The Kentucky Derby is known for its mint juleps, fast horses, and—let's be real—a fashion show that rivals any red carpet. But with great style comes great scrutiny, and two influencers have learned that the hard way after their Derby outfits sparked a wave of online backlash.
Influencer Gabriela Moura, who boasts millions of followers, attended the 2025 Kentucky Derby in a dress that left little to the imagination—at least according to the internet. Critics pounced, with comments like "showing too much," "not appropriate for the Derby," and "too look-at-me" flooding social media. Moura's bold choice quickly went viral, but not for the reasons she might have hoped.
She wasn't alone in the crosshairs. Former LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne also found herself trending for all the wrong reasons. Dunne's dress, while stylish, revealed noticeable tan lines that fans deemed a fashion faux pas. "Tan lines are not Derby appropriate," one commenter argued, while another simply stated, "Not what you should wear."
The Kentucky Derby's dress code is no joke. According to official guidelines, guests are encouraged to wear "upscale attire," with women expected to don colorful dresses and bold hats—think pastels, peplum styles, and elegant accessories. For men, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras are the norm. The vibe? "Comfort meets Southern charm."
But where's the line? The code emphasizes that all accessories must follow Churchill Downs policy, and while it doesn't explicitly ban skin or tan lines, the court of public opinion has its own rules. Moura and Dunne's outfits have reignited the debate over what's appropriate at the historic event, especially as social media amplifies every fashion choice.
This isn't the first time Derby fashion has sparked controversy. Just this year, Sue Bird ditched the Derby dress code entirely, showing up without a hat and with all the attitude in the world. And Paige Spiranac's Derby dress photo racked up 500K views—even though she didn't attend. Meanwhile, Dylan Dreyer stole the show in a stunning floral dress, proving you can turn heads without breaking the rules.
So, did Moura and Dunne violate the dress code? Technically, no. But in the age of viral outrage, perception is everything. The Derby's fashion police may not have official badges, but they're always on duty.
