See the Best Dressed Stars Ever at the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby races to NBC and Peacock May 4. Take a look at Dannielynn Birkhead, Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mahomes and more celeb guests that dressed to impress over the years.

By EOL Staff May 01, 2021 1:00 PM
| Updated Apr 30, 2024 6:50 PM
Tags

Hats off to these fashion icons.

Between Victoria Justice's chic pantsuit and Sarah Hyland's darling floral getup, there's no de-neigh-ing that celebs dress to the nines for the Kentucky Derby.

It's true—Derby fashion is such an important tradition, that stars even commission custom-made outfits. At the 2018 event, Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson wowed in a custom, canary-yellow suit. "This was specifically made for the Derby today," he told reporters at the time. "I may put it in a case and just have it in the family room." Needless to say, his look certainly brightened up our day.

This year, we're betting on even more unforgettable ensembles, especially for Anne Nicole Smith's 17-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead, who has become a regular at the Churchill Downs event.

"It's her one day a year outing that we do publicly," dad Larry Birkhead said in a 2022 interview of their family tradition. "I think you guys can take pictures and watch her grow from just this event."

photos
Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter Dannielynn Birkhead's Kentucky Derby Days

The 150th Kentucky Derby is set to air Saturday, May 4, with coverage kicking off at 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. 

Now, ahead of this year's event, keep reading to see which celebrity guests of years past did not disappoint with their show-stopping looks...

(E!, NBC and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Travis Kelce

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end's pinstriped suit for the 2024 Kentucky Derby was a total touchdown.

Wynonna Judd

For her national anthem performance at the 2024 derby, the Grammy winner wore an elegant white suit jacket with black trim and lace detailing—finishing her look with a coordinating tie and top hat.

Patrick Mahomes & Brittany Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and the KC Current co-owner scored some style points with their pastel outfits in 2023.

Rachel Platton

The singer sent big waves into motion with this floral look in 2023.

Jack Harlow

The rapper was riding in first class with this classy suit at the 2022 event.

Tori Kelly

Before singing the National Anthem at the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the "Should've Been Us" artist showed off her floral look including a bag from behno. 

Michelle Williams

Fashionistas will be jumpin', jumpin with excitement over the Destiny's Child alum's floral dress for the 2019 derby.

NeNe Leakes

Sometimes in order to fit in you've got to stand out, which the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum knew all too well when she attended the 2019 Kentucky Derby in her sunny yellow dress plus a flower- and butterfly-adorned hat.

Taylor Dayne

Hats off to the "Love Will Lead You Back" singer's 2019 look.

Cynthia Bailey

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star donned a fabulous and fierce leopard-print dress in 2019.

Dannielynn Birkhead & Larry Birkhead

The father-daughter duo stole the show with their pink and yellow frills at the 2019 derby.

Jennifer Nettles

The country superstar returned to her southern roots with this lavender outfit and rosy fascinator for the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

Anthony Anderson

In 2018, the Black-ish star sported a dapper yellow suit.

Joey Fatone

The *NSYNC singer's vibrant suit jacket really did pop at the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

Tara Lipinski & Johnny Weir

In 2018, the Olympic figure skaters proved once again they never freeze up when it comes to fashion.

Laila Ali 

The retired boxer's dress and hat for the 2018 derby were total knockouts.

Graham Eliott

For the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the chef served up a red jacket, bold blue shirt and white pants—topping his ensemble with a hat, bow tie, pocket square and sneakers.

Aisha Tyler

The Criminal Minds actress rocked the red carpet with her pink floral dress and coordinating butterfly hat at the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

Penatonix

The group decided to embrace the solo look with each member wearing their own specific fashion to the 2018 event.

Victoria Justice

You could say the actress's look for the 2018 derby was victorious.

Giada De Laurentiis 

The culinary star's dress for the 2017 Kentucky Derby was a true chef's kiss.

Katie Couric

The journalist went for classy and chic with her flower details at the 2017 derby.

Vanessa Lachey and Nick Lachey

While attending in 2015, the Love Is Blind hosts proved they aren't blind when it comes to style.

Sarah Hyland

The Modern Family actress dazzled in a tea-length floral getup in 2015.

Lauren Conrad

We're coming clean and noting the Laguna Beach alum stunned in a perfectly coordinated beige ensemble—hat and all—at the 2013 derby.

Kim Kardashian

No one can object to how great the lawyer-to-be looked in black and white at the 2009 Kentucky Derby. 

Richard Lawson & Tina Knowles

The now-exes coordinated in black and white ensembles for the 2018 event.

Jessica Simpson

The singer's pink hat and floral dress for the 2004 Kentucky Derby were so good they may just take your breath away.

This story was originally published on Saturday, May 1, 2021at 6 a.m. PT.

Latest News