Gray skies didn’t stop visitors from dressing up in colorful fashion at Churchill Downs for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
In May, thoroughbred racing fans and spectators took advantage of the dry skies to show off their best Kentucky Derby fashion.
Dresses, shoes, suits or ties, many attendees said they bought their derby clothes online. Soft, flowing fabrics were popular with women’s looks.
However, the boys also performed brilliantly this year. They finished hard and styled themselves with cute hats, stylish jackets, lots of booties and pocket squares from previous shows. Bright spring colors were seen in unique clothes, highlighting the season.
“Every year I try to improve on the fashion front,” says Michael Whitlock, who found the colorful hat online.
Michael Whitlock, pictured at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, found his Kentucky Derby hat after searching online. “I try to improve every year on the fashion front,” he said. Amy Wallot
Brandon Garrett found his paisley print jacket on Amazon after getting last minute tickets to the May 6, 2023 Kentucky Derby. Amy Wallot
Qwynne Winslow, from Florida, wears a bright citrus-themed dress to her first Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. She bought her fan from a shop in the hotel lobby. Amy Wallot
A woman walks to her seat during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs. (For Herald Leader/Brian Woolston) Brian Woolston/AP
Tawanna Gillis looks pretty in pink at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Saturday, May 6, 2023. Her fan came from Mad Hatter, her dress from Vineyard Wine and her necklace from Tiffany’s. Amy Wallot
A woman walks to her seat during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs. (For Herald Leader/Brian Woolston) Brian Woolston/AP
A woman walks to her seat during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs. (For Herald Leader/Brian Woolston) Brian Woolston/AP
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, spectators arrive at Churchill Downs for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. In Louisville, Ky. (For Herald Leader/Brian Woolston) Brian Woolston/AP
A participant wears pink accessories to accent his all-black look during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Amy Wallot
Brian Reynolds adjusts his boot at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. He bought his burnt orange hat for the Kentucky Derby from a hat shop in Lexington. Amy Wallot
Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Louisville, Ky. (For the Herald-Leader/Brian Woolston) Brian Woolston/AP
Rob Schucze is pictured Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. This will be his fourth time participating in the Kentucky Derby. Amy Wallot
Amanda Ahlfeld’s hat is highlighted by thoroughbred horses for the Kentucky Derby, from Lee Designs, in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Amy Wallot
Carrie Blackwell wears Floral Cure by Betty Johnson at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Amy Wallot
Elizabeth Montgomery appears in yellow at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Her ankle length dress is from Daphne Taylor, bag is from Revol and bright pink fascinator is from Hat Girls. Amy Wallot
A man runs during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (For The Herald Leader/Brian Wollaston) Brian Wollaston/API.
Kentucky Derby fans put on their best smiles (and fashion) at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Amy Wallot/awallot@outlook.com
A man runs during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Charnell Cushing wears large flower earrings to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. “I love fashion. Bigger is better,” Amy Wallot said of her earrings
Joshlyn Shelby goes for a sophisticated look in her Kentucky Derby debut at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Saturday, May 6, 2023. Her black fan came from Fancy Girls Boutique and her dress from Sheen. Amy Wallot
