Kentucky
Here are 5 Kentucky Derby outfit ideas and fashion tips for women
2025 Kentucky Derby: See outfit ideas, fashion tips for women
From sequins and satin to ruffles and bold colors, here’s what women will wear to the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Prepping your fashion by scouring the internet for “what to wear to the 2025 Kentucky Derby” is one way to gain inspiration for your ensemble. Or you can take an easier route with tips from a professional who truly knows her way around fashion at the track.
For more than three decades, Louisville-based fashion consultant Jo Ross has produced stunning results for women and men seeking advice on their Kentucky Derby wardrobe. A lifelong Kentuckian, Ross understands how Southern style is interpreted at the racetrack and intertwines this know-how with her experience as a regular at New York City’s iconic Fashion Week and Prêt a Porter in Paris.
Simply put — seasoned Derby goers “dress to impress” as if they are attending an upscale garden party with mint juleps, horseracing and friends. This look is accomplished by pairing color, silhouette, accents, a stunning headpiece and the right pair of shoes. We’re not joking, shoes can mean a winning or losing day at the track and we promise to explain.
But first, to help you create your own standout outfit(s) for spring 2025, Ross met our team at the Oxmoor Bourbon Company, 720 Oxmoor Ave. This historic home several miles from Louisville is a first-of-its-kind historical tour and tasting experience at Kentucky’s famed Oxmoor Farm. Ross arrived with racks filled with must-have spring fashions from Von Maur and models Vanessa Thorton, Alexis Gregory and A’nya Winburn who where selected during our open model audition earlier this year.
From breezy pleated sundresses to more ornate cocktail attire with sequins, ruffles and coordinating outfits for couples attending the races, Ross created multiple Kentucky Derby worthy ensembles showcasing this season’s silhouettes and colors but said your ensemble comes down to one prime piece of advice, no matter which year you attend the Kentucky Derby.
“Derby is always colorful and so much fun and your fashion should reflect that mood,” Ross told the Courier Journal. “There are so many options, whether you choose to wear a dress, pantsuit, jumpsuit or romper. The key is to feel great in what you wear.”
So let’s get started. Here are five tips to help you perfect your winning outfit for this year’s Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, held this year on May 2 and 3, respectively.
What colors will women wear to the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Churchill Downs is awash in brilliant colors each spring. The week of the Kentucky Derby we see vibrant color in the racetrack’s landscape from the silks the jockeys wear as they race and the guests who flow through the gates.
With upward of 100,000 fans flooding through the gates at Churchill Downs each day of Kentucky Derby weekend, you’ll see just about every color under the sun.
“Color is again, the big story in 2025,” said Ross.”The dominant favorites are cobalt, pinks and oranges with a lot of multi-color bold prints.”
If this is your first trip to the Kentucky Derby, you probably also have tickets to the Kentucky Oaks, which is held this year on Friday, May 2. Pink is the color of the day as the official flower of the Kentucky Oaks is the stargazer lily, the official drink is the Oaks Lily (also pink) and the official Survivors Parade celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors.
The following day is the “Run for the Roses” or the Kentucky Derby. The official flower of the Derby is the red rose and plenty of spectators dress in shades of red and floral patterns. But Derby Day is more of a free for all as far as color is concerned. Every color under the rainbow is game and that includes lots and lots of pink, again.
If bright bold colors aren’t your speed, Ross suggests an ensemble in traditional spectator colors, that’s black and white and navy and white. A long standing favorite at the racetrack spectator colors are always classic and look extra special accented with a splash of color in your hat, a scarf or jewelry.
Do I wear a hat to the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Well, yes! Beautiful wide brimmed hats and fancy fascinators perched on a headband or elastic band are tradition at the Kentucky Derby. The big question is do you buy the hat first or your outfit? If you are working with a custom hat designer, they can create a hat to coordinate with your outfit. But many women buy their headpiece first and then find a dress, jumpsuit or romper that coordinates well with the colors and style of their hat.
Which style of clothing do I wear to the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
A good starting point is understanding where you’ll be seated for the races. Some sections of the racetrack are more formal than others. For instance, if you are seated in the uncovered Grandstand you’ll need to dress to easily move about in the crowd and depending on the weather you may need to add a jacket or wrap or even a raincoat. Sundresses, rompers and jumpsuits are favorites in this section of Churchill Downs.
Indoor seating lends itself to being a bit more formal since you won’t need to be dressed to withstand the weather for six to eight hours.
“I am seeing a lot of feminine touches in 2025 collections such as ruffles, tiers, flounces, crochet, lace and chiffon adorn dresses,” said Ross. “You can also get away with sparkle by day by wearing a cocktail dress with sequins to the track.”
If you aren’t sure what the dress code is for the section of Churchill Downs where you are seated, you can read more at the Churchill Downs website, which details what is appropriate in each section of the track.
What are the hemline trends for fashion at the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
This is the easiest decision of all our Kentucky Derby fashion tips because it’s really whatever you are most comfortable wearing.
Ross said this year’s top trends are all over the map. “Lengths go from thigh high to ankle, with everything in between.”
So pick a dress length or style in which you’re most comfortable.
What type of shoes do I wear to the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
While you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for style, Ross does suggest prioritizing comfort as a day at the Churchill Downs Racetrack is long and you’ll spend a lot of time walking to get to your seat and meeting up with friends who may be seated in different sections of the venue.
You’ll thank us if you leave the stilettos at home and opt for a more stable wedge instead. Chunky heels and pretty sandals with low heels are another option. Some women will wear platform sneakers to Churchill Downs and everyone who has been to the races before knows to slip a pair of flip flops in your bag. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
Kentucky
Chase Matthew’s bassist Carsen Richards charged with child sex crimes after being arrested at Kentucky festival
Country singer Chase Matthew’s bassist has been charged with child sex crimes after being arrested at a Kentucky festival.
Carsen Richards, 22, was arrested Saturday and is accused of sexually abusing an autistic boy on two occasions in 2020 and 2022 when they were ages 12 and 14, LEX18 reported.
Footage shared on TikTok showed Richards being surrounded by cops after he had performed at the BBQ & Barrels event in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Cops waited until the Tennessee-born guitarist had left the stage before arresting him amid fears he could be armed.
Richards has since been charged with sodomy and incest involving a person under 18 by a person three or more years or older, and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The boy’s mom reported the alleged abuse to Winchester cops in November last year and the child confirmed the claims during a police interview the following month.
Richards was confronted by the woman outside his Hendersonville apartment, on Feb. 12, according to court docs seen by the Owensboro Times.
“There is nothing more I have regretted in my life,” he reportedly told her before saying “I made an awful mistake.”
His alleged victim has Level 1 autism — the lowest support level, according to Vanderbilt University.
Matthew, known for his breakout hit “Love You Again,” has since fired Richards.
“The situation has honestly been one of the most shocking and heartbreaking things I have ever experienced,” the 28-year-old singer-songwriter wrote on Instagram.
“When I first heard the allegations, I was sick to my stomach. I would never associate myself with a person I think could even be remotely capable of something like this, much less hire them to be on my team.
“The reality is, you don’t always know what someone may be doing outside of your workplace, and nothing would have made me believe this was a possibility.”
Matthew said, “I do not support or tolerate behavior of this kind whatsoever.
“I am truly disturbed and disgusted by the details of these allegations. My heart breaks for anyone affected.”
Kentucky
Liberty Trees planted throughout Kentucky
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. (WXIX) – Liberty Trees are being planted across Kentucky in celebration og America 250.
FOX19 NOW’s Philip Krinsky went down to Campbell County, where a Liberty Tree dedication took place.
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Copyright 2026 WXIX. All rights reserved.
Kentucky
2026 Kentucky Derby: The Sporting Event Expanded Its Partnerships
LOUISVILLE, KY.—Jockey Jose Ortiz rallied long shot Golden Tempo from way back in the pack to claim the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, beating his older brother Irad Ortiz Jr. by a neck and making Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Derby winner.
Held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., this year’s race averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-viewed Run for the Roses on record since Nielsen began tracking average audiences in 1988.
In the week leading up to the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs hosted a full roster of events, including 502’sDay, Winsday, Thurby, and the Kentucky Oaks (when fans watch 3-year-old fillies compete), which, for the first time, was contested in primetime and on network television.
As part of the racetrack’s ongoing renovations, the sixth-floor space, 10,000-square-foot ultra-VIP space known as The Mansion opened its private doors, revealing a $30-million refurbishment. There were improved amenities in the Finish Line Suites this year as well.
But that wasn’t the only newness happening. This year introduced several firsts, including the Derby’s first-ever beauty partnership with L’Oréal, an MLB activation where fans were able to put their pitching skills to the test, and a limited-edition Graeter’s ice cream flavor, Bourbon Backstretch Cherry.
Returning partners also evolved their experiences for 2026, including Old Forester serving up a new signature cocktail with a fruity twist called the Perfecta and Red Bull expanding its lounge area in the Infield, which included a custom Ford F150 DJ booth with custom Red Bull cocktails.
This updated partnership strategy is part of the racetrack’s efforts to attract younger fans and the Gen Z demo. “Reaching new and younger audiences is how the brand stays relevant after 152 years,” said Casey Ramage, senior marketing and partnerships consultant for Churchill Downs Racetrack.
“Churchill Downs does this by offering onsite fans brand experiences such as beautiful photo moments around our iconic Twin Spires and partner collaborations and merchandise brands that are relevant to this audience such as vineyard vines, lululemon, and Aviator Nation,” she said.
For the fans at home, the Churchill Downs team also turned more to social media to educate the viewing audience. This year, the Derby’s social media accounts saw a 59% increase during Derby Week, Ramage added.
As for the L’Oréal partnership, Ramage said it just made sense. “With fashion being one of the first things you think about for the Kentucky Derby experience, Churchill Downs has always wanted to partner with a beauty brand, and L’Oréal Paris is the perfect fit,” she explained.
The brand was the presenting partner of the Derby’s Green Room, where celebrities and VIPs were able to touch up their makeup and hair before walking the red carpet. L’Oréal also produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways and surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms.
Keep scrolling to see more from the 2026 Kentucky Derby and the brand activations and parties surrounding the historic event…
L’Oréal produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways as well as surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms. Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

Because of Churchill Downs’ strong partnership with NBC, the racetrack also highlighted the network’s new relationships with both the MLB and WNBA. The MLB hosted an interactive pitch activation, where fans were challenged to test their fastball and track their throwing speed in real time. Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

Attendees posed inside a WNBA bespoke photo moment. Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack

The WNBA logo was made out of red and white roses, as a nod to the Derby race. Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack
Apparel brand vineyard vines marked its 16th year as the Official Derby Style with on-site activations, including a fully branded stage in the Infield, featuring live entertainment and giveaways such as its fan-favorite whale hats, sunglasses, and more. Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines
Fully wrapped F-150s and Broncos in a vineyard vines print were located at the track’s “First Turn.” Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines

Sports Illustrated Resorts’ Club SI hosted guests across both Oaks and Derby Day at Churchill Downs. The exclusive hospitality suite offers a view of the paddock and paddock runway. SI Swim model Camille Kostek hosted Oaks Day, while commentator Nate Burleson led Derby Day. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

Guests received custom caricature illustrations in the hospitality suite. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

Sports Illustrated, in partnership with J Wagner Group, closed out Derby weekend with its third annual late-night celebration, Revel at the Races presented by DraftKings, which was headlined by Tiësto and held at Ice House. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

As the official apparel partner, Ted Baker presented a branded photo moment. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

Verizon served as the exclusive wireless partner, offering expedited entry via a dedicated fast lane and ticket access through Verizon Access. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

As the official bourbon partner, Maker’s Mark served up premium cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

HydroJug provided on-site custom engraving, delivering a personalized takeaway for guests. Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group

The Derby experience starts long before the bugle sounds at Churchill Downs, so Delta turned the journey to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport into a spirited ride. On May 1 and 2, in partnership with Brown-Forman, Delta offered travelers in the Atlanta and JFK Delta Sky Clubs a bespoke Mint Julep syrup. Once onboard their flights, passengers could pair it with Woodford Reserve bourbon to craft a cocktail. Photo: Courtesy of Delta

The airline also surprised travelers with arrival and departure goody bags on April 30 and May 3 at the Louisville airport. Photo: Courtesy of Delta
Crew members donned fascinators to close out the weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Delta

Herradura returned with its official cocktail, the Horseshoe Margarita. The brand also collaborated with Q Mixers on a new track-wide cocktail featuring Herradura Reposado called the Paddock Paloma. Photo: Courtesy of Herradura
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