We’ve written on numerous occasions about fashion at the races, and the wonderful thing is that it’s somewhat universal. There are certain features such as large hats and bright colors, for example, that one can find in abundance at virtually any significant spectator horse race on the planet. And yet, sometimes an individual racing event still manages to possess a particular set of style trends to go with its atmosphere. For that reason, now seems an appropriate time to check in on the UK racing fashion scene, and in particular the Cheltenham Festival.
Set to take place March 10-13 at the Cheltenham Racecourse (roughly a two-hour drive west of London), this festival is the first big, prestigious set of races on the English calendar. Racing enthusiasts from around Europe will flock to Cheltenham for four days’ worth of top-notch races highlighted by various National Hunt contests. And as we inch closer to the event, favorites are being named and particularly enthusiastic fans are placing bets. If you count the competition and betting among your interests, you can view a wide range of Cheltenham tips here, where Betfair has updated odds as well as analysis from a variety of in-the-know contributors. Occasionally, one can even find thoughts directly from the trainers, such as the renowned Paul Nicholls!
But for those who are primarily concerned with the actual fashion at the races, and at the Cheltenham Festival in particular, here are the style trends coinciding with this event that we’ll see in a few weeks.
First of all, Cheltenham does have a Ladies Day, which is a common feature of UK festivals. You can view details about Ladies Day tickets and events at the Cheltenham site, but the gist of it is that this is a day specifically set aside for the fashion-loving fans. This isn’t to say people don’t dress up on the other three days of the festival, but Ladies Day is when the best and most interesting outfits tend to be seen. At Cheltenham, it takes place on the second day of action (March 11).
Getting into specific styles you’ll see at Cheltenham, though, one that stands out is that the traditional oversized hats may be even more inventive than at other races. Whereas “derby hats” at most American races are recognizable mostly for sheer size, the waviness of their brims, and color, the hats of the Cheltenham Festival tend to take on a variety of wild shapes and designs. Additionally, they are almost universally adorned with feathers, flowers, ribbons, nets, and all kinds of other embellishments. It’s all a little more imaginative, and a little more fun.
Another trend you’re sure to notice if you spend much time observing Cheltenham’s styles is that thick fabrics and warm outerwear are far more common than at similarly prestigious events around the world. This is simply due to the fact that the Cheltenham area can still be quite cold in early March, and spectators are always finding fashionable ways to stay warm. Equestrian Vogue covered outerwear at Cheltenham with a specific eye on 2015, identifying faux fur coats and a wonderful tweed jacket by Timothy Foxx as styles and examples that could be prevalent this year.
Finally, it should be noted that footwear at Cheltenham can differ from that at other major festivals and race days. Stilettos often stand out as the most noticeable ladies’ footwear at such events, but as Style-Review points out, they can quickly become uncomfortable over a long day of races and socializing. The same article suggests that thick heels, flats, and boots are all more suitable options, and it’s the latter that pops up most frequently at Cheltenham. As with the outerwear concept, colder weather allows for bulkier footwear, and stylish boots are quite common at the festival.
While some general horse racing fashion ideas still make their way into the Cheltenham crowds, these features combine to provide a somewhat-original take on the style that goes with the sport.
