Oh lord! What does one wear to the races?!

[TeamSpike]

I'm off to the Cheltenham races next month and have never been before. My parents have been a lot. It'll be the private box and meal and everything. DM says I need to dress fancy. I'm not accustomed to such events and am shit at styling myself at the best of times! I'd prefer trousers as it'll be cold and I'm more comfortable in trousers. I'm a size 16/18. This is what I have so far! Please help!!!

The blue trousers from first pic and the blouse from second

Sorry I don't think this is fancy enough - love the top- but won't you be cold?

Absolutely not racing attire...

For inspiration you should google Cheltenham races and get news articles of outfits of racegoers from previous years

Oh god I told I'm no good at this!! Not the white top, the black one. With a white blazer?

Think posh wedding attire but more tweedy and dressed for the cold and you will be more in the right ball park.

What about a nice jumpsuit?

@TeamSpike

Oh god I told I'm no good at this!! Not the white top, the black one. With a white blazer?

They're workwear at best. I don't like them at all and definitely not right for the races.

I think if you're going for trousers you need to look for a different style.

Second the jumpsuit suggestion if you prefer trousers.

People wear a range of clothing to the races. Those you see dressed up in fascinators and fancy outfits are not the majority even in the boxes.

The blouse and trousers you have chosen will be ideal, but smart coat over the top will definitely be needed.

It always gets cold at Cheltenham as it's quite exposed to the wind and you can end up walking a lot, so comfortable shoes in keeping with the coat would be a good idea.

Sounds like you will have a great day in the hospitality. Enjoy!

Google Cheltenham Racecourse Dress Code

It will give you any rules and ideas of what people wear. Presume your mum can give you a heads up if she's been lots.

I would say it depend on what race day you are going for, alot of women at Cheltenham racecourse dependent on day will be In jeans and a tweed jacket, other times a dress and fascinator. I would say due to weather and time of heat you could definately get away with what you've suggested

If you have a private box, then I'm guessing you'll be in the 'posh' enclosure so you need to wear 'smart casual' as a minimum. No jeans/t-shirts. When I was at the races last month, the most popular outfit for women who'd dressed up seemed to be the floral dress/plain jacket combination. Whatever you do, wear shoes you can actually walk in! I always feel sorry for women who are limping in stack heels by the end of the first race.

The black top in the second picture would be fine, but team it with smart trousers or a skirt.

It's a great opportunity to dress up 'properly' if you want to go for it with a fascinator or hat, but if that's not your thing, smart casual will be fine.

Have a lovely day!

Just to add, I go racing quite a lot but rarely go in the posh enclosure (too poor for that )but the last time I went posh, I wore a mustard coat dress with a matching fascinator and black knee-boots, and I felt very confident in the outfit - I was about a size 16 at the time.

Thanks all. Yes it is the posh bit I think. Maybe I'll try and find a nice coat/jacket to go with the blouse. Think I'll have a chat with DM as well! I've had a look on google. It's just tricky for me as I'm really not the tweed/posh crowd! I certainly can't afford to spend alot on an outfit

All natural fibres (wools, cotton, leather), palate should be mud colours and neutrals, fur (good-quality faux or real are both worn) and feather used for trim and decoration, layer up for warmth. Then add another layer. And maybe one more. Cheltenham is a classic country meet. Think Downton Abbey does rural.
And plan for it to be sharp wind and properly Autumnal.. It's the races but nothing like Royal Ascot in June, either in sartorial style or climate. It's great fun though 😁

MIDI dress or skirt and top with flat knee high boots. No heels they'll get stuck in the mud. Warm coat and an umbrella just in case.

Last time I went to the Cheltenham festival, I wore a black polo neck, black flared trousers, big necklace, long camel coat and black felt hat. Block heel boots.

Quality camel coat £5!

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154667589787?hash=item2402e8209b:g:FZsAAOSwuUNhdTaZ

That's perfect! Thank you for the link

You'll need a decent warm and smart wool or tweed coat, comfy boots.

No need for a hat or any headgear, but if you do keep it simple. It is NOT like Royal Ascot. Definitely don't wear a fascinator to Cheltenham in November!

@ChatterMonkey

Absolutely not racing attire...

For inspiration you should google Cheltenham races and get news articles of outfits of racegoers from previous years

Exactly what I was thinking, that’s what I do too!

Cheltenham will be all tweed/wool with and fairfax and favour boots.

Don't look at what people wear for summer meets. I would start with a good smart coat and plan your outfit around it.

Check the exact dress code for the area you will be in.

As most are saying, smart casual country clothing. No jeans. The only people who wear mini dresses and fascinators are the ones who get chucked out for being pissed up.

Whatever you wear, if you feel the cold wear a coat and take a wrap. Cheltenham is National hunt racing and not flat racing. Google past meetings for ideas of what people are wearing and get inspiration. As a guide it’s not as dressy as flat racing but you will probably see tweed, leather and fur on the day.

Thanks all. I've checked the hospitality packet and it says there's no dress code! I'm thinking of going with the camel coat to start with. I'm hoping the high waist trousers and blouse will work! Going to send pics to DM for approval or rejection!

I would replace the blue with a plain cashmere sweater, if you have one.