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Kentucky Derby 144 - Atmosphere

The Best Kentucky Derby Hats and Fascinators to Buy for the Races

From over-the-top fascinators to chic tulle hats, shop the best headwear for Derby day.

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It goes without saying, but no Kentucky Derby outfit is complete without a show-stopping topper. We're talking fun fascinators with feathers and flowers galore; over-the-top hats in vivid shades with wide rims and chic tulle; statement headbands with embellishments... the list can go on and on. Whether you're heading to Churchill Downs to take part in the horse race-watching festivities (our editors' highly recommend!) or hosting a party of your own at home, here are some of the best Kentucky Derby headpieces to wear on the first Saturday of May.

  • Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

    Bright and Airy

    SAFERIN Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

    $24 at Amazon
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  • Custom Butterfly Headpiece

    Butterfly Embellished

    FabHatters Custom Butterfly Headpiece

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  • Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

    Big Bow

    MillineryByAnna Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

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  • White Navy Fascinator

    Neutral Hat

    CoggMillinery White Navy Fascinator

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  • Giant Soft Pink Flower Fascinator Hat

    Rose Headpiece

    KristineRosahats Giant Soft Pink Flower Fascinator Hat

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Bright and Airy

SAFERIN Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

Organza Kentucky Derby Hat
Bright and Airy

SAFERIN Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

$24 at Amazon

Sheer layers keep things light even with a major hat moment.

Butterfly Embellished

FabHatters Custom Butterfly Headpiece

Custom Butterfly Headpiece
Butterfly Embellished

FabHatters Custom Butterfly Headpiece

Credit: Courtesy FabHatters /Etsy

Be the talk of the town with a custom fluttering headpiece inspired by Princess Beatrice's famous butterfly topper.

Big Bow

MillineryByAnna Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat
Big Bow

MillineryByAnna Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

A bold bow is always a Derby "do."

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Neutral Hat

CoggMillinery White Navy Fascinator

White Navy Fascinator
Neutral Hat

CoggMillinery White Navy Fascinator

Neutral colors will let dramatic embellishments stand out.

Rose Headpiece

KristineRosahats Giant Soft Pink Flower Fascinator Hat

Giant Soft Pink Flower Fascinator Hat
Rose Headpiece

KristineRosahats Giant Soft Pink Flower Fascinator Hat

Why wear a hat decked in roses when you could wear a headpiece that's one giant rose?

Unique Fascinator

MaggieMowbrayHats Straw Headpiece for The Races

Straw Headpiece for The Races
Unique Fascinator

MaggieMowbrayHats Straw Headpiece for The Races

If you're not a feathers and florals type, you can still make a statement with a unique shape.

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Cheery Yellow

RoseIvyDesignCo Elegant Sunny Yellow Fascinator

Elegant Sunny Yellow Fascinator
Cheery Yellow

RoseIvyDesignCo Elegant Sunny Yellow Fascinator

High-impact color is an absolute no-brainer for the Derby.

Over-the-Top Option

RubyBoseBridal Pink and Orange Bow Fascinator

Pink and Orange Bow Fascinator
Over-the-Top Option

RubyBoseBridal Pink and Orange Bow Fascinator

There are moments in life that demand the subtle and understated. The Kentucky Derby is not one of those moments.

Floral Hat

JosieTuckerMillinery Purple Flower Fascinator Hat

Purple Flower Fascinator Hat
Floral Hat

JosieTuckerMillinery Purple Flower Fascinator Hat

Bring a spring-y touch to derby day with a fascinator packed with florals.

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Romantic Topper

Jennifer Behr Allira Voilette Headband

Allira Voilette Headband
Romantic Topper

Jennifer Behr Allira Voilette Headband

It's "go big or go home" when it comes to Kentucky Derby style, and this butterfly-embellished topper fits that motto to a T.

Ladylike Headpiece

Starcrossedbeauty New Large Red Rose Flower Feather Teardrop Fascinator

New Large Red Rose Flower Feather Teardrop Fascinator
Ladylike Headpiece

Starcrossedbeauty New Large Red Rose Flower Feather Teardrop Fascinator

The winner of the Derby gets a garland of roses, so why not wear a headpiece that serves as one of your own?

Glamorous Hat

MillineryByAnna Light Blue Kentucky Derby Hat

Light Blue Kentucky Derby Hat
Glamorous Hat

MillineryByAnna Light Blue Kentucky Derby Hat

Between the powder blue hue and the elegant feathers, this hat is sure to turn heads.

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Pearl Headband

Lele Sadoughi Ivory Pearl Headband

Ivory Pearl Headband
Pearl Headband

Lele Sadoughi Ivory Pearl Headband

Go in an entirely different direction with a Middleton-esque headband, modernized with fun embellishment.

Straw Style

MilinerySupplyShop Exquisite Fascinator Derby Hat for Women with Golden Flower

Exquisite Fascinator Derby Hat for Women with Golden Flower
Straw Style

MilinerySupplyShop Exquisite Fascinator Derby Hat for Women with Golden Flower

A straw hat—such as this elegant option with feather details—is a classic look for the Derby.

Pretty in Pink

Hobbs Josephine Fascinator

Josephine Fascinator
Pretty in Pink

Hobbs Josephine Fascinator

If there was every a time to give Barbie pink a go, it would be at the Kentucky Derby.

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Statement Red

Phase Eight Bow Midi Disc Fascinator

Bow Midi Disc Fascinator
Statement Red

Phase Eight Bow Midi Disc Fascinator

This poppy red fascinator is anything but subtle... and that's the point! You'll stand out in the crowd when you top your look with this cheery head topper.

Fun Feathers

FancyGirlBoutiqueNYC Magenta Pink Kentucky Derby Hat Fascinator

Magenta Pink Kentucky Derby Hat Fascinator
Fun Feathers

FancyGirlBoutiqueNYC Magenta Pink Kentucky Derby Hat Fascinator

Take a page out of the British royal family's style book with a feathered fascinator.

Headshot of Lauren Hubbard
Lauren Hubbard
Writer

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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