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Dress Code: Here’s what to wear to Cheltenham this year

The countdown is on—Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner, bringing together world-class horse racing and high-fashion elegance. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or attending for the first time, your outfit matters.


Rooted in a quintessentially British aesthetic, Cheltenham calls for sharp tailoring and statement accessories—all while staying prepared for unpredictable March weather. This year, expect the best dressed men to be clad in tailored tweed suits and structured coats. For women, timeless outerwear, elegant midi dresses, and tailored separates will define race-day sophistication.


Here's your guide to men’s and women’s dress codes at Cheltenham this year. The key to nailing it? Finding that perfect intersection between contemporary cool and traditional timelessness.


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The Dress Code: Style Rules to Follow

While the Cheltenham dress code isn’t as strict as some of the more formal race days, smart dressing is expected. Here’s what you should wear:

Cheltenham dress code for Men:


Do’s

  • Overcoats – A must for warmth and sophistication.
  • Muted tones & heritage checks – Navy, camel, forest green, and houndstooth patterns.
  • Practical yet stylish footwear – Leather boots, brogues, or polished loafers.
  • Statement accessories – Trilby hats, silk scarves, pocket squares, and classic ties.

Don’ts

  • Trainers or overly casual shoes – Keep it polished!
  • Sports jerseys or casual wear – This is your chance to dress up and make an impact, so avoid being overly casual.
  • Novelty outfits or fancy dress – Cheltenham is all about keeping it smart.


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Cheltenham dress code for Women:


Do’s

  • Elegant outerwear – Wool coats, tailored blazers, and structured trenches.
  • Midi dresses & tailored separates – Chic and race-appropriate.
  • Muted tones & classic patterns – Navy, camel, houndstooth, and tweeds.

  • Stylish yet functional footwear – Boots and block heels are your essentials.

Don’ts

  • Ultra-casual footwear – No trainers, please.
  • Overly revealing styles – Keep it classy.
  • Loud prints & excessive embellishments – Cheltenham is about understated elegance. 


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Master the Cheltenham dress code with sharp tailoring


Cheltenham fashion is rooted in classic British tailoring that harks back to its early 20th-century origins. Now, nearly 100 years since it was established, it’s still all about structured silhouettes.


Men’s Pick: Opt for a heritage-inspired piece with a sleek, modern fit—a puppytooth or tweed blazer is perfect for this. Pair with tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt for a confident, race-ready outfit.


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Women’s Pick: Style a sharp blazer with wide-leg trousers or a midi dress, it's a statement outfit with serious race-day credibility. 


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Final Word: Choosing Your Cheltenham Outfit


Cheltenham style is about striking the perfect balance—sophisticated but effortless, polished yet practical. This year, expect a focus on heritage fabrics and patterns, structured outerwear, and statement accessories.


Layer smartly, choose practical footwear, and invest in classic accessories—that's the winning formula for Cheltenham.