The first time I visited Gulfstream Park I was struck how seamlessly the surrounding restaurants and shops highlighted the paddock at the racetrack. I remember a young girl having lunch with her parents exclaiming, “Look mom, horses!”

The Florida Derby at Gulfstream is a great lead-up race for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, producing 25 winners of the run for the roses in its history, the most of any prep race.

Christine A. Moore at Gulfstream. (CamHats photo)

Many horsemen live in Florida, so there is always a big local turnout, and the Florida Derby also draws plenty of visitors to the state for the race! I mean, it’s Florida and who doesn’t love sunny Florida, right? 

The fashion is really a kind of a blend between “Miami hot” and “casual cool.”

Light colors are always in — flowing and easy-going but always dressy. You will see a 50/50 split between fascinators and hats, and almost everyone wears one or the other.

The color palettes for dresses and hats are a lot of bright colors, as bright as the sun!

Guys wear light-colored suits and you typically see a lot of hats; that’s smart, because it is almost always sunny. Light-colored fedoras in ivory, natural, and tan, and even an occasional boater, are popular choices.

When you think about accessories, add to the cool vibe and pack the sunglasses — so many high-end brands to choose from but always an essential.  

Always dress for the races, and I will see you at the track!