DIY Derby Day Fashion For Dolls

The Ultimate Resource Guide For Derby Day Fashion For DollsThe world-famous Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May. Though this year the race has been postponed, this springtime event can still be recreated at home for our dolls. Sure, some think the focus is on the horses, but we know it's really all about the fashion! If you were going to the Derby, we would have two questions for you:

  1. What are you wearing?
  2. Do you have a hat?

You’ll be dressing for warm weather, so easy to wear dresses and sundresses are a great choice. Pair them with the perfect hat to keep the sun off your face and to stand out in the crowd! Whatever look you choose we're sure you'll be looking fantastic on Derby Day!

Giveaway Alert! Be sure to scroll to the end to enter our doll-sized horse giveaway!

Pattern Collection For Kentucky Derby Fashion For Dolls

We've put together the ultimate Derby Day Pattern Collection for Dolls, which includes great spring dresses and stylish statement hats. 

Amelia Dress Pattern for 18-inch dolls Primrose Dress Pattern For 18-inch Dolls Winner's Circle Derby Day Dress for 14-inch dolls

Amelia Dress from Love From Lola

Primrose Dress from Buzzin Bea

Winner's Circle from Karen Lorraine Designs

Pattern Hacks and Tutorials For Derby Day Style for Dolls

Jane Ruhl of Sweet Pea Fashions shares, "I hail from Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby!  While you might think that the Kentucky Derby is just a horse race, those of us who live here know that what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans, the Derby is to Louisville.  It’s a three-week-long festival that begins with one of the largest fireworks shows in North America and ends when the parties break up late on Derby Day. In between, there are parades, races of all kinds (involving people, rodents, steamboats, hot air balloons, and even beds), and PARTIES!"

Palmetto Sundress Pattern HackGet your doll ready for summer with the Palmetto Swimsuit, and then use that pattern to get her ready for the Derby!  In this pattern hack, Jane shows you how to convert the top of the swimsuit into a sundress that is perfect for al fresco dining, a barn wedding, or even the Kentucky Derby!

 

 

 

 

Springtime Straw hat Crochet Pattern for 18-inch DollsYou can create the perfect straw hat for your doll with the Springtime Straw Hat crochet pattern from Sweet Pea Fashions!  This wide brimmed hat can be crocheted in synthetic raffia to look like straw, in cotton for a casual look, or in any medium weight yarn.  It is very easy, worked all in single crochet, a perfect beginner project. It can be left plain or decorated to the nines. 

Check out the Fabric Flower Tutorial from Sweet Pea Fashions to add fun and flare to your hat!

 

Doll Patterns for Derby Day Accessories

Derby Day Hats

Derby Day Fedora Pattern for 18-inch dollsLady Sarah Rick Rack Hat Pattern For 18-inch Dolls1940s Pleated Felt Hat Pattern for 18-inch Dolls

Derby Day Fedora from Rondeletia

Lady Sarah Rick Rack Hat from Genniewren Designs

1940s Pleated Felt Hat from Thimbles and Acorns

Derby Day Shoes and Bags

Espadrilles Pattern for 18-inch Doll ShoesArt Deco Bags Accessory Pattern for 14-inch to 18-inch dolls Flower Sandals Pattern For 18-inch Doll Shoes

Espadrilles from Eden Ava Couture

Art Deco Bags Accessory Pattern from DKinley Designs

Flower Sandals from Dena's Doll Designs

Fun Accessories For Your Horse

 

Our Generation HorseIf you need a horse for your Derby Day celebration, check out the Our Generation® Doll Sized Horse!

 

 

 

 

ENTER TO WIN An Our Generation® Doll-Sized Horse! 

To enter this week's contest, simply click the link below and then enter through the giveaway widget at the bottom of the blog post, there are many things you can do to earn multiple entry points!

Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the toy horse. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire. This contest and article are not endorsed by or affiliated with Our Generation®. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - what kind of Derby Day look would you like to make? Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win one Our Generation® Horse!

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team

 


100 Comments

Lora
Lora

April 27, 2020

I love them all!

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

April 26, 2020

I love the turquoise sundress with the matching hat!

KATHRYN TEEL
KATHRYN TEEL

April 26, 2020

I would like to make a flowery sundress just below the knees that flairs a little at the bottom with spaghetti straps and a big brimmed hat full of flowers to match!

Megan
Megan

April 26, 2020

I would pair the Primrose dress with the Springtime straw hat and the espadrilles. :) Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway!
~ Megan

pamela duxbury
pamela duxbury

April 26, 2020

I would love to make a fascinator for my dolls first kentucky derby

Linda
Linda

April 26, 2020

I would need a great, big fascinator for Derby Day.

Diane
Diane

April 25, 2020

My granddaughter’s American girl doll would wear a navy blue floral sleeveless dress (Pixie Fair Palmetto dress) with a navy blue shear mesh and feather fascinator hat and navy blue sandals. My granddaughter will wear a similar matching dress and accessories to be like her doll. They will look like the Royal family.

Margaret I.
Margaret I.

April 25, 2020

I would make the big floppy hat with a nice summer sun dress….My little granddaughter, would love the horse to go with her 18’’ doll. I gave her a smaller version for her smaller “My Life doll” and she loves it and takes it everywhere with her…she talks to me about it on the phone when ever her daddy lets her call me…It would be wonderful to have a horse for her 18" doll..

Connie
Connie

April 25, 2020

I’d have a sundress with a shawl and big floppy hat!

Julie
Julie

April 25, 2020

The first thing I would do is design a hat…I love red, so it would probably lean in this direction. Then I would want a dress that would be dressy but comfortable. I love the looks that are centered around this grand event.

Crystal Suhr
Crystal Suhr

April 25, 2020

I want to make the swimsuit hack for my daughters 1st Kentucky Derby!

Anne C-E
Anne C-E

April 25, 2020

I’m basicly a hatter so the first thing I do is design the hat and then find a fashion the dress / suit to match. The weather is a major factor in had design I don’t see value in a hat that wilts or flies in a storm. The Lilibett dress looks to be the most versital.

Carol Vandevanter
Carol Vandevanter

April 24, 2020

I would definitely wear a large hat with additional large embellishment. Added to that would be a sweet Winner’s Circle dress with smartly embroidered fabric.

Amy B
Amy B

April 24, 2020

I like the art deco dress for a statement outfit!

lisa
lisa

April 24, 2020

I love the look of the Winners Circle Dress with the Lady Sarah rick Rack Hat and the Flower Sandals, my horse will be wearing the English Saddle.

Bev
Bev

April 24, 2020

I would wear a frilly hat like in Winners Circle, although the other hats lovely, too. My horse would be decked out with flowers from the tutorial this week and plenty of feed from the feed sack pattern.

Melissa
Melissa

April 24, 2020

Something with flowers, feathers and tulle for sure!

Deb H
Deb H

April 24, 2020

A stylish hat and dress. I would like to think I could pull off the look and look as stylish as Princess Diana.

Sandy
Sandy

April 24, 2020

Derby Day wear requires a fancy hat! To go with a flowery spring dress. How about a pattern for a garland of roses for the winner?

Joy
Joy

April 24, 2020

If I were to attend derby day, I would wear something classic, such as an a-line dress or skirt (possibly a bold spring print) with a lightweight, matching cotton sweater in case there was a breeze. A classic straw hat with a bold matching ribbon would be sufficient for me.

kathleen
kathleen

April 24, 2020

Of course big Spring hats with flowers and beautiful lacey Spring dresses! Lots of color and beautiful boots for the ladies too! Who would not want a horse for their very own Derby celebration?

Patricia Brinnon
Patricia Brinnon

April 24, 2020

I would love to go to a derby day at the horse races. I love the hats, from big rimmed floppy hats to adorable fascinators. Not sure about the dress. The flows dresses with flowers are always so pretty, but acute sundress would also be fun. I’m glad I have my dolls to play make believe! Thanks for a fun idea when we are home bound right now!

Connie
Connie

April 24, 2020

My granddaughters would go crazy over this horse. I would for sure have to wear a fancy hat for keeping the sun out of my eyes.

Helen
Helen

April 24, 2020

my grand daughters have a mixture of dolls and I keep a doll and doll clothes here for them they would love a new additional.

Helen
Helen

April 24, 2020

my grand daughters have a mixture of dolls and I keep a doll and doll clothes here for them they would love a new additional.

Nora L
Nora L

April 24, 2020

Frilly, femininely, beautifully flowing tea dress with a hat to match both with extensive beaded highlights for the sparkle.

Linda A
Linda A

April 24, 2020

Love it – would love to make this for my granddaughter.

Renee B
Renee B

April 24, 2020

If I were attending the Kentucky Derby, I would sew myself a beautiful flowing tea length dress made with a voile overlay. The voile would be white or pastel in color with very beautiful flowers in an all over print. Pretty pumps, gloves and small matching purse. Of course a large brimmed hat with lots of flowers, ribbon and tulle. The flowers on the hat would match the dress. If I still had long hair, I would either French Braid my hair or curl it and put it in up-do style. No limp hanging hair, which I think takes away from a beautiful hat and dress. It would be so much fun to dress up!

Estelle
Estelle

April 24, 2020

Something flirty, pretty and ultra feminine.

Patricia
Patricia

April 24, 2020

So many cute patterns and pattern hacks. Love the idea of Derby Day. <3

Mary Johnt
Mary Johnt

April 24, 2020

My granddaughter would love this horse to go with her boy or girl doll. The Derby outfits are great. Now to get my granddaughter to pick out her favorite.

Kathy
Kathy

April 24, 2020

A beautiful flowing tea dress and of course a beautiful hat and gloves to go with it.
My daughter competed in English riding. One of the horses she rode, Lois exactly like that horse. Thank you for bringing the Derby to us.

linda
linda

April 24, 2020

love horses and dolls

Bonny
Bonny

April 24, 2020

I’ld make a sundress with a rose print (Run for the Roses) and a large floppy hat with tons of silk flowers and maybe a sash hanging down the back. To complete the look, some strappy sandals.

al
al

April 24, 2020

What a lovely horse. a dandy steed to pair with a gal.

Karen W
Karen W

April 24, 2020

I would definitely choose something springy, like yellow or lavender with a artistic hat.

Glenda
Glenda

April 24, 2020

I can never see or hear anything to do with the derby without remembering our tour of Churchill Downs, a mint julep and a slice of Derby pie! It was a highlight of a business trip t Louisville! Having this little horse would be a wonderful reminder😀

Susie
Susie

April 24, 2020

Reminiscent of scenes from My Fair Lady!

Darlene
Darlene

April 24, 2020

I would like to make hats

Diana M
Diana M

April 24, 2020

Of course, an adorable, fancy hat is mandatory !!!!

Judy McP
Judy McP

April 24, 2020

Derby Fashion is all about the hats to me. Something big with lots of flowers.

Ruth
Ruth

April 24, 2020

She would looking stunning in a cowboy outfit riding her horse

Pat
Pat

April 24, 2020

I would make a “Cowboy” theme hat with a touch of bling & flowers.

Kathy
Kathy

April 24, 2020

I like the fancy dresses and hats, especially the big ones with flowers and poof. The horse is a nice thing to go with these dolls.

Clarissa
Clarissa

April 24, 2020

The most important thing seems to be the perfect hat to set off one’s outfit. Something with flowers, feathers, a bit of tulle. Whether a tiny hat perched just right, or a big, wide brimmed hat. So many, many choices!!

Kim
Kim

April 24, 2020

I’d make a floppy hat and dress to match

Rhonda
Rhonda

April 24, 2020

That horse is adorable

Patti verburg
Patti verburg

April 24, 2020

Would so love to win that horse! Have wanted a horse my whole life and would have so much fun playing and sewing with my granddaughters with it.

Darlene Pruitt
Darlene Pruitt

April 24, 2020

What a wonderful way to spend quarantine! And use the fabric stash. The kids are excited about the Derby. High fashion and love of horses. I’m in! Thank you for this wonderful idea. Good luck every one.

Patricia Zielke
Patricia Zielke

April 24, 2020

My granddaughter would absolutely love a horse

Patricia S
Patricia S

April 24, 2020

I would make a big floppy hat with all the trimming.

Doll Lover
Doll Lover

April 24, 2020

I’d like to make one of those raffia crocheted hats for “Derby Day”, to go with outfits I have.

michelle
michelle

April 24, 2020

Id do an edwardian outfit,the dress shape with the most dramatic hats were lovely.

Stefanie
Stefanie

April 24, 2020

Thank you! This is such a great idea! My kids loved the pictures of the dolls with the horses :)I will be trying the dress from the Palmetto swimsuit pattern and a hat.

Rebecca Mathis
Rebecca Mathis

April 23, 2020

I just discovered your blog and doll patterns! I’m looking forward to making some of your dresses and clothes. Thank you for sharing!

Diana
Diana

April 23, 2020

My niece is in love with horses. I’d love to win this for her. It’s been rough not being able to play dolls with her. She loves to come stay with me so we can play dolls and I can make her dolls new clothes.

Patricia S.
Patricia S.

April 23, 2020

The hats are so pretty! I especially liked the 1940’s pleated felt hat. I would like to win the horse because I need a model to make horse’s barding to go with my knights and princesses outfits from your wonderful pattern collection.

Dottie
Dottie

April 23, 2020

My Derby Day look would be that all the ladies would show up in their best spring dress, light and airy looking, and a coordinating large spring hat sporting flowers, wearing their most comfortable shoes for the day at the races.

Connie M
Connie M

April 23, 2020

Any dress and a hat with all the frills.

Carol Litchfield
Carol Litchfield

April 23, 2020

My 6 year old granddaughter would LOVE this horse! She has asked for one several times but we haven’t yet to buy her one.it must be fate that this came up! She and I play with her AG dolls all the time and I even get patterns from you to make them clothes! Please choose us!!

Pat
Pat

April 23, 2020

A beautiful horse and hat are a must for the Derby!

Gail
Gail

April 23, 2020

I’d like to make a jockey outfit…our doll is the winner!

Lynne
Lynne

April 23, 2020

I would make a 1950 style in a minty lace with matching lace gloves and for a hat- white straw with the mint lace and a big bow in the back. White mary jane shoes, mint lace trimmed socks and a white purse with a mint strap.

Roben Rice
Roben Rice

April 23, 2020

I make a dress from the early 1900’s. With a big fancy hat with lots of feathers on it.

Mary Cox
Mary Cox

April 23, 2020

I would like to make the Primrose Dress. I especially like the neckline pattern and the bell like sleeves. My second choice would be the Palmetta swimsuit hack. That dress is very cute, also.
Thank you so much for all the free patterns and tutorials you supply for us. They are greatly appreciated.

Julie
Julie

April 23, 2020

I would wear the Lillian Dress White with large red flowers (I love the back on the dress) and the Winner’s Circle hat that is Red. The Art Deco Purse that is White with Red trim, and white sandals.

It would be fun to have a horse to add to my dolls.

Christine
Christine

April 23, 2020

A pretty flowered dress with LADY SARAH RICK RACK HAT 18" DOLL would be wonderful

Muriel
Muriel

April 23, 2020

My girl would wear a blue flowered dress with a straw hat

MARNIE
MARNIE

April 23, 2020

My girl would wear a classic dress and a feather adorned fascinator.

Diane Goff
Diane Goff

April 23, 2020

If I were were going to the Kentucky Derby, I would want a classic Jackie Kennedy sheath dress with a cute little jacket,( in case the evening turns cool) comfortable sandals and a fabulous wide brimmed straw hat with flowers and long streaming ribbons.

Linda Reynolds
Linda Reynolds

April 23, 2020

I would like my doll to wear a pale yellow flowered dress with a matching hat.

Helena
Helena

April 23, 2020

I would wear capris, baseball hat and sunglasses – nothing fancy, but my dolls and girls prefer Amelia and Primrose dresses. I used to have such dresses when I was young. Now it’s time for my granddaughters to look attractive.

Martha Camarda
Martha Camarda

April 23, 2020

I like the primrose dress with a big sun hat.

Saraquill
Saraquill

April 23, 2020

Addendum: I’d dress my dolls in long sleeves, long skirts/trousers and big brimmed hats. Looking pretty is nice, and so is avoiding sunburn.

Saraquill
Saraquill

April 23, 2020

The dolls you photographed look so elegant.

Debbie
Debbie

April 23, 2020

I like the Love from Lola dress but with a hat.

Denise
Denise

April 23, 2020

I would wear a sundress, sandals, and a hat with a small veil. The horse is beautiful.

Theresa
Theresa

April 23, 2020

I’d make the Primrose dress and a matching staw hat. I would also make all the horse accesories. I love horses!

Joy
Joy

April 23, 2020

I would love to makea a smart dress with a big flouncy floral hat. I think it would be perfect for derby day. And then a riders colours for the horse

Sandra L.
Sandra L.

April 23, 2020

Traditional hat and sundress

Laura
Laura

April 23, 2020

I completed the western wear outfit for the 18" doll and would love to add the horse for my granddaughter.

Ann
Ann

April 23, 2020

OMG what a beautiful horse!

L
L

April 23, 2020

Love!!

J.J. Goody
J.J. Goody

April 23, 2020

The 40s hat. I have a collection of vintage hats so I would have to go with that.

Patsy
Patsy

April 23, 2020

That is the cutest thing!!! Now which grand-doll gets it? And of course a beautiful horse needs beautiful adornments!

RUTH LYONS
RUTH LYONS

April 23, 2020

My Derby Day look would include a beautiful spring colour dress and a hat with feathers, ribbon and tiny horses.

Vicki Howton
Vicki Howton

April 23, 2020

A flowing dress with lace overlay and a big hat with flowers.

Nancy GOULET
Nancy GOULET

April 23, 2020

Sundress , big hat and sandales

Debra Miller
Debra Miller

April 23, 2020

We lilve in Louisville, KY Derby City and the KY Derby is all we breath from the beginning of Spring to its conclusion. I am busy creating the dresses, shoes and hats for my grands and their dolls. Yes, we have horses and definitely would appreciate winning this one. I love Derby, and while it is delayed this year, we will still celebrate it!

Scarlett
Scarlett

April 23, 2020

My Youngest daughter has always wanted a horse for her doll. It would be a fun addition to her collection.

Diane R
Diane R

April 23, 2020

I think I would try to make an outfit for my horse’s Jockey. I have 2 “Best Friends” horses from about 12 years ago that my grandkids played with.

Georgann
Georgann

April 22, 2020

A pretty face mask will be necessary. No big hat to be considerate of those behind me. I’d do a pretty tunic with slacks to sit on a hot seat. Maybe even carry a coordinated seat cushion.

Pamela
Pamela

April 22, 2020

If I were to make a Derby Day dress I think I would use the Eden Ava Couture Black Tie Gala Gown and make it around knee length. Along with this I would design a hat of my own to compliment the Gala Gown worthy of the Derby standard!.

Nancy G
Nancy G

April 22, 2020

I love the Primrose dress and 1940s hat, how cute!

Nancy G
Nancy G

April 22, 2020

I love the Primrose dress and 1940s hat, how cute!!

Karen
Karen

April 22, 2020

I would make a doll sized “Horseracing Kills Horses” t – shirt.

lisa m rainey
lisa m rainey

April 22, 2020

I love the Winner’s Circle Dress with the Lady Sarah Rick Rack Hat and Flower Sandals. My horse would wear the English Saddle.

Martha R.
Martha R.

April 22, 2020

I would love a sleeveless, scoop necked, sheath dress with high-low ruffle at the bottom, made of white fabric with a red-rose pattern and a large floppy red hat and sling-back pumps.

Eileen
Eileen

April 22, 2020

I would wear a flowing sundress and big hat and sandals.

Jean
Jean

April 22, 2020

Edwardian lingerie dress with a gigantic hat and a parasol.

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