Going to the Races? What to Wear at Cheltenham Festival

There is no dress code for the Cheltenham Festival, (13th to 16th March 2018), though the website says, "...smart dress is preferred. Racing doesn’t happen every day, so why not treat your visit as a special occasion?" A sentiment with which I entirely agree: people going to special events sometimes forget to make an effort to reflect the occasion in their dress. In my view this undermines the fun and can appear disrespectful to organisers and hosts.

"Racing style is distinctively British and the ideal would be to buy a UK-made outfit for the event"

Noel Fehily and Special Tiara winning the 2017 Queen Mother Champion Chase.

How can you dress for this special occasion? The website wisely advises; 

"As we race largely during the winter months, the weather can be unpredictable, so we would advise you to dress accordingly. At The Festival, many ladies wear hats, but with the weather rather than high fashion in mind. Gentlemen usually wear a suit or similar in the Club Enclosure and in restaurants and hospitality facilities." 

A snap-brim racing trilby from Christys Hats

I've turned to some favourite brands to illustrate what you can wear. You can find similar styles elsewhere and even go vintage, a style that lends itself well to that very classic racing look which is so little changed over many decades.

A hat, possibly a racing fedora like mine from Christys Hats (above), a coat, maybe a covert coat or tweed overcoat or a waxed Barbour (try Cordings of Piccadilly for overcoats, macs and jackets; see below) will all provide suitably country-style protection against the unreliable spring weather.

Cordings of Piccadilly will provide all that you need: hat, tweed suit and outerwear for British spring weather

From New & Lingwood: contemporary cuts and designs for a less traditional-tweedy country look

Racing style is distinctively British and the ideal would be to buy a UK-made outfit for the event. Tweed is a fundamental uniform of the country gent attending the races - either a suit or jacket and flannels. New & Lingwood (above) dare you to be different with bold checks and softer, less structured tailoring. From Budd Shirtmakers come beautifully made Tattersalls shirts (see image below), with their distinctive country checks, soft warm brushed cotton finish and links to equestrianism, are essential. Shoes or boots: solid brown brogues of course; able to withstand rain and mud, so stout, British-made and best with rubber Commando or Dainite soles. If, by some freak event, there's an early heat wave, a linen suit will look well.

Tattersalls shirts, silk tie and scarf and socks, all British-made from Budd Shirtmakers

Accessories: silk Paisley tie and pocket square (or a wool knitted tie with suitable bucolic scenes of horses, pheasants or foxes) and maybe a cashmere scarf or vintage Tootal neckwarmer to keep out the chill. A pewter hip flask containing a warming tipple is sensible (unless you're driving).

Waterproof and grippy country shoes:  Veldtschoen footwear from Cheaney and Herring

When selecting the elements of your outfit think about how they will look together. There can be a tendency for men to choose their favourite items without considering how well they go together. Find a common colour that runs through tailoring, shirt, tie, socks, scarf, square (such as blue in the above image). This will pull the look together to prevent it looking piecemeal. Avoid too many different patterns and colours. A mix can be made to work, but it needs some experience and an artistic eye. Check in the mirror before you leave the house and ask yourself, "Will I scare the horses?"

Enjoy the Festival.

Links to shops and brands:
Christys Hats
Laird Hatters
Cordings of Piccadilly
New & Lingwood
Budd Shirtmakers
Herring Shoes
Cheaney Shoes

This is an unsponsored post. The brands mentioned are selected because I like their products. Similar products are available elsewhere.