If you have ever looked at the Kentucky Derby outfits, then you have most definitely understood that, well, hats play a big role in those overall looks. Every single year, spectators arrive at this famous horse race dressed in some of the finest attire and wearing extravagant hats that often serve as the centerpiece of their outfits. Sure, this event is known for horse racing, but we cannot fail to mention that it is also equally known for bold fashion, creative headwear, and vibrant colors.

So, it is no wonder that you are here right now, looking for some fashion tips for your next event, and it is no wonder that you are looking for tips on how to choose Your Next Beautiful Kentucky Derby Hat and thus make your entire attire stand out, creating a polished and memorable look. Whether you are going to the Kentucky Derby, or you are attending any kind of local racing event, or perhaps a garden party, or any other special occasion that is inspired by Derby fashion, you will definitely want to coordinate the hat with the rest of your outfit, and thus really make an impression.

Clearly, thus, you are looking for tips on how to style Kentucky Derby hats. And, well, that is precisely what we are going to help you out with today. In short, we are going to share some tips that you could find rather useful. Without much more ado, let us get started.

Get to Know the Spirit of the Kentucky Derby Fashion

Before you start looking at the different hats, you should take your time to, well, really understand the Kentucky Derby fashion. To get a clearer overview of what it is that makes this style so unique. Unlike some other formal events, which prefer understated elegance, Derby fashion actually encourages color, creativity, and generally showing off your personality. We are talking large hats, feathers, ribbons, bold patterns, floral decorations, and similar elements that are all a part of the tradition. Yet, balance is still required, because the goal is to create a coordinated look that will be fashionable and intentional instead of overwhelming.

Choose the Hat First

Choosing the hat first is a good trick that you should keep in mind here. It is often intuitive for people to, well, select a dress first and then try to find a hat that will go well with it. Yet, when we are talking about the Kentucky Derby, the hat is actually the statement piece, meaning that choosing it first allows you to much more effectively coordinate everything else. So, select the hat first, checking out those at Gold Coast Couture and similar places, thinking about the size, color, shape, embellishments, and the overall style, and then proceed towards finding complementary clothing.

Here is a bit more about the Kentucky Derby in general: https://www.history.com/articles/kentucky-derby

Coordinate the Colors

For a long time, matching all the elements perfectly was considered the most sophisticated approach. This has, however, changed. And the idea today is for you to coordinate the color palette. For instance, a navy hat could actually pair perfectly with, for example, a floral dress, while a pink hat could go well with neutral-tone dresses and soft pastels. So, what you should do is, well, aim for harmony instead of exact matching.

Think About the Size

Choosing the right size of the hat is also important. Kentucky Derby headpieces are, of course, known for their dramatic proportions, but that doesn’t always mean that bigger is better. The idea is for this accessory to complement your outfit and your frame. So, if you decide to go for an oversized style, remember to keep the rest of the look simple, and if you dress in some bold patterns or with significant detailing, then a more restrained headpiece could help better create the right balance.

Think About Your Face Shape

Now, considering your face shape is an absolute must, because different hat styles will flatter different types of facial features. Round faces, for instance, can benefit immensely from wide-brim hats with some angular details, while square faces could look amazing with rounded brims and some softer embellishments. The idea is for you to, well, try on several styles and thus figure out which particular shape complements your facial features successfully. Here is a bit more on how to choose the right style.

Keep the Season in Mind

Since the Kentucky Derby traditionally happens in the spring, there is no doubt that the season will impact your fashion choices. And, some lightweight fabrics will help you create more comfortable and more seasonally appropriate outfits. But if you’re attending an event inspired by Derby fashion during a different season, you should undeniably keep that in mind and adapt the fabrics and the colors accordingly.