Cheltenham Festival Style Guide

The Cheltenham Races has a long and storied history, and fashion has always been an important part of the event. The first recorded horse race in Cheltenham was in 1815, and by the 1830s, the Cheltenham Races had become a popular social event for the upper classes.

Hat and feather / Burghley Belt / Wrap Coat / Clare Haggas scarf / Tetbury Clutch / Cowfirl boots

In the early days of the races, mentypically wore top hats, frock coats, and cravats, while women wore long dresses with bonnets and gloves. As the races grew in popularity and became more of a social event, fashion became increasingly important, and women's clothing became more elaborate and fashionable.

Women began to wear dresses that were looser fitting and more daring in the early 20th century, with shorter hemlines and shorter hemlines. Women decided to wear shorter dresses and skirts at Cheltenham Races after the introduction of the mini skirt in the 1960s had a major impact on the fashion scene.

Cherry roller earrings / Stirrup Pendant / Feather Brooch / Clifton Cinch / Bombshell HQ Tartan Dress / Windsor Clutch / Navy heels

In recent years, the dress code for the Cheltenham Races has become more relaxed, with smart casual attire becoming the norm. However, the Club Enclosure and Tattersalls Enclosure still have strict dress codes, with men expected to wear suits and ties, and women encouraged to wear formal daywear and hats or fascinators.

A fedora, a feather brooch, silk scarf, belt and bag will elevate your outfit to Cheltenham level, and it's the perfect place to put together a show-stopping outfit. We think with accessories you can easily elevate any outfit to be fit for a day at the races - and maybe even get the attention of the paparazzi! 

Top Tips for dressing for Cheltenham

1. Whilst fashion is a focus, remember to be comfortable too so you can fully enjoy your day. 

2. Layer up! It can be bitterly cold, and rainy at The Festival, however it is very warm inside most enclosures and the shopping marquees.

Camel fedora / Welligogs Coat / Clare Haggas Scarf / Chatsworth belt / Eversley bag / Chelsea boots

3. Keep your hat on! Ensure all hats and fascinators are attached securely and fit well - no one looks good chasing their hat! (Come and ask us about our special trick to ensure your hat stays in place on even the windiest of days!)

Most importantly, remember to have fun, and visit us on stand 13.