Simone Biles Causes a Stir with Her Outfit at the Kentucky Derby
Again, it was Simone Biles’s fashion rather than her flips that garnered media attention. When she arrived at Churchill Downs, everyone was observing her, and the conversation that arose about her outfit extended far beyond the racecourse.
Over the weekend, Simone Biles and her spouse, NFL player Jonathan Owens, attended the Kentucky Derby. The couple appeared at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, wearing matching lilac dresses. They instantly drew attention to their well-coordinated appearance, not all of it positive.
The decorated gymnast wore a delicate lilac strapless minidress with purple rhinestones for the occasion. She accessorised the eye-catching attire with silver heels and a gorgeous fascinator over her straight hairstyle. Owens, who is now with the Chicago Bears, adopted her style.
He wore a damask lilac jacket, white slacks, matching trainers and a headgear adorned with rhinestones. Their fashion statement garnered attention, but the online response was sharply divided. As images circulated, critics quickly took to social media to express their disapproval, concentrating on Biles’ attire.
One user remarked plainly, “Look like she got a tablecloth on [sic].” Another person remarked, “I don’t like this look on them.” Others shared their thoughts on the dress’s length and event suitability. “Inappropriate dress for race… sounded strange,” one reader wrote, suggesting that it deviated from the usual tone of the event.
Another person commented, “Her dress ought to have been longer for such a distinguished occasion.” One commenter praised the design but questioned its appropriateness, saying, “Too short, otherwise gorgeous.”
Others took a harsher stance. On social media, someone wrote, “I wish she had dressed more elegantly.” Then someone else remarked, “It’s not a sophisticated dress.” One person claimed that Biles has “no class at all.”
Despite the barrage of criticism, Biles received widespread admiration from her followers. Her bold and self-assured approach on social media was praised by many admirers. CLASSY & STUNNING😍 was the sentimental comment. She was called the “best dressed” by one observer.
On the red carpet, the couple shared behind-the-scenes details about their coordinated appearance. When asked what colour they preferred, Biles replied, “Jonathan actually chose the purple.”
It is clear that their matching ensembles were the product of a collaboration and a shared sense of style, notwithstanding online debate.
In addition to the fashion buzz, Biles played a ceremonial role during the Derby celebrations. As part of the tradition, she was invited to give the well-known “Riders up” call, which is a moment full with history and excitement. Later, Biles performed her role in front of the cameras and crowd.
She wore a lavender minidress and matching fascinator, and local law enforcement stood on either side of her. She firmly faced the camera as she addressed the crowd. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky, the city of Louisville, and sports fans from all over the world have been waiting for this moment, ladies and gentlemen,” she said.
In a dramatic finale, she kissed the camera after shouting, “Riders up!” to persuade the jockeys to mount their horses. It was a moment of joy and recognition for the seven-time Olympian. Despite the clothing incident, Biles showed why she is still a significant player both on and off the pitch.
Simone Biles’ Kentucky Derby visit was more than simply a fashion story; it marked her involvement in one of the nation’s most prestigious traditions. The Derby, often called The Run for the Roses, has captivated fans since 1875 by combining elite horse racing with pomp, Southern charm and cultural prestige.
Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the event is more than just a race. For a week, history and high society are celebrated. The world of opulent charity galas, private parties, and high fashion competitions attracts celebrities, athletes, and fans from around the globe.
The atmosphere was energised by Biles’s participation. From her bold red carpet presentation to her ceremonial “Riders up” call, she confidently joined a ritual that honours tradition and spectacle. Her appearance served as a bridge connecting the tradition of the Derby with the voice of a new generation.
Biles had a period of noteworthy personal achievement at the same time as her performance at the Derby. Only a few days earlier, she was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025. The accolade highlighted her continued impact on advocacy, culture, sports, and gymnastics.
Biles shared the event with her fans on Instagram. She shared a photo from the photo shoot along with the tweet, “TIME 100 ❤️ so blessed and honoured to be part of time 100’s most influential list.”
The accolade marked the beginning of a new chapter in a career marked by excellence, perseverance, and global influence. At Churchill Downs, she did more than simply observe history; she lived it.
