72 wild hats people have worn to the Kentucky Derby over the years

Brenna Opelka,Daniel Boan,Celia FernandezApr 22, 2020, 23:41 IST

The rose is the official flower of the Kentucky Derby.Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Attendees always show up to the Kentucky Derby in head-turning hats and fascinators, as is tradition.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Kate Upton have worn eye-catching designs in the past.
The 2020 Kentucky Derby was originally set to take place on May 1 but has been rescheduled to September 4.
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Each spring, the Kentucky Derby attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Louisville's Churchill Downs. And while 20 fierce horses running the track at top speeds is the ultimate adrenaline rush, it's the fashion that truly makes this race a spectacle.

This year, the annual horse race was rescheduled for the first time since 1875. It was meant to take place on May 1 but has been rescheduled to September 4, 2020.

In the past, everyone from celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and members of the royal family to first-time attendees have geared up in their best hats and spring ensembles. Sporting a headpiece at the event is believed to bring good luck, according to the Kentucky Derby website. And though the tradition was started by women, men have also started wearing more unique hats in recent years.

Insider rounded up the wildest Derby hats that would give even the British royal family a run for their money.

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Star Jones' hat in 2019 featured feathers and frill.

Star Jones attends the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

In 2019, this attendee wore a rose hat with multiple components.

A fan displayed their elaborate hat at the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Michelle Williams tried to match the colors of her dress to the ones in her hat.

Michelle Williams attends the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

Jennifer Nettles paired her lilac dress with a pastel pink fascinator.

Jennifer Nettles attends the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

A floral arrangement was front and center on a spectator's hat in 2019.

A standout hat at the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Victoria Justice wore a black hat with a feathered halo in May 2018.

Victoria Justice attends the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

Both Star Jones and Ricardo Lugo walked the red carpet in impressive hats.

Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones attend the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Diane Bondareff/Invision/AP Images

Laila Ali arrived in a bold-red ensemble in May 2018.

Laila Ali attends the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Diane Bondareff/Invision/AP Images

Some people still braved the rainy days in 2018 to show off their elegant designs.

Rainy weather didn't stop guests from wearing their best hats. John Minchillo/AP Images

This attendee perfectly matched her jewelry to the orange feathers in her hat.

A standout look from the 2018 Kentucky Derby. John Minchillo/AP Images

Miss America Cara Mund went with a floral fascinator in May 2018.

Cara Mund attends the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Diane Bondareff/AP Images

Katie Couric brought a pop of pink to the Kentucky Derby red carpet in May 2017.

Katie Couric attends the 2017 Kentucky Derby. Diane Bondareff/AP Images

Not even a hooded raincoat could hinder this devoted Kentucky Derby fan from sporting a fabulous hat at the 2017 event.

This ultraviolet fascinator partially covered the woman's face. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis wore a full-brimmed yellow hat in 2017.

The color of the headpiece looked flawless with her golden hair. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

This attendee abandoned the pastels of spring for a vibrant pink and orange hat.

A gigantic bow pulled the ombré tones together. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Kentucky Derby Princesses and Queens posed in matching floral dresses and pink wide-brimmed hats.

Each accessory was varnished with flowers and oversized ribbon. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

One Derby-goer wore an exquisite hat that resembled more of a peony perched on the side of her head.

The floral accent piece had wispy feather strands reaching beyond the flower. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

One does not go to the Kentucky Derby to blend in.

At the 2017 event, a woman wore electric pink. Michael Noble Jr./Getty Images

Singer and actor Johnny Gill smiled with a guest who gave off Swan Lake vibes in her gorgeous feathered hat.

Her sleek updo was reminiscent of a ballerina. Michael Noble Jr./Getty Images

Dimension made this woman's hat a standout look during the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

The floral theme reappeared. Shaban Athuman/Stringer/Getty Images

Actress Laura Bell Bundy opted for a simple, yet chic red fascinator hat in 2017.

A black veil draped over the circular hat. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

In 2017, this expansive rose headpiece balanced flat across a woman's head.

Two green feathers emerged from the center. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Swedish model Ellen Nordegren secured an ivory fascinator to her gently waved hair for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

Nordegren was formerly married to Tiger Woods. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Entrepreneur and producer Courtney Sixx took Derby hats to a new level in 2016.

She wore a blush fascinator on top of her head. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

In 2016, Gayle King hit the red carpet in a soft blue flower hat.

King's chin-grazing bob looked chic beneath her elegant accessory. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Model Kate Upton proved that sometimes less is more.

While at Churchill Farms in 2016, wore a neutral wide-brimmed hat. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Actress Rachel McCord's inverse hat was a unique take for the 2016 race.

It wouldn't be complete without having at least one floral accent. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Actress Cassandra Jean was one of the few to stray from pastel spring colors with her 2016 Kentucky Derby hat.

Instead, she opted for a rich purple hat. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Figure skater Tara Lipinski ditched flowers and pastels for a fierce lacy fascinator in 2016.

Sparsely placed feathers poked out from the center. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Roses are a popular hat embellishment from year to year, but one woman took the flower to the extreme in 2016.

She wore one massive rose as her hat. Logan Riely/Stringer/Getty Images

Flower hats were interpreted differently among the most spirited race attendees, such as this example from the 2016 event.

It was composed of pink overlapping circles. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

This voluminous red hat gracefully draped over a woman's face at the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

The perfect dose of drama. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

At the 2016 Kentucky Derby, Clark Davis (Miss Kentucky 2015) paired her sash with an exquisite hat.

The hat's neutral color palette elevated its sophistication. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

A cocktail was casually buried within the blanket of red roses covering Johnny Weir's 2015 Derby hat.

The cocktail likely represented the Derby's traditional drink: a Mint Julep. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

A sleek horse was the focal point of this hat from 2015.

Green foliage sprouted from the top of the accessory, resembling a plant. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Robin Meade's 2015 white fascinator hat resembled a crown.

Swirling ribbons twisted upwards in a sculptural manner. Tasos Katopodis/Stringer/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

Blue and pink made for a whimsical choice at the 2015 Kentucky Derby.

The cotton candy colors were bright and playful. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015, rocked a fascinator with cherry red plumage at the 141st Kentucky Derby.

Black feathers lined the base of her hat. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

This woman took the racing theme quite literally in 2015.

She secured the "Golden State Horse Show" ribbons to her white hat. Elsa/Getty Images

A woman at the 2015 race wore a sheer white hat that covered most of her face.

Multiple layers lined the brim of the headpiece. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Sarah Hyland embraced florals and feathers at the 2015 race.

The"Modern Family" actress stepped out in a deep red fascinator. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs

One 2015 Derby fan was a vision in a unique hat that featured a flamingo sitting inside a basket.

The front was marked by a red rose and an abundance of cherries. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Model Lindsay Ellingson attended the 2015 Derby wearing a burgundy fascinator.

She proved that one doesn't have to wear a full-blown hat to make an impression. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Rapper Cheryl James, better known as Salt, took a style cue from Hello Kitty when she wore a large pink bow for the 2014 Kentucky Derby.

She aced the youthful look. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Like many Kentucky Derby goers, Johnny Weir opted to wear an elaborate hat featuring a horse-like figurine for his 2014 appearance.

But the creature emerging from Weir's feathery headpiece was no ordinary horse. Gustavo Caballero/Stringer/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon

A devoted race fan from 2014 donned a white top hat depicting the venue in action.

It was an artistic choice. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Horse-racing champ Tami Purcell wore this hat in 2014.

The color scheme was dominated by shades of brown, cream, and copper. Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Tiny hats have their place at the races too, like this 2014 example.

Though small, this hat still packed a punch with its lime green feathers. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Feathers sprawled across actress Star Jones' 2013 Kentucky Derby hat.

The extravagant detail was balanced by the soft gray color. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Krysten Ritter wore a regal creme headpiece at the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

The "Jessica Jones" actress opted for a sun hat with an extra large brim. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Supermodel Coco Rocha served a look when she wore an orchid-inspired hat for the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

It was a whimsical choice. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon

Embedded within this leafy green top hat from 2013 was an abundance of red roses and miniature horse figurines.

This piece brought new meaning to a top hat. Jamey Price/Stringer/Getty Images

This 2012 hat looks like it came straight out of a fashion editorial.

The petal shape subtly captures the essence of a flower. Elsa/Getty Images

Pink flowers and a dense pile of peacock feathers adorned this 2012 headpiece.

The massive hat nearly functioned as an umbrella. Elsa/Getty Images

Here, an eye-catching splash of blue was captured at the 2012 event.

This look was all about cool tones. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

An abundance of feathers draped over the brim of Kate Gosselin's wild hat in 2011.

While the design was elaborate, the colors were neutral. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

A 2011 attendee kept the sun off her skin in a massive coppery hat.

The brown color scheme was a refreshing break in a sea of vibrant hats. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Layers of sheer black fabric were fashioned into a billowing bow for this 2011 race look.

The white knot served as the focal point. Harry How/Getty Images

Ashlee Simpson's cloche hat stood out among the larger elaborate headpieces at the 2010 races.

Her thin strand of pearls perfectly suited her flapper-style hat. Jeff Gentner/Stringer/Getty Images

Sheer checkered fabric is a staple for summer, as demonstrated by a 2010 Kentucky Derby spectator.

The pattern was subtle. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Actress and producer Lynn Whitfield pulled off a daring blue feathery piece in 2008.

Whitfield's textured hat provided beautiful contrast to her sleek emerald dress. Jeff Gentner/Stringer/Getty Images

Leave it to Kim Kardashian to channel old Hollywood glamour with her 2009 Kentucky Derby hat.

The folded gray headpiece gently swept over her hair. Jeff Gentner/Getty Images

Actress Tischina Arnold selected a structured design to wear to the event in 2008.

Arnold's abstract hat played with shape and dimension. Jeff Gentner/Stringer/Getty Images

This pure white hat, spotted in 2008, had a strikingly chic silhouette.

It retained a boxy shape that hung low over the face. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II graced the 2007 Kentucky Derby with her presence in a lovely mint ensemble.

Her woven accessory was green beneath the brim. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

This baby pink sun hat was a sweet option for the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

The textured hat featured one flower detail on the side. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Fruit, wine, and rose details enhance this neon pink felt top hat from the 2006 event.

It was a luxurious display. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Fake money, horse figurines, and other knickknacks were piled onto a 2006 hat that appears to be the result of some serious DIY skills.

A simple straw hat rests below all of the layers. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Another 2005 racegoer honored the Kentucky Derby's official flower.

She spiced up the texture with a feathery red border. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Two fans tapped into the race's history by wearing rose hats at the 2005 event.

The rose became the official flower of the race in 1904. A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Jessica Simpson also attended the 2004 race in a candy pink hat.

Its grand silhouette swooped across the front. Mike Simons/Stringer/Getty Images

This showstopping white feather hat was spotted on a Kentucky Derby fan in 2004.

A flashy choice. A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

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