Kentucky Derby hats gallery

Skip Koepnick, from Wyoming, Mich., shows off his Derby hat before the 137th Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Louisville, Ky.

The Kentucky Derby plays host to some of the most outlandish headwear we've seen on this side of the pond. Here's a look at some of the stunning hats seen last year at the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.  

A hat resembles the famed twin spires of Churchill Downs.

Maria Bermudez of Louisville, Ky., covers her hat with plastic to keep it dry.

A spectator wears a homemade Derby hat.  

A spectator shows off her Derby hat at Churchill Downs.  

Speed is king on Derby day, and this hat is certain not to slow down this fan at Churchill Downs.

Skip Koepnick, from Wyoming, Mich., shows off his Derby hat.

Traditional headwear is the choice for these two fans at Churchill Downs.

Gabriella Sawicki studies a race program for the Kentucky Derby.  

Karen Van Zant, from Broomfield, Colo., walks past the spires at Churchill Downs.

It was a gray day at Churchill Downs on Saturday, but this hat would be perfect for a sunny one.

A horse racing fan looks as if she could take flight in her Kentucky Derby hat.

Eric Williams, from Chicago, smokes a cigar before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.  

Her hat might look a bit off balance, but this Kentucky Derby fan has no problem keeping it atop her head.

A spectator wears a balloon hat before the Kentucky Derby.

The classic look works for these two fans at Churchill Downs.

This hat provides plenty of coverage on Derby day.

This one works at the Kentucky Derby, certainly. Probably not the right hat for your cousin's wedding, though.