The Best Kentucky Derby Hats for Women

By Emily Waterfield , last updated June 29, 2011

The Kentucky Derby is an excuse for women to get dressed up and show off the latest in hat fashion. Naturally, it is every woman's goal to be featured on the best hats list, but only the most unique, inspired hats make it; this often means the bigger the better. Women want to keep the overall aesthetic of their ensemble classy and polished, using it as a backdrop to showcase a beautiful, fashion-forward hat. The confections that make the top ten list have a few things in common: they feature attention grabbing detail, bright colors, and pop of wow factor. The Top Ten Hats at Churchill Downs for 2011 can be used as a style guide to making it onto next year's most fabulous hat list.

The southern belles at the 137 Running of the Roses exemplified what it means to pull off an extravagant hat. The wildly exotic creations perched atop the perfectly styled hair of these women were anything but ordinary. Seen in vibrant colors such as orange, red, yellow, pink, and blue, and styled with unexpected accessories, the hats that these ladies showcased are whimsical works of art if any ever existed.

Number one on the best hat list was adorned with peacock feathers. Covered top to bottom with the colorful plumes, this baby blue hat, complemented by a simple, one shouldered blue dress, was the most outrageous hat seen at Churchill Downs. The exotic feathers gave the hat an extraordinary feel, unlike any that has ever been experienced at the racetrack. That being said, women are encouraged to pull out the big guns when it comes to extravagance.

Number two on the list left passerby both confused and amused. The man who pulled off this feat of entertainment leaves women with the style advice to take a fashion risk and think outside the box when it comes to choosing a Derby hat. The twin spires of Churchill Downs were perched prominently on either side of this man's head, leaving Derby goers with a smile pasted on their faces.

Other top stunners seen at the Kentucky Derby included hats crafted into the shape of an oversize daisy, geometric works of art decorated with foot long feathers, face-enveloping ribbons, shag-rug features, and unexpected teeny-tiny top hats.

What each of these hats shows is that the personality of the woman wearing it must shine through. Use unique individuality as a starting point when choosing a hat to wear to the Kentucky Derby; anything goes, and the more wacky and outrageous, the better. Take a fashion risk and find a hat that is bursting with personality, and remember, it is the hat that sticks in the memories of those who see it that make it onto the list of most fabulous hats.

Related Articles
Wearing a fancy hat is an art form in and of itself, as many Kentucky Derby attendees learn once again each year as they prepare their outfit and head wear for ...
Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby is also a highlight of the year for hat makers and their patrons and patronesses. If you are ...
Kentucky Derby fashion is all about attracting attention. There’s no sneaking under the radar in a derby hat; you want to be seen sipping on that mint julep ...
About -  Privacy -  AskEraser  -   -  Careers -  Ask Blog -  iPhone -  Android -  Help -  Feedback © 2013 Ask.com