two minutes in sports," the memories of the fashion can last much longer.So grab your mint julep and scroll through the looks celebrities have worn to the derby throughout the years.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end's pinstriped suit for the 2024 Kentucky Derby was a total touchdown.
For her national anthem performance at the 2024 derby, the Grammy winner wore an elegant white suit jacket with black trim and lace detailing—finishing her look with a coordinating tie and top hat.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and the KC Current co-owner scored some style points with their pastel outfits in 2023.
The singer sent big waves into motion with this floral look in 2023.
The rapper was riding in first class with this classy suit at the 2022 event.
Before singing the National Anthem at the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the "Should've Been Us" artist showed off her floral look including a bag from behno.
Fashionistas will be jumpin', jumpin with excitement over the Destiny's Child alum's floral dress for the 2019 derby.
Sometimes in order to fit in you've got to stand out, which the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum knew all too well when she attended the 2019 Kentucky Derby in her sunny yellow dress plus a flower- and butterfly-adorned hat.
Hats off to the "Love Will Lead You Back" singer's 2019 look.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star donned a fabulous and fierce leopard-print dress in 2019.
The father-daughter duo stole the show with their pink and yellow frills at the 2019 derby.
The country superstar returned to her southern roots with this lavender outfit and rosy fascinator for the 2019 Kentucky Derby.
In 2018, the Black-ish star sported a dapper yellow suit.
The *NSYNC singer's vibrant suit jacket really did pop at the 2018 Kentucky Derby.
In 2018, the Olympic figure skaters proved once again they never freeze up when it comes to fashion.
The retired boxer's dress and hat for the 2018 derby were total knockouts.
For the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the chef served up a red jacket, bold blue shirt and white pants—topping his ensemble with a hat, bow tie, pocket square and sneakers.
The Criminal Minds actress rocked the red carpet with her pink floral dress and coordinating butterfly hat at the 2018 Kentucky Derby.
The group decided to embrace the solo look with each member wearing their own specific fashion to the 2018 event.
You could say the actress's look for the 2018 derby was victorious.
The culinary star's dress for the 2017 Kentucky Derby was a true chef's kiss.
The journalist went for classy and chic with her flower details at the 2017 derby.
While attending in 2015, the Love Is Blind hosts proved they aren't blind when it comes to style.
The Modern Family actress dazzled in a tea-length floral getup in 2015.
We're coming clean and noting the Laguna Beach alum stunned in a perfectly coordinated beige ensemble—hat and all—at the 2013 derby.
No one can object to how great the lawyer-to-be looked in black and white at the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
The now-exes coordinated in black and white ensembles for the 2018 event.
The singer's pink hat and floral dress for the 2004 Kentucky Derby were so good they may just take your breath away.
(E!, USA Network and NBC are all part of the NBCUniversal family).
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