Tomorrow marks the start of the 141st annual Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs Racetrack. And while I can't wait to see all the fashion that's going to hit the stands this year, I love looking back at the vintage Kentucky Derby photos to see what everyone was wearing back in the day. Sure, dress styles and makeup trends have changed, but some things haven't, like the bright colors and the fabulous hats.
To think that the derby started almost 150 years ago is nuts. This was way back before we had the Internet, our fancy Apple watches, or Instagram. FDR was definitely not hashtagging #SundayFunday at the first Kentucky Derby, that's for sure.
So when scoping around for pictures that dated all the way back to 1933, it's amazing to see how much our lives, fashion, and the way we attend events have changed.The Kentucky Derby is obviously an event that many people attend for the horse racing, the mint juleps, and the outfits, but it means something so much more than that. The Kentucky Derby establishes a tradition that has lasted for more than a century.
So in an ode to remember how this event has changed over time, here's a compilation to get you excited for the weekend. Who knows, maybe it'll inspire you to rock some big, beautiful hats!
1936
1955
1988
1988
1990
1993
1993
1995
1995
1995
1997
