Derby and Steeplechase season is here. Horse racing’s premier event, the Kentucky Derby takes places on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase happens on Saturday, May 11. Now all that’s left to decide is what to wear. Horse racing events allow men – most notably southern men – a chance to break out of their shells and don some bright colors. Below is a primer on derby and steeplechase fashion for men.
Seersucker and bright colors are always festive attire for southern men during derby and steeplechase season.
Here are some ideas for gentlemen to consider and thanks to Kentuckyderby.com and Vineyard Vines for their words of wisdom too. At the bottom are a few locations where you can purchase some of my suggestions.
Bright Colors Are Fun and Stylish
Adding color to your derby-day attire after a long and dreary winter is great. Pants are an easy start, and bright, bold solids are an excellent way to stand out in the crowd. Vibrant colors like Key Lime, Ocean, Pink, and Citron are good choices. Combined with a navy blazer, you can add additional colors with a bow or long tie and pocket square.
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Shirts
Now that you have the pants, you know you’ll have some fun with the shirts. A great dress shirt in a complementary color will go a long way. If you’re wearing bright pants or seersucker, I recommend going with a solid pattern to add more depth and color with a tie. However, if you are not wearing a tie, a more significant and bolder pattern with solid bright pants is the way to go.
Check out Ledbury or Eton shirts online or at a fine men’s clothing store.
Blazers, Sportcoats, and Seersucker
The jacket is what brings everything together, and you can’t go wrong with the classic navy blazer. It’s the most conservative look and if you’re a tad uncomfortable in venturing too far from your banker wardrobe, then play it safe by adding color with a vibrant pattern in your tie.
However, if you want to have a little fun on top though, madras or bright-colored sports coat makes it easy to turn heads.
Derby and steeplechase fashion allows men to showcase patterns with bright colors.
For me, seersucker is a natural choice and is perfect for those warm summer afternoons. And speaking of color, this is where you can get bold with seersucker. Because I’m so comfortable wearing this material, I don’t mind going toward brighter colors. However, I always provide a word on seersucker; if you don’t feel comfortable and confident wearing it, don’t. It’s as much an “attitude” as it is a piece of fabric. For the best selection of seersucker suits, check out Haspel. After all, they started the seersucker revolution.
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Seersucker suit topped with a fedora hat is perfect for a horse race or spring cocktail party.
Ties
Most gentlemen wear a necktie, but a bow tie is always a great option. If you’ve never worn bow ties, then by all means, try them out. However, please don’t wear a pre-tied bow tie. Instead, learn how to tie your own bow ties. As the official style for the Kentucky Derby, Vineyard Vines offers an assortment of Derby-themed ties and bowties that will make every man look dapper and distinguished.
If wearing a tie on Saturday goes against your grain, you can still look dapper with an open collar shirt from Ledbury or Eton.
Shoes
For heaven’s sake, leave your black wingtips at home. I once asked a professional doorman how he decided which men to allow into exclusive clubs and restaurants. His reply was straightforward: “I look at their shoes. Men who wear nice suits with low-quality shoes are cheap. Any fashionable man always wears high-quality shoes.”
There are lots of bit loafers out there, and everyone has their idea of who makes the best ones. And if you’re into going sockless, now is a perfect time. If you’re wearing seersucker, white or dirty bucks are always classic. Brown and white loaders work too.
If you’re concerned about the weather or moisture damaging your nice footwear, check out a pair of Floafers. These foam shoes feel like rubber and come in a variety of fashionable colors. I ordered a pair last year to wear at the beach and love not having to worry about getting them wet.
Also, check out the Old Sport Company. Their fine leather loafers feature needlepoint designs in your favorite state colors and patterns.
Old Sport leather loafers feature creative needlepoint designs. (Old Sport Company/2020)
Hats
Top it all off with a fedora or bowler hat for the complete Kentucky Derby look. Men’s Derby hats are solid in color and inspired by the style from the 1920s. Hats are great for derby and steeplechase events because they provide lots of shade and will help if rainy weather appears. I’m also not opposed to men wearing caps at derby and steeplechase events, but make certain they coordinate with your attire and are good quality.
Now you are ready to throw back some fine bourbon and parade around as if you own the next equine champion. The most important aspect about your derby and steeplechase attire is to feel “confident” and have fun. No matter what you wear, it’s how you wear it, gentlemen.
Do’s & Don’ts Regarding Horse Racing Fashion:
Do dress for the weather. It may be 105 degrees in the shade or come a downpour. Always be prepared for sudden summer showers to pop up. I highly recommend putting a couple of clear, plastic ponchos in your cooler or food basket just in case.
Horse racing events are the ideal time to show off your unique style. However, don’t stand out for the wrong reason. Make certain whatever you wear fits properly and coordinates. Derby and steeplechase fashion for men should be fun and functional.
Where to buy men’s Derby & Steeplechase fashion for men:
Richard’s Bespoke: Stephen Richards is the owner and founder of this Nashville custom clothier. I highly recommend using him if you’re in the Middle Tennessee area. Contact Stephen at suits@richardsbespoke.com or 615.669.6845.
Hinton & Hinton, Oxford, MS