The Cheltenham Festival in March is the highlight of the National Hunt Season with over £4m of prize money. Starting from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March 2025

This four day festival is an opportunity to add a splash of colour to the dull grey skies starting with the Champion Hurdle on Day 1. Show off your true fashionista colours on Day 2 Ladies Day, for the Slow Fashion Awards. Make them green with envy on Day 3 with St Patrick’s Day and sparkle on the last day’s Gold Cup.

All prices are correct at time of publishing.

Official Dress Code

Officially there is no dress code – their motto is ‘Dress to feel Your Best’ even if that is a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers.
However for a big race meeting such as The Cheltenham Festival most racegoers choose to make an effort.  Whichever you decide, remember to dress for the weather. Hats are not required but will keep your head warm. 

Fancy dress is not permitted in hospitality, restaurant facilities, or in the Club Enclosure. It is permitted in other areas as long as the outfit isn’t offensive, and at the racecourse’s discretion, they reserve the right to decline entry should the need arise. Sports team kits are not permitted.

Cheltenham Festival x Holland Cooper

Holland Cooper is an official Cheltenham Racecourse and Festival Fashion partner. The luxury brand harnesses a style that lasts forever; an investment piece rather than following a fashion trend. Using heritage fabrics and focusing on true tailoring. A perfect match for the races.

Their The Great Coat (Wide Tooth Black Herringbone) pays homage to and re-imagined the Great coats worn by the British Military officers, dating back to 1914.Classic Military inspired shoulder and cuff Epaulette details, 100% wool woven in British mills.  Available in plain black and various check and herringbone tweeds including wide tooth black herringbone £799.00. Team with their matching black herringbone High Waisted Wide Leg Trouser  £299.00 and Buttoned Knit Roll Neck   in Black or Cream £99.00. Cheltenham can be muddy but you don’t have to forgo your high heels with the Regency Mid Heel Ankle Boot with its block heel. Available in black leather or suede, oxblood or chocolate leather and taupe suede. £279.00. Keep toasty with a pair of tights underneath and also a pair of socks from their Women’s Sock Gift Box (Charcoal Houndstooth Set) – Holland Cooper ® £49.00 for 3 pairs Available in charcoal or chocolate houndstooth.

Accessorise with their aptly named Cheltenham Bag in Black £329.00 (also available in tan, emerald and cream, HC Slim Logo Belt in black £89.00 and to keep your hands warm with a pair of their Cashmere Lined Faux Trim Leather Gloves in black £99.00. Add glam with pieces of jewellery Fine Heraldic Necklace in vintage gold finish and protected by an anti-tarnish coating, this lightweight design features subtle Heraldic HC detailing. £69.00 and Braided Hoop Earrings in vintage gold and protected with an anti-tarnish coating, these hoops feature a distinctive braided rope design with refined triple-band detailing. £69.00
Although hats are not required, many prefer to wear one to complete their racing day outfit (and to help keep warm!). Don’t bring out your summer hats though, stick to fabrics such as wool felt or (faux) fur to look stylish and keep warm. The trilby fits the bill and Holland Cooper’s Chelsea Trilby made of 100% wool is available in black, chocolate, forest green and mulberry. £79.00

Debenhams x The Jockey Club Partnership

Debenhams, the Digital Department Store, has joined forces with The Jockey Club in an exclusive two-year partnership. As The Jockey Club’s newest Associate Partner, Debenhams will deliver immersive race day beauty experiences at some of the most prestigious fixtures on the racing calendar 2026 which includes The Cheltenham Festival. For one week only, Debenhams will set up a Day Spa at The Orchard™ where Cheltenham Festival-goers in the Club Enclosure will be treated to complimentary hair & makeup touch ups. Debenhams offer a great choice of outfits for a day at the races including the collaboration of Milliner Lisa Tan x Coast providing a winning combination of headwear and dresses – all available via Debenhams

Coast x Lisa Tan Fur Trim Premium Jacket is part of a trouser suit in rich burgundy and a wool blend of 50% wool and 50% polyester. The jacket has additional wadding for insulation £110.00. Pair with matching Coast x Lisa Tan Wool Blend Trouser £74.00 Fedoras are a popular hat choice for the winter races and Coast x Lisa Tan Fedora With Contrast Band in a berry shade goes well with the trouser suit. Features a gold-tone snaffle detail for that equestrian touch £99.00. Add a touch of softness to the rich burgundy with Karen Millen’s Viscose Blend Roll Neck Knit Jumper in dusty pink or cream. Was £59.00 now £47.20 and The Seraphine Bow Belt by Lemon Daisy Accessories in light pink. Was £30.00 now £25.00 . Accessorise with Dune London’s ‘Define’ Leather Tote Bag in burgundy leather £169.00 and Paradox London’s Micro Suede ‘Aspen’ Mid Block Ankle Boot in burgundy. Also available in black and navy. Was £69.00 now £48.30. Keep those feet warm and toasty with Sock Snob’s 1 Pack Checkered Patterned Wool Blend Socks in burgundy. Designed to keep feet warm without being too bulky and heavy. The wool fibre traps warm air whilst the silk content allows the sock to become more lightweight. Also silk is incorporated into these socks to help them become more breathable. Were £9.99, now £7.59. Keep those hands warm with Snugrugs’ Butter Soft Leather Glove & Fleece Lining in dark red. Available in black, navy, brown and pink. Was £31.99 now £26.21 Add sparkle with  Red Dainty Floral Stud Earrings by AVANT-GARDE PARIS Were £37.95 now £25.62

Tweed

Odds are the weather will be cold so keep warm and stylish in the favourite fabric of any winter racing event: TWEED. Tweed doesn’t have to be conservative as many fashion brands have picked up the tweed baton and created colourful and fashionable suits, dresses and coats. Other fabric favourites are tartan, houndstooth and block colour wool, along with leather, suede and (faux) fur.

Schöffel Country’s Moray Tweed Jacket is a long line jacket just above the knee and made using British-milled Lovat tweed.  Detailing includes branded horn-button closure and two jetted pockets with trim. £450.00. Here paired with their matching above the knee Beauly Tweed Skirt Oak £160.00 and their Somerleyton Shirt in white cotton with a romantic frill collar and cuffs £90.00 For an extra layer of warmth, layer underneath with SOCKSHOP Heat Holders 0.45 TOG Long Sleeve Vest in white. The finely brushed inner provides insulation by the gently fleeced fibres holding warm air within and around them, close to your body. £19.99. Then layer over with Schoffel’s matching Millport Oak Tweed Waistcoat £270.00 or their Leyburn Knit Jumper in chocolate. The jumper’s neckline will perfectly frame the frill collar. £100.00. Finish off with their matching Newsboy Cap in Oak Herringbone Tweed another popular hat style for the winter races especially when worn with a tweed outfit. £75.00. When wearing a short skirt, choose thick tights to keep warm, such as .Trasparenze Jennifer Merino Wool Tights from SOCKSHOP These are made of 60% Merino Wool for warmth with stretchy Polyamide and elastine to prevent wrinkling. Available in various shades including dark brown or winter white £26.99 Two-thirds of the car parks are on grass, so it could be muddy. The best footwear is a pair of boots. Plus you can get away with a lower heel and still look chic such as Fairfax & Favor Explorer Waterproof Boots is an all-weather and all-terrain knee-high boot. In smooth waxed leather with a waterproof Sympatex® lining, that keeps your feet dry and warm. With a heavy duty YKK® zipper and Vibram sole plus a padded memory foam insole for all day comfort. Finished with the intricate scalloped fan and the signature Fairfax & Favor tassel. Available in oak or mahogany leather. £450.00 And if you have room in your boot add a pair of socks such as  SOCKSHOP Wool Blend Thermal Socks £8.99 Don’t forget the hands! Keep them warm with Fairfax & Favor’s Berwick Shearling Gloves in tan suede £135.00. Feel cosy in Schoffel’s Edale Scarf in brown houndstooth pattern lambswool made at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders. £60.00 Complete the look and add a touch of colour with Fairfax & Favor’s Mini Windsor Handbag in soft heather suede. Also available in other colours. £285.00

Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed, the only fabric still woven by hand and is made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. To regulate and protect the fabric against imitations, the Harris Tweed Orb certification mark was created in 1909 and is the oldest British mark of its kind. So when buying Harris Tweed, check it has the certification mark.

Walker Slater Emma Jacket  is made from Harris Tweed and has a fitted, asymmetric cut based on the style of a Victorian riding jacket. The collar can be worn turned and buttoned all the way up, or folded down and half buttoned to create a lapel. The cut of this jacket is particularly flattering on those with curves, but if you don’t have curves it will give the impression you do. The jacket comes in various tweeds, this one is a navy blue herringbone pattern with vibrant cobalt hues and flecks of rust and mauve throughout. £345.00. Team with their tapered Cara Trouser , also in navy herringbone Harris tweed. £165.00 or Willow Skirt in Navy Herringbone Harris Tweed £145.00. Layer with the soft feel of merino wool in their Freya Roll Neck 90% merino wool 10% cashmere. Available in a variety of colours including dove blue. £95.00. Add a touch of je ne sais quoi with Walker Slater Wool Beret .  Available in various colours, so you can match with your outfit. The skies may be grey on the day but this beret will keep it sky blue. 100% merino wool. £34.00 Although the beret is now synonymous with France, the Scottish working classes started to wear this style of hat as early as the 16th century. They called it a bonnet or tam o’shanter and it was worn to protect them from the harsh weather. Team with their Renton Scarf  in 100% lambswool with a modern interpretation of the traditional Fair isle pattern. Available in shades of blue or pinks. £79.00. Choose fingerless gloves so you don’t have to take them off when handling betting slips etc. Dulnain Wool Gloves in navy features a classic fair isle inspired pattern with plain coloured accents. Made from a soft new wool £28.00 Accessorise with The Tamson Tote bag in Harris Tweed navy tartan. £145.00. Step out in Fairfax & Favor’s Sheepskin Boudica Ankle Boots – An all-terrain boot, in waxed leather with a snug shearling lining. Available in mahogany, oak and black. £265.00. With the short skirt wear Trasparenze Jennifer Merino Wool Tights | SOCKSHOP to keep the legs warm. 60% Merino Wool with stretchy Polyamide and elastine for a great fit. Available in various shades including navy £26.99. For the trousers go for Walker Slater’s Kilrenny Sock | Pink Stripe in a blend of 62% Wool, 38% Polyamide £16.00

Vintage for Slow Fashion Awards

Day 2 is Ladies Day and Cheltenham presents the Slow Fashion Awards which encourages racegoers to ditch fast fashion and wear vintage and borrowed items instead, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down through generations. They encourage all racegoers to showcase their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.

Vintage clothing can be found online, vintage shops and market stalls but won’t be available in all sizes. They are usually just one size so it will take a lot of searching. 

Etsy is a good place to start online such as Ascendance Fashion which sells one off vintage pieces from 1940s up to 1980s which are perfect for Chelthenham races. The above 2 images were available at time of print, but as there is only one sample, they may not be available long. AscendanceFashion – Etsy UK

Zorica, owner of Ascendance Fashion explains “When you mention vintage fashion people automatically assume 1940s and 1950s, but it is becoming increasingly harder to source garments that are still sturdy and in ‘modern’ sizes: more often than not they are a UK size 4 or 6 in modern sixes and hard to find larger sizing. So the 1960s ,1970s and yes absolutely the 1980s are a fantastically glamorous option of quality and edge. I am a particular fan of Mansfield for example, and so was Princess Diana.” This 1980s Vintage Iconic Green Mansfield Coat via Etsy UK is a size 10. It is the ultimate fit & flare coat with dramatic huge shoulders, mutton sleeves and is a blend of cashmere and wool with faux fur trim.  Zorica enthuses “Leg of mutton sleeves are soooo back in fashion!” Pair with Amazing Vintage Late 1970s Early 1980s Peter Bettley Harrods Hat  A rounded bucket style with brim, in emerald green wool. Adorned with black satin band & bow, and a heavyweight cotton spot veiling. The designer is Peter Bettley milliner to Royalty and celebrities throughout the late 20th century.£125.00

She describes this early1960s Harella ‘Atomic’ weave wool wiggle suit as “Very warm for a day’s chilly jump racing, especially with the mouton collar which stands up if required, and windproof mouton cuffs: exposed wrists are one of the easiest ways for body to lose heat so these are lovely.”  Harella were a very prestigious British Fashion House. Made in Halifax Yorkshire UK with UK wool (a mix with viscose) and sheepskin fur. Marked as a UK size 16, this translates as a UK size 14 in today’s sizes. A 12 would get away with it too. Not vintage by slow fashion designed by Zorica is Sinamay Silk Flower and Pheasant Feather Cross Net Web Hat in brown and beige, A sinamay base with a real silk flower centrepiece, and peasant feathers, decorated by contrasting web netting. £95.00

To brighten the day is Tweed With a Twist! Quirky Purple Harris Tweed, Herringbone & Tartan Wiggle Suit Vintage 1940s 1950s Has turnback wing 3/4 herringbone cuffs with reverse in wool tartan. The back of the pencil skirt is a tartan panel and the jacket is lined with the tartan too. Size 10 with 27 ins waist on the skirt, but the jacket is bigger so I think this was likely made to measure and would suit a size 10 with a good bust for that hourglass Mad Men wiggle look. £295.00 Bring your own sunshine to a cloudy day with Trilby Hat in yellow. Not vintage but slow fashion and created by Zorica. 100 % wool Ladies Trilby with shotgun cartridge feather brooch. In various colours but the yellow is a different design, instead of a band there is a threaded design round the hat waist. Adjustable so fit any size head. £59.00

Check out your local markets. If you live in or are visiting London, then visit Portobello Market in Notting Hill, it is teaming with vintage clothing. And don’t forget to explore its surrounding shops. Archive by Natalie is a one of the vintage fashion stores nearby specialising in designer wear – address is 49 Pembridge Road but you can also purchase items via their instagram @archivebynatalie.

Holland Cooper images provided by Holland Cooper.

Debenhams images provided by Debenhams

Fairfax & Favor, and Schöffel provided by PR Agency -Bloxham PR

Walter Slater images provided by Walter Slater

Sockshop images provided by PR Agency – Trace Publicity

Ascendance Fashion images provided by Ascendance Fashion