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: Leo Lin Floral Dress (USA). LEO LIN "Nellie" belted silk-linen midi dress in a sunflower print
View: Dolce & Gabbana Floral Dress (USA). Dolce & Gabbana floral-printed mini dress with sweetheart neckline, mini length, and corset-style construction at the bodice.
View: Andrew Gn Floral Dress (USA). Andrew Gn dress featuring garden print of flowers and butterflies, with a removable belt.
View: Zimmermann Vitali Dress (International) and also at: Revolve (International).
View: Carolina Herrera Floral Dress (International) and also available at: Saks Fifth Avenue (USA). Crafted of a stretch cotton blend, this Carolina Herrera midi-dress features an eye-catching tropical print and a ruched front. This style is designed with a plunging V-neck, short puff-sleeves, and an O-ring belt.
View: Zimmermann (USA). Zimmermann's elegant Jude midi-dress is crafted of linen. Featuring scalloped trim, this floral style is detailed with spaghetti straps, a cut-out waist, and side slit pockets.
View: Carolina Herrera Puff Sleeve Dress (USA). Carolina Herrera floral printed dress featuring exaggerated puff sleeves, gathering along the high neckline, and an open back.
View: Zhivago Message to Love Dress Dress (International). Perfect fitted dress with a touch of sex appeal through the side cut out detail, back split and shoulder pads, with gold embroidered stripes.
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: Oscar de la Renta Botanical Dress (International). Cut from light-as-air silk, with a 'walking art' botanical print, this maxi has a loosely flowing button-front silhouette with a pussy-bow neckline, puffed sleeves, and a pin-tucked bodice.
View: Camilla Plunge Neck Silk Dress (International). Lightweight chiffon fabric with subtle jeweled trim, all over floral print, and maxi length.
View: Zhivago Floral Mesh Dress (USA). ZHIVAGO "The Vendetta" mesh dress bedecked with floral appliqués, satin stitched panels, high neckline, long sleeves, shoulder accents and center-back slit.
View: Rococo Sand Vie Long Floral Dress (International). Long pretty and elegant with florals, ruffles and a long hemline.
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 2022.
View: A.L.C Pink Pleated Cut Out Dress (International) or also at Saks Fifth Avenue (USA) and also at Revolve (International).
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: Whistles Floral Dress (USA). Whistles pink floral midi dress with square neck, short puff sleeves, tie cuffs, and contouring seams through body.
View: Karen Millen Botanical Mini Dress (USA). This mini dress embodies feminine details with a contemporary flourish. Designed with a floral print on silk cotton, it makes for an undeniable luxe look for the season. It comes with a rounded neck, ruffle-trimmed sleeves, fitted waist and drop-hem skirt. Corsetry-style panelling offers welcome allure to any occasion.
View: LPA Floral Roses Dress (International). Floral Roses dress with ruched bust and Floral with polka dot design throughout.
View: Lydia Millen x Karen Millen Dress (USA). Give the classic mini dress a high-fashion twist. Adorned with beach placement print, puffed sleeves and playful cut-out accents, the piece is the embodiment of dreamlike allure.
View: Kobi Halperin Floral Dress (USA). Showcasing a whimsical floral print, Kobi Halperin's Trace peasant dress is designed with a V-neck, self-tie belt, and tiered skirt.
View: Natori Floral Dress (International). Crafted of structured cotton poplin and featuring an eye-catching floral print. Cut in a one-shoulder silhouette, this dress is finished with a high-low hem for a layered look.
View: Patbo Tropicalia Dress (USA). Trimmed with decorative mesh fishnet and embroidered panels. This fitted silhouette is framed by a V-neck and a voluminous peplum hem.
View: L'idee Pink Pleated Dress 2022 (International). Halterneck styling with tie closure, front cut-out with surplice neckline, Plisse satin fabric and pleated detailing.
View: Hobbs Jennifer Dress (UK) or also at Bloomingdales (USA). Hobbs Jennifer Dress with floral and bufferfly print.
View: Ted Baker Eliyzza Dress (UK) or from: Ted Baker (USA). Button Up Midi Dress With Tie Cuffs
View: Karen Millen Horses Print Dress (USA) The perfect dress for the Derby. Indulge the spirit with this flowing crepe maxi dress. Detailed with printed stallions on a painterly pastel backdrop, it fits the Kentucky Derby perfectly and features a sleeveless silhouette, zip closure and flirtatious back cut-out.
View: V Chapman Floral Midi Dress (International). Tiered ruffle dress, with lace-up back, adjustable shoulder straps, underwire cups and boned bodice.
View: Ted Baker White Dress (USA). A timeless classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for the Kentucky Derby, where white dresses look fabulous worn with almost any colour hat for a breathtakingly beautiful look.
View: Elliatt Lotusland Dress (International). Long bishop sleeves, and broderie anglaise lace mini dress
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: WAYF Yellow Floral Dress (USA). Corset Midi dress, with a floaty skirt, and all over peach and yellow roses pattern.
View: Karen Millen Pink Dress (USA) or from Karen Millen (UK).
View: Bebe Floral Roses Dress (International). 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: Aqua Mint Floral Dress (USA). Perfect colour dress to wear while sipping your Mint Juleps!
View: Karen Millen Pansies Print Dress (USA) or from Karen Millen (UK).
View: Karen Millen Midaxi Floral Dress (USA) and also at: Karen Millen (UK). Tiered Floral Print Midaxi Dress, with flare sleeves and open back detail.
View: Norma Kamali One Shoulder Bubblegum Pink Dress (USA). Fun Bubblegum pink one shoulder dress, with all over ruched detail.
View: Bebe Pink Mini Dress (International). Add drama to your look with this sexy scuba dress that has tiered ruffles cascading from one shoulder and a shimmery crystal-trimmed mock neck.
View: Karen Millen Body Con Red Roses Dress (USA). Dress with la dolce vita in mind. This opulently printed pencil dress combines an elegant, curve-contouring silhouette with a romantic Italian rose pattern to dazzling effect.
© 2023 The Hatista at www.dress-2-impress.com . All Rights Reserved . Privacy Policy