At the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, everyone was watching the horses. But we DivaGals were watching the suits. From understated to full-on theatrical, suits were the statement at the annual horse race.
A Splash of Cream
A perfectly tailored ivory suit was a prime choice for the races, whether paired with a floral tie and a wide-brim hat for equal parts Southern gentleman and modern-day tastemaker.
It doesn’t try too hard, which made it the perfect choice for men and women alike, like this Guess suit our own Delaina Dixon wore for the Derby Oaks. She joined five lucky guests there, courtesy of Verizon Access. The company gives its customers the chance to win idyllic, curated experiences on the Verizon Access platform.
The Dusty Rose Suit
Our new pal, DJ Crys Classics, chose this look for the Derby races: clean, intentional, and refreshingly romantic. Styled with crisp white sneakers, it blurs the line between formal and effortless, proving once again that the new rules of suiting are simple: there are no rules. Under the bloom of cherry blossoms, it felt like a spring editorial come to life.
Stripes So Right
There’s something about a stripe that immediately upgrades. It elongates, sharpens, and adds intention before you even get into the cut or the styling. For the Derby, we saw the classic pinstripe-with-a-bowtie combo, always a sophisticated choice. Our favorite classic crossover artist, Jay Dref, decided to take it a step further, mixing his pinstripes with a light pink shirt with a sash to celebrate breast cancer awareness at the Derby Oaks.
Fine Florals
The floral blazer. Bold without being loud, layered over denim like it had somewhere more interesting to be than the track. A nod to tradition reworked it into something more fashion-forward, more downtown, more now. CBS Mornings correspondent Nate Burleson wore his in a sharp shorts set.
Of course, florals mean even more when they represent your heritage.
What tied all these looks together isn’t just the color palette or the fits—it’s the attitude. Playing with proportion, color, and context. Letting sneakers sit where loafers once ruled. Having personality leads to a look that’s totally your own.
Because Derby style isn’t about fitting into tradition, it’s all about remixing it.
