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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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The Kentucky Derby may be one of the biggest days of the horse racing year, but it's also a banner occasion for hat lovers everywhere. While the opportunity to wear a truly head-turning topper comes all too rarely, your Kentucky Derby outfit—be it for a jaunt to Churchill Downs or for your very own Derby watch party—is the perfect time to lean into a seriously stunning chapeau. Here, some of the best Kentucky Derby headpieces to make you look like you belong on Millionaires Row on the first Saturday of May.

Bright and Airy

SAFERIN Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

Organza Kentucky Derby Hat

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

Butterfly Embellished

FabHatters Custom Butterfly Headpiece

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.

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Big Bow

MillineryByAnna Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

Jumbo Bow Sinamay Hat

A bold bow is always a Derby "do."

Emma Powder Blue Fabric Bow Fascinator Headband

Emma Powder Blue Fabric Bow Fascinator Headband

For a more minimalist, but still impressive, bow style, try a fascinator with an oversized version of the femme classic.

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Neutral Hat

CoggMillinery White Navy Fascinator

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

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

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Kentucky Derby Women's Curl Fascinator

Kentucky Derby Women's Curl Fascinator

If you're not a feathers and florals type, you can still make a statement with a unique shape. This one just happens to be part of Vineyard Vines's annual collection as an official Derby partner, meaning it's truly tailor-made for Derby Day.

Cheery Yellow

RoseIvyDesignCo Elegant Sunny Yellow Fascinator

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

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

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

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Colette in Natural

Colette in Natural

For a girly twist on borrowed-from-the-boys style, opt for a classic straw boater hat with feminine touches.

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.

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Ladylike Headpiece

Starcrossedbeauty New Large Red Rose Flower Feather Teardrop Fascinator

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

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

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

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

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Pretty in Pink

Hobbs Josephine Fascinator

Josephine Fascinator

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

Statement Red

Phase Eight Bow Midi Disc Fascinator

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.

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Fun Feathers

FancyGirlBoutiqueNYC Magenta Pink Kentucky Derby Hat Fascinator

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

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