Located in the heart of the historic city of Chester, this racecourse known as the Roodee, is the oldest racecourse still in use in the UK, if not the world! It may be the oldest and smallest racecourse in England, but the Roodee is young at heart and big on the fashion trends.

A neighbour of Aintree, chances are the Chester ladies already started their racing fashion season at the Grand National and are ‘chomping at the bit’ to carry on the trend at the Boodles May Festival with glamour and a party atmosphere. This three day festival is Chester Racecourse’s most famous and popular event and kicks off their season with style. Boodles May Festival starts Wednesday 7th May until Friday 9th May 2025 Ladies Day is on Thursday 8th May where you’ll have the chance to be crowned the most stylish attendee in their Best Dressed Competition, going home with prizes that would make anyone envious!

Official Dress Code For County Concourse Enclosure (only applies for the Boodles May Festival) plus the Hospitality Areas and Chester Members which includes the County Long Room, Winning Post Enclosure and The Garden.

Chester racecourse says: “ It’s time to get fancy! A race day outfit is like no other so we want you to dress to impress. Think cocktail dresses, sleek power suits, shiny shoes and statement fascinators that would make anyone do a double take! You’ll ooze classic sophistication and shine like the fashionista you are. “ Allowed in these areas:  Smart dress/skirt Not allowed in these areas: Jeans, Trainers, Shorts, Tracksuits, T-shirts, Sportswear , Fancy Dress & Inappropriate clothing.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

Our choice is Burnt Orange Chiffon Midi Dress by Self-Portrait £350.00 accessorised with their Gold Pearl Shell Charm Necklace – self-portrait £250.00 Gold Pearl Shell Charm Bracelet £195.00 Both are of gold plated brass with faux pearls. Teamed with Gold plated brass Sculpted Hoop Earrings £120.00

Add more zestiness with Yellow patent leather bean bag by MSGM Official £550.00 and their Yellow patent leather sandals with iconic MSGM heel adorned with a raffia flower. £590.00. Also available in black. Like the Aintree lady, The Chester lady loves her high heels and is willing to suffer for the fashion stakes. It is the smallest racecourse in the UK so there won’t be long distance walking which is good news to the stiletto wearer.

The Headpiece – Most ladies do wear a hat or fascinator but like the Grand National lady, the hat is not the main focus, the whole outfit is! However, don’t let that tone things down: your headwear is the finishing touch on a very highly styled ensemble! Hire a hat from British millinery Jenny Roberts for just £94.00 like this Orange Silk Pleated Headpiece with Pheasant Feathers – Jenny Roberts Millinery They only create one of each design, so there is no chance someone else will be wearing the same headpiece. 

Official Dress Code For Tattersalls

They are looking for a smart-casual vibe. They say “Picture yourself in a chic ensemble, a floral flowing dress matched with a pair of sunnies. The key is to exude confidence and comfort while looking effortlessly stylish.  Ladies should wear smart attire”. Allowed in Tattersalls: Smart dress/skirt Not allowed in Tattersalls: Trainers, Shorts , Tracksuits , T-shirts, Sportswear, Fancy Dress or Inappropriate clothing.

We’ve chosen Elizabeth Chiffon Faux Pearl Mini Dress by French Connection UK £145.00, added sparkle with Strappy Crystal Sandals by ESSĒN £254.00 and kept the blues going with Sansa mini handbag by GUESS® £135.00. Accessorised with Aqua Marine x Freshwater Pearl Ring by A Sinner In Pearls Was £130.00 now £60.00 and their Crystal x Freshwater Pearl Earrings Was £130.00 now £75.00

Headbands are modern and fresh but also can make a statement. Jenny Roberts Millinery Halo headpiece is £94.00 for hire. A pale blue parasisal straw halo headpiece with pale blue birdcage veil along with an adornment of silk roses. 

Official Dress Code For The Roodee

This is more of a relaxed environment, but Chester Racecourse say “don’t let that stop you from donning your best outfit for a grand day out at the races. Dress it up or dress it down – it’s up to you. All that we ask is that you don’t wear offensive clothing or offensive fancy dress as these are not allowed.” Allowed in the Roodee: Relaxed clothing , Fancy dress , Sports clothing , Trainers Not allowed in the Roodee:, Offensive clothing , Offensive fancy dress.

We’ve chosen Shirred Chiffon Floral Bardot Midi Dress by Goddiva £95.00 – a romantic but casual style with a tiered skirt. Teamed with  GUESS® Slone leather sandal £125.00 which adds a touch of glamour with its Rhinestone appliqué detailing on a more casual and comfortable flat crêpe sole. Giving love vibes with GUESS® Love Me Tender earrings £70.00 and GUESS® Love Me Tender bracelet £70.00 and GUESS® Arnela 4G Peony Logo Mini Bag £100.00. Top it with a pale pink Straw Fedora Summer Hat by Cotswolds Country Hats- Pink £29.95 for that summery casual look.

Please note in Roodee, there is only limited cover in the Dee Stand and no cover at all in the Open Course, so be prepared and check the weather beforehand. British weather is unpredictable and the day’s forecast could be rain plus some sunny spells so taking a large tote bag or shopper such as GUESS® Delfa raffia shopper would be a good idea. Was £140.00 now £91.00. This way you can pop in an umbrella for the rain, a cardigan/pashmina if it gets chilly and suntan lotion/sunglasses when the sun starts to shine. 

Jenny Roberts Millinery images provided by Jenny Roberts

French Connection, Essen and A Sinner in Pearls images provided by pr agency Evolve Studios

Self Portrait images provided by Self Portrait

MSGM images provided by pr agency Reference Studios

Godiva and Guess images provided by pr agency Trace Publicity

Cotswolds Hats image provided by Cotswolds Hats

Background shot of Chester Racecourse provided by Canva.com