Heading to the Derby this year? Let me help you dress the part.

The Kentucky Derby attracts thousands of lucky fans for its prestigious festivities, as it does year after year. Attending the Derby is not only a fashion-forward event but a must-do destination for A-list celebrities, movie stars, royal families and more.

The primary rule for both men and women is to remember that the Derby, and its sister race the Kentucky Oaks, is not only the most important horse racing event of the year — it is also a fashion show. That is why most people who attend seriously consider their fashion choices.

Although the Derby and the Oaks do not have an official dress code, there are unspoken rules depending on where you are sitting. In the reserved areas (grandstand, clubhouse, suites and corporate hospitality) it is business casual — jackets, suits and collared shirts for men, dresses or pantsuits for women. The raucous infield is where almost anything goes: classy but bold. Even so, organizers can deny entry over clothing, so avoid jeans, tennis shoes, torn clothing and crop tops.

Now let's get down to the specifics of what you ladies and gents should wear.

Ladies

There are really only two options in my mind for women at the Derby: dresses and pantsuits in sophisticated silhouettes. Colors should scream Southern Belle, or lean into pastels and solids. I know it may seem like a lot, but trust me — this is the place to have fun with your wardrobe. Think color, florals, even a horse pattern. Let spring be your inspiration.

One accessory that must not be overlooked is the hat. Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is wildly popular and considered good luck — along with the horses, hats are the stars of the event. Most women wear wide-brimmed Southern Belle styles, decorated with flowers, feathers, bows, ribbons and more. Each year official milliner hats are even showcased in a museum exhibit. From the spectacular to the splendid, there are no rules when choosing your Derby hat.

As for the rest, make sure your outfit is complete head to toe — shoes, bag and jewelry — but remember, your hat is the star, so don't upstage it.

Gentlemen

When it comes to dressing the part, men are certainly not left out. Much like the women's wear, being bold is best — bright and pale colors, bold stripes, busy plaids and bright pastels are front and center. In recent years men have joined the parade in pastel suits and unexpected prints. If you prefer a more toned-down look, a classic seersucker blazer or a navy suit is always a great alternative.

Start your outfit by selecting the pants first — they stand out from a distance. Be daring with sun-drenched colors like key lime, ocean blue, Bermuda pink and lemon. Any of these look great with the right jacket and a dress shirt in complementary colors. Don't be afraid of a gingham or striped shirt — attire is part of the fun and fanfare of the Derby.

Your jacket brings the whole look together, and you can't go wrong with a seersucker blazer. Two or three button is personal preference. The tie is the cherry on top — have fun with it, just make sure it coordinates with your shirt and jacket. Bow ties are very welcome here too. For shoes, keep it classy and clean; good loafers are recommended, preferably without socks.

For the grand finish, don't forget your hat. Top it off with a fedora or bowler for a true Derby look. No matter what you wear, it's how you wear it — the most important thing is to look and feel confident.

Here is a great example of some classy, fashion-forward looks I helped my client John pick out for the Kentucky Derby. The looks were timelessly classy and complemented his wife Linda's outfits perfectly. John went with a more neutral look — a powder-pink button-up, a plaid bow tie, a darker shoe and, of course, the cowboy hat. So much attention to detail, with all the fun elements of Derby wear without being too loud.

Alternatively, here is another outfit I put together for John with a bolder look. The fresh pink under the pastel-blue coat is so much fun, and the navy-and-white shoes and hat are the perfect basics that pull it together. Whether you go bold or muted, you can still work in classic elements that keep you on theme.

One last note: if you are attending the Oaks, wear any color as long as it is PINK — from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to dresses, sunglasses to heels. Guests are encouraged to wear pink to drive attention to the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

Feeling happy and confident in what you wear matters for events like the Kentucky Derby — something as simple as your attire can create long-lasting memories.

I'm Mary from Q. Contrary, and I would love to help style you. Visit my shop in Phoenix at 3168 East Camelback Road, or browse the online store. I'd love to help you find the right outfit for the Kentucky Derby — or a Derby party — that fits and makes you feel good.