- Pat Reilly releases EP Prince of the Night - 13 November, 2020
- How are our sex lives adapting during lockdown? - 17 October, 2020
- The launch of the first ‘Fashion Run’ supporting the British Fashion Council Foundation and other UK charities - 1 September, 2020
There’s only a handful of days left until the fabulous Cheltenham Festival begins. Known as an iconic (and very fashionable) addition to the British sporting calendar, it’s essential to always dress to impress when you head to the races.
In order to help you look your very best, here’s The Vada Guide to Fashion at the Cheltenham Festival.
Official Dress Code
Surprisingly, Cheltenham Festival doesn’t have a specific dress code and instead suggests that visitors dress appropriately for the weather. The four-day jump racing extravaganza takes place in March, and thus spectators need to be prepared for whatever the British winter weather could throw at them.
The four-day jump racing extravaganza takes place in March, and thus spectators need to be prepared for whatever the British winter weather could throw at them. Which usually means that an umbrella is essential, even if it’s not an official requirement.
Although there is leniency in the dress code, the event is known for luxurious, high-end attire that encompasses the sophisticated atmosphere. It’d be a pity to let your outfit (or your make up) get ruined by a spattering of rain.
The Ladies
Even though ladies’ fashion is a prominent part of all the events at Cheltenham, it’s arguably Ladies Day (16 March) that is the most spectacular showcase of style over the whole festival. In fact, Ladies Day is renowned for its glamour. So what will the ladies be wearing?
Heavier materials, such as crepe and tweed are staples of the fashion parade, a stark contrast to the delicate chiffon that we see when at the Royal Ascot. It’s all about layering when it comes to styling your ensemble; the right choice of garments and accessories can add finesse to your outfit whether it’s a dress or a suit.
Another must for nearly every woman attending is to wear a hat. In fact, most people remember Ladies Day mainly because of the extraordinary hats on display.
The Men
In a similar vein to the women, the male spectators attending are expected to also don rich tweed patterns and perhaps add a cashmere jumper for added warmth.
Many men will also choose to wear a Paddock coat – a less fitted form of the overcoat which has become a part of many people’s winter wardrobe.
Unlike the ladies, the men tend to only wear a hat for practicality rather than fashion. However, if they do decide to don a hat, it’s usually a trilby.
The BIG Four: Champion Day to the Gold Cup
It’s not all about the fashion, though. There is also excitement surrounding each day of jump racing, with Champion Day and the Gold Cup being seen as the two most important in regards to sporting action. This is because the first day has one of the most awaited races after a 12-month wait: the Stan James Champion Hurdle. Just as the event opens with a bang, it ends with one too, with the Gold Cup being one of the most talked about facets of the entire festival.
Just as the event opens with a bang, it ends with one too, with the Gold Cup being one of the most talked about facets of the entire festival.
As with the fashion side of Cheltenham Festival, it’s important to know some valuable horse racing tips too – that way you can look and act the part. One of the best ways to get all the latest insight is by paying attention to all of the upcoming news from the sporting community. That way you can see who the hot favourites are, and what the odds are for all the contenders involved.
