Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by 2.0
Cheltenham is the pinnacle of jump racing, everyone knows that. But let’s be honest – it’s also become the perfect event for fashionistas. For many of us, an elegant Cheltenham outfit matters just as much as the race. It has become one of the most prestigious events in British culture, so people genuinely enjoy dressing up for Cheltenham.
Some are perfectly content turning up in jeans and a T-shirt, while others love to bring out that sharp suit or special dress they’ve been saving — and Cheltenham is certainly no ordinary occasion.
We all have our own sense of style, but finding what works for you, something that feels appropriate but still authentic, that’s the real challenge.
Here are some tips that can help you put together an outfit that’s perfect for a day at Cheltenham.
Ladies’ Fashion at Cheltenham
Ladies! Avoid the last-minute frenzy of what to/not to wear at the Cheltenham races by following these practical but stylish fashion tips:
- You will have to walk a lot, so make sure to pick something comfortable. There are paved walkways, of course, but Cheltenham also has large patches of grass. So, we would recommend closed toe shoes with a block heel or pair of stylish boots.
- Avoid heavy handbags and opt for an across body/clutch bag
- Layer up! The aim of the game is to look stylish whilst preventing frost bite – polo necks are a great option
- Gloves and hand warmers can be life savers
- Cheltenham is also known for its fine hat shops. If you don’t feel like buying one, you can even rent one and complete your race day look. It’s not compulsory, by any means, but it’s Instagram-friendly and it should feel quite comfortable on a sunny day.
- Finally, have fun with accessories! Add that je ne sais quoi with a chunky necklace or a faux fur stole and a pair of oversized sunglasses
Throughout the Festival, ladies are likely to don a variety of combinations, be it a super stylish trouser suit, a smart dress under a long coat or a more modern-day Chanel-esque skirt suit.
For the more classic look opt for navy, greens or monochrome and incorporate a flash of cerise or burst of citrus into your headwear (remember, hats are optional) or perhaps just a bold red lip if you want to be that little bit daring.
Alternatively, if you consider yourself to have a more modern taste and style, you may wish to wear vibrant tweeds which are becoming increasingly popular and are available in many high street stores.
Gents’ Fashion for Cheltenham
Gents! It’s time to strut your stuff! Here’s our go-to style guide for the perfect Festival get-up, from head to toe…
- A classic brown or navy felt trilby
- A well-fitting tweed or dark suit. A well-fitting blazer and smart pair of trousers is also a perfectly acceptable option. Alternatively, pump up the volume with a dapper three-piece suit, but make sure your waistcoat is as well fitted as your suit. It needs to be long enough to cover your waist and remember, you should always leave the bottom button undone
- Pick a smart shirt — think blues, pinks, or white, and skip the dark colours. And remember, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with racing royalty, so why not bring out those ‘special occasion’ cufflinks?
- Tie, pocket square and pair of braces – they come in an array of colours and can really add pizazz (and a sense of fun) to an outfit
- A smart overcoat can finish your outfit nicely as well as fending off sharp icy winds – fawn, navy or tweed are best with a Chesterfield or Covert being the most popular style of choice
- It’s always fun to add a pop of colour with a jazzy pair of socks (that “shoes with no socks” trend is so last year, and anyway, no one likes cold ankles!)
- Black, polished or dark brown suede shoes
Move over Brad Pitt!
Cheltenham Festival’s shopping village offers fantastic go-to pieces, so par de panic if you can’t find your lucky tie in time for the first on Tuesday, or pair of pants for that matter.
Remember that fancy dress is not permitted in the Club Enclosure.
