Olivia Dunne's Inappropriate Outfit At The 2025 Kentucky Derby Will Always Haunt Her

Dressing the occasion is just as important as how you dress when it comes to any high-profile events that show off your sense of style. This is especially true for traditional events, including the Kentucky Derby, a race with more than 150 years of history. That's why it's hard not to think Olivia Dunne, who looks absolutely stunning makeup-free, will forever be haunted by the outfit she wore to the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

The athlete-turned-influencer showed up to the red carpet of the 151st Kentucky Derby in a sleeveless polka dot mini dress by For Love & Lemons styled with a wide brim hat. While the hat and her classic Chanel flap bag were very much appropriate for the Derby, the dress and hard-to-ignore bikini tan lines were far from the typically polished aesthetic associated with the Derby. It seemed much more appropriate for a casual beach party.

Don't get it wrong — the Kentucky Derby embraces statement fashion outfits and playful looks. But, for events with such a long history, it doesn't hurt to adhere to long-standing traditions, even just a bit. In the LSU gymnast's case, the expectations were even higher since Dunne wasn't just a guest attending the derby, but an invited official "Riders Up" announcer. It was hard not to compare her look to that of fellow high-profile gymnast Simone Biles, who has had quite the transformation, also in attendance. Biles managed to strike the perfect balance between a playful modern look and occasion appropriateness.

From critiques about tan lines to prude remarks that reduced Olivia Dunne's first Kentucky Derby attendance to nothing more than commentary on her looks, much of the focus was centered on her appearance rather than the significance of the event itself.

The invitation to serve as a "Riders Up" announcer is often reserved for influential figures who have built decorated careers in their respective fields of work. Martha Stewart and Patrick Mahomes are just some of the notable honorees that took on this role, which highlights its prestige and cultural visibility. Although the LSU gymnast was named one of the best dressed at the Kentucky Derby, the conversation surrounding her appearance ultimately overshadowed the significance of her being selected to take on a ceremonial role for such a major event.

This showed just how much viral fashion moments at events rooted in tradition can shape public perception beyond trend-driven appeal. "Beautiful, but tan lines are not pretty. Cover them," and "I'd rather watch her, than a horse... just saying," were just some of the comments on Olivia Dunne's Instagram post celebrating her first Kentucky Derby. For a decorated athlete to be reduced down to the tan lines on her body reflects how easily fashion moments can narrow public perception.