The Kentucky Derby is just around the final turn. It’s time to polish your riding boots and saddle up for a day filled with mint juleps, heart-racing excitement, and, most importantly, fabulous Derby Day fashion. Whether you’re a Kentucky Derby regular or a newcomer to the world of horseracing, fret not. We’ve got you covered with our guide on six ways to celebrate Derby Day in style. From being the hostess with the most-ess of your own Derby-inspired party to trotting out your most dashing attire, grab your reins and gallop straight into the heart of high society delights!
- Host a Derby-Themed Party — Derby Day is the perfect opportunity to flaunt your favorite clothes. What better way to flaunt your most vibrant and stylish clothing than by hosting a Derby-themed party? If you want to giddy up and gallop at a Derby Day party, you can make it a mane event by setting the tone with invitations. Town and Country shares that you can prepare your guests by sending them an informative and festive invite and specify they should wear Derby attire on the invite.
- Attend a Local Derby Day Event — Embrace the excitement of the races with cute skirts for women as you twirl in vibrant hues that capture the essence of Derby Day. Some people are lucky enough to attend the veritable Kentucky Derby, but for anyone who’s staying local there are plenty of local Derby Day events in your area that you can still have plenty of fun at while showing off some fun outfits. When you attend Derby Day, you’ll be among many other fashion enthusiasts donning their most colorful clothes and accessories, including bold hats and sparkly skirts.
- Organize a Derby Hat Decorating Contest — Organize a Derby hat decorating concert to inject excitement and creativity into the Derby Day festivities. Invite guests over to bring their own hats or provide them with basic ones so they can embellish them to their liking. Set up a crafting station stocked with an array of goodies like faux flowers, feathers, and ribbons. Encourage participants to use glue guns to stick on these fun details and let their imaginations run wild as they transform their hats into stunning works of wearable art. Once everyone finishes decorating, host a fashion show where each participant can show off their creation. Hand out prizes for different categories like the Most Elegant and the Most Creative, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable event for everyone. You can elevate your Derby Day hat and complementary outfit by wearing dresses that exude charm and elegance. Look for delicate lace details or floral patterns to really hone your Kentucky Derby style.
- Plan a Kentucky Derby-Inspired Menu — Plan a menu that’s inspired by the prodigal Kentucky Derby with iconic southern flavors, including bourbon-glazed ham, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken. Elevate your spread with traditional Derby dishes such as bourbon balls, hot browns, and savory biscuits. Don’t forget to serve up classic Derby drinks so you can sip on sweet tea, mint juleps, and Kentucky bourbon. For dessert, offer decadent treats such as bourbon-infused chocolate truffles and pecan pie.
- Decorate Your Space with Horseracing Decor — Transform your space with thoughtful horse racing decor to set the stage for an unforgettable Derby Day celebration. Adorn your tables with jockey silks as table runners. Look for playful accents like fresh roses or horseshoes for an elegant touch. Hang horse-racing-themed garlands to create a festive atmosphere, along with touches of greenery and horse figurines or riding boots to add charm to the decor. You can even set up a designated area for guests to take photos against a backdrop featuring a racetrack or winter’s circle. Once the decor is all ready, consider setting up a DIY photo booth.
- Setup a DIY Photo Booth — Create a DIY photo booth to add an extra layer of fun to your Derby Day celebration. Have a designated corner of your space and decorate it with equestrian-themed props like horse masks, jockey goggles, and oversized hats. Hang the festive backdrop, which features a banner with the Derby logo or a racetrack charm. Bring on the charm with a camera or smartphone on a tripod with a remote shutter or timer for easy snapping. This whimsical photo booth is perfect for capturing memorable moments that can be just as exciting as the Derby itself.
You might be tipping your hat to say farewell to this Celebrate Derby Day guide, but we hope we’ve left you with a lasting impression on how to enjoy the Kentucky Derby, whether you’re sipping mint juleps in your fanciest attire or horsing around with your friends at casual Derby Day party. Derby Day is a joyful fusion of style, sport, and southern hospitality that will leave you yearning for me. Once the starting gates swing open, you’ll be too hot to trot, so leave the trotting to the horses.
