The Kentucky Derby takes place tonight, and besides being one of the biggest nights in horse racing, it's also one of the flashiest nights in fashion. The hats play a big part in the night, but it's not the only thing that makes a good Kentucky Derby look. Here are five things needed to stand out on this night:

The Right Hat

A mistake some the attendees make is letting the hat become an afterthought. So much of the event is wrapped up in the giant hats, so it's better to start from there and look for something that works with it. Photographers will catch these profile shots, and the hat has to make the right impact in photos.

Bright Colors

It's officially spring. Banish the black. White is a decent color for the event because of the warm weather, but the point is to stand out. So go for something bright, like hot pink and turquoise. This is definitely not the time to be conservative with color.

The Matchier, The Better

In everyday life, being super matchy is not a good thing. At the Kentucky Derby, it's the right look. Frances Robinson wore head-to-toe pink, even opting for pink stud pumps. It makes her appear as though she has calculated every part of her look.

Themed Dressing

Want to make an impact? Dress up like famous characters. At the Swisse Marquee on Derby Day, Nicole Kidman channeled Eliza Doolittle. She went for something polished, recognizable and fun. Last year, Larry Birkhead and daughter Dannielynn Birkhead dressed up like characters in "Mary Poppins." Get inspired by someone yourself, and give it your own special twist.

Accessorize, The Right Way

Leave purses at home (if you can). You're going for whimsy, not practicality. Instead, focus on other little details. Go for some killer heels, à la Krysten Ritter, or pile on the jewelry. You can really show your personality through your accessories.

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