The most important element of your Kentucky Derby outfit is of course the Hat, but you can't wear just a Hat!. You do need wear a Dress, Jumpsuit, or Suit also folks, so this post is about the best dresses I've found for you. Don't worry I'm a Milliner so I've not ignored hats - they can be found in my post about those.
For more inspiration, style advice, and full outfits including the all important headwear, shoes and accessories then do be sure to read my Blog Spot on Kentucky Derby Outfits.
You have two choices you can go with on the dress (Heavy Florals, or Single Colour Dress) Stripes or Polka Dot can also be very on point if dressed with suited hats. If you go for a heavy floral pattern, remember you will need find a hat to match. The best (most Derby Hats) are dressed in ample flowers, so your dress could be ample in flowers that match. Or, keep the dress a single colour (probably a bright) and you can go all out on your Kentucky Derby Hat so that the hat grabs all the attention, while the dress harmonizes it. Stick with colors that remind you of Summer.
The most appropriate hem lengths by far are on the knee, just above knee, or mid calf. 50's Style A Line, pinched at the waist are super popular for the Derby, and flatter almost all body shapes. A Bardot neckline is also super popular at the moment. The Red Rose has been the official flower for Kentucky Derby since 1904, so Dresses in Red are always popular and encouraged, but not an essential.
To help you find the perfect Derby dress, I've picked loads out for you below, offering a variety to suit a wide range of budgets. Whether you are looking for the Ultimate Designer Dress, or 'Just need a dress', below you should find the perfect Kentucky Derby dress for you.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a Julep) to thank me.
The Red Rose has been the official flower for Kentucky Derby since 1904 - "Garland of Roses". Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race's current renewal on the other, and is draped over the winning horse. You don't HAVE to dress in a Garland of Roses, but many will choose to incorporate this flower in their outfits.
For Oaks Day you should think pink - "Lillies for the Fillies". The Stargazer Lily has been the official flower of the Oaks since 1991, when the Kroger Co. was asked to craft a feminine garland for the winning filly in the Derby’s sister race. The stargazer lily was picked to represent femininity and strength. Follow the theme in pink outfits, and hats with the beautiful big pink and white lillies.
Below is a gallery of some luxury Kentucky Derby dresses I've hunted out for you to splash out on.
View: Alexander McQueen (USA). Trompe L'Oeil printed puff-sleeve midi dress with puff sleeves to balance an A-line skirt, this dress in defined by a band at the waist.
View: Anna Mason (USA). Spring-inspired florals are printed throughout this poplin midi dress while exaggerated blouson puff sleeves and a slim belted waist work to add soft structure to the flared silhouette.
View: Johanna Ortiz Floral Off-the Shoulder Dress (USA). Rich jungle florals are printed against this tailored strapless sheath dress. Off-the-shoulder sleeves can be removed for totally sleeveless body-con dress.
View: Adam Lippes Shirt Dress (USA). Floral-Print Poplin Asymmetrical Midi Shirtdress
View: Patbo Grace Print Maxi Dress (International). With its cascading silhouette in a vibrant tropical print, the Grace Maxi Dress is a vacation getaway stunner with subtle cut-outs and a cinched waist.
View: Rococo Sand Viola Dress (International). If you love roses in Summer, you'll love this lightweight tiered and lace dress, perfect for racing or weddings in Summer.
View: Zimmermann Peggy Dress (International) or also at Neiman Marcus (USA). Zimmermann's 'Peggy' mini dress is playfully decorated with broderie anglaise in just about every color of the rainbow. Cut from ivory linen and cotton-blend, it has a fitted silhouette with voluminous puffed sleeves and a flouncy scalloped skirt.
View: loveshackfancy Cayden Dress (International). LoveShackFancy is loved for its romantic, feminine clothing. Made from tulle and crisp silk-organza embroidered with ditsy florals, this dress has puffed sleeves and a crochet-trimmed, high-low skirt.
View: Giambattista Valli Pink Floral Silk Dress (USA). This delicate floral printed silk dress has a slim bow waist and ruffle hem that adds feminine movement to the piece. Ultimate high end designer dress for Kentucky Oaks day 2021.
View: Camilla Button Silk Dress (International). 100% silk long ornate pattern dress embellished with multicolored crystal embellishment along neckline.
View: Zimmermann Peggy Dress (International). Peggy Zimmermann Dress with lace throughout for a modern 'Southern Belle' at the Kentucky Derby.
View: A.L.C Pink Pleated Cut Out Dress (International) or also at Saks Fifth Avenue (USA) and also at Revolve (International).
View: Amur Floral Dress (USA).
View: Bronx and Banco Blue Ruffle Dress (International). Long but still revealing, with a low front, asymmetric ruffle hem and exposed back.
Below is a gallery of some perfect Kentucky Derby dresses, that offer good 'cost per wear' if you are wearing for a few parties, but certainly not as expensive as the aspirational -for most- ones above.
View: NBD Rainbow Dress (International). Rainbows - The symbol of Hope and Social Change. After the storm of 2020, comes a Rainbow. Show your support by wearing a Rainbow to the Kentucky Derby 2021.
View: Milly Red and Pink Lace Dress (USA). Milly colorblocked cocktail dress in three-dimensional lace with adjustable spaghetti-straps.
View: Aidan Mattox White Dress (International). White dress with a fluttery bodice overlay and lace corset, pair with any color Kentucky Derby hat, and let the hat POP!.
View: ML Monique Lhuillier Floral Mini Dress (USA). A daringly dropped neckline escalates the allure of this charmeuse mini styled with ruching at the front and atop the shapely shoulders.
View: All Things Mochi Rainbow Dress (USA). After the Storm comes a Rainbow. With the Storm of 2020, why not celebrate the hope after the storm with a Rainbow.
View: Misa Los Angeles Dallin Floral Dress (USA). Tropical blossoms bloom bold and brightly on this long dress but bright floral dress, perfect for the Kentucky Derby 2021.
View: Lovers + Friends Gilda Lace Dress (USA). If you love the color combo of Pink and Mint, you'll love this lace dress, with a midi length perfect for racing.
View: Ted Baker Wrap Dress (USA). Wow them in understated elegance. An ever-flattering wrap dress injected with a boost of florals, with a dip hem design.
View: Kate Spade Polka Dot Dress (USA). Ruffles, and polka dots - What more could you need in a Kentucky Derby Dress?
View: Love + Lemons Aruba Layered dress (International). A Mini Dress, or a Long Dress, or Both? Two layers, wear just the mini dress, or with the top layer for a floaty long asymmetric style.
View: Ganni Floral Midi Dress (USA). For the Kentucky Derby in September 2020, choose this midi dress from Ganni. It comes in a verdant shade of green with a fresh floral print, and a longer sleeve length for cooler Summer or Fall months.
View: Tadashi Shoji (USA). Off-the-Shoulder Navy Floral Embroidered Dress with fitted waist and A line skirt.
View: Karina Grimaldi Rocio Jumpsuit (International). Sheen Satin Jumpsuit, that can work for weddings or a day at the races (but not Ascot Royal Enclosure as straps to thin). Features a detachable belt with D-ring closure, draped neck, and a loose leg.
View: Keepsake Polka Dot Dress (USA) and also at: Revolve for (International).
View: Olivia Rubin Polka Dot Dress (International). One trend puff sleeve, polka dot dress in lilac / black polka dots, with ruching at waist.
Below is a gallery of some pretty, and stylish Kentucky Derby dresses available on a High Street Budget, and won't leave you feeling like you can't now afford to buy the Juleps.
View: Tahari Coral Halter Neck Dress (UK). A crisscross halter neckline adds shoulder-baring style to this stretch-infused dress. Featuring a flattering full skirt, it’s finished with a sashed waist.
View: Trina Turk One Shoulder Dress (USA). Red one shoulder dress, with twisted fold waist detail.
View: Antonio Melani Floral Shirt Dress (USA). So, so pretty, and perfect for the Kentucky Derby in September 2020, when you want to keep the Floral feel, but a longer sleeve maybe more weather appropriate.
View: WAYF Dip Hem Floral Dress (USA). Tiered Floral Print Maxi Dress, with long puff shoulder sleeves, dip handkerchief hem, and cut outs at waist.
View: Tahari ASL Floral Dress (USA). Pretty petals fall on a spring-fresh linen-blend dress. Featuring a flirty flared skirt, it’s finished with a soft satin sash at the waist.
View: Alex Marie Red Jumpsuit (USA). Perfect Jumpsuit to watch the Run for the Roses. Pair with a fabulous Red Kentucky Derby Hat covered in Red Roses.
© 2021 The Hatista at www.dress-2-impress.com . All Rights Reserved .