All right, ladies, we've come into the home stretch — it's time to get serious about what you'll wear for the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Whether you plan to watch the horse races from inside the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, or with family and friends at a Derby-themed party, there is nothing quite as grand as dressing for the "Run for the Roses." 

Louisville-based fashion consultant Jo Ross is a pro when it comes to advising women (and men) on their Kentucky Derby Day wardrobe. For 25 years, she's been a regular at New York City's iconic Fashion Week and Prêt a Porter in Paris.

Ross combines designer trends with a splash of traditional Southern belle to create the perfect Kentucky Derby look. After all, running a close second to the thoroughbreds on the track, the biggest show at the Kentucky Derby is the fashion.

So here's your "dress code" guide for what you should wear at Churchill Downs.

You want to look fabulous when you are off to the races and that means checking your tickets to know where you are seated. It's important to review the official Churchill Downs dress code for specific areas of the racetrack.

For instance, if your seats are located in the Finish Line Suites, you are asked to dress "business casual." That means dresses, pantsuits, capri pants and slacks are appropriate. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts halter tops, athletic wear and tennis shoes are not permitted.

Other sections at the track suggest you dress "smart casual" or "track casual." 

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There is no dress code for guests purchasing a reserved box or general admission tickets to Churchill Downs, however, management reserves the right to deny admission to anyone whose attire they consider to be inappropriate.

There are more than 30 different locations at Churchill Downs with specific dress code requirements. To find more detail on appropriate attire and requirements for the section where you will be attending the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, visit churchilldowns.com.

Once you know the suitable attire for where you'll be sitting, it's time to get creative. Here are eight sure-bet winners for your 2022 Kentucky Derby ensemble.    

A hat is a right of passage at the Kentucky Derby. When people think of fashion at the races, they often think about big, bold, beautiful hats and fascinators.

It's your personal preference whether it's extravagant or understated, but wearing one is most definitely encouraged, regardless of where you'll be sitting. There are oodles of milliners who specialize in the style of hat worn to the spring meet races, including Jenny Pfanenstiel and Christine A. Moore, both Featured Milliners for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

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You can't lose when you wear a flirty spring dress. Polished, comfortable and functional — especially when you're wearing one with pockets to hold your cash and betting tickets — nothing beats a beautiful lightweight dress at the Derby. 

But keep in mind, there's no rule that says you have to wear a dress, though most women do.

"Some women are more comfortable in pants and that is fine, too. There are all kinds of fun pants for instance, black with big yellow flowers or high-waisted with big full legs, fitted pants suits and jumpsuits," Ross said. "But absolutely do not wear your favorite skinny jeans or leggings, no matter how comfortable — they are not appropriate for the Kentucky Derby."

We always see a lot of black and white at the track. It's a trend that returns year after year.

"Black and white or navy and white are traditional spectator color combinations at the race track," said Ross. "They are always in style." 

If you want to "Derby up" a black and white or navy and white theme, it's a great idea to add a splash of color in your hat and handbag.

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New in 2022, all white dressing with a pop of color in your accessories will feel fresh and on-trend. 

Remember the Kentucky Derby is a day-long party and you want to feel festive. For some, its a day to mix patterns in an interesting way.

"For instance, create a black and white outfit mixing florals, stripes or dots," Ross said. "But the key to this look is making sure the prints are in different proportions." 

While Black and white and navy are always classic combinations at the racetrack, let's keep in mind we're in Kentucky where bright colors and florals are a springtime favorite. The Kentucky Derby gives you an opportunity to take spring fashion to the next level and really push the envelope.

"Think of the vibrant colors of the jockey silks (the jacket and cap worn by a jockey in a race)," Ross said. "We love color in Kentucky because it's bright and fun and we love floral prints." 

This year color trends are bursting with color, even brighter than in the past. Think neon yellows, Kelly green, vibrant blues and always lots of brilliant pink.   

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Hemlines crept ever higher and must lower on the spring 2022 runways and you can be sure they'll show up at Churchill Downs. 

Mini hemlines are great news if you've got beautiful legs. Show them off in a short romper or sundress. It's Kentucky Derby so anything goes. 

Ross also recommends another Fashion Week trend for this year — longer hemlines with a flirty ruffle in breezy lightweight fabrics. We expect to see lots of long billowing skirts and dresses skimming the brinks on the way to the Paddock. 

Petite handbags are a subtle addition that gives your Kentucky Derby outfit a posh and on-trend look. Sure, there will only be enough room for your credit card, a bit of cash, lipstick and a moderately sized cellphone, but Ross offers this fashionable solution.

"We have a rule here at the Churchill Downs that no purse can be more than 12-inches in any direction, but you can bring a tote bag," Ross said. "A lot of ladies like to keep a pair of flip flops or cute flats in the tote to slip into when their stilettos start to hurt." 

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You might want to include in that tote a pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunscreen, a pen to keep track of your bets, tissues, a phone charger and a lightweight wrap for when the sunsets. 

Spring showers are very much a reality at the Kentucky Derby and we want you to be prepared just in case it rains (like it did by the bucket-full in 2018). 

"As much as we love Kentucky and it's beautiful, it does rain on occasion and if you are in the infield or the Paddock area for eight to 10 hours, it will be miserable if you aren't prepared," Ross said.

Keep in mind that umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs, "so I suggest you have a 'bad weather' outfit on hand just in case. Find a fun water repellent raincoat or a clear poncho (to let your cute Kentucky Derby outfit show) and water repellent shoes or boots because if it does rain, you'll be delighted that you've got that." 

This reminds us: the Kentucky Derby is a long day of racing. Many people arrive before noon and will stay until 8 p.m. and then head out on the town. A lightweight coat or wrap is a good idea to keep you comfortable throughout the event. 

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Bring your A-game to Kentucky's biggest sports party and you can't go wrong.

"Nigel Barker (international fashion photographer and 'America Top Model' judge) offered a great piece of fashion advice and I like to pass it on," Ross said. "The Kentucky Derby is all about fun and there shouldn't be any rules other than wearing what makes you feel amazing." 

If you are looking for more expert advice to be certain you look brilliant from head to toe at the Kentucky Derby, contact Ross at jorossfashion.com. 

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.