What to wear to a Kentucky Derby Party?

Do women HAVE to wear hats to the Kentucky Derby?

• I know it's tradition, but I am a girl who wants to go to the Derby someday. I'm fine with wearing a dress and nice shoes, but I hate hats. I look bad in them and they're embarrassing. Do women have to wear hats to the Derby? Do women who own the racehorses have to wear hats?

• Answer:

  No, you don't have to wear a hat. There's no set dress code at Churchill Downs (apart from basic decency and safety) other than for some of the dining areas. However, the Derby and Oaks are dress-up occasions. Wearing a hat is part of the fun. There is probably a style of hat that would flatter you. It's also possible that you are putting the hats on wrong. Lots of women and girls wear them too far back on the head. If you can't stand the idea of a hat but still want to fit in, you can wear a fascinator. Some fascinators are quite large, but you can also get fascinators that are basically decorated headbands or combs.