Make Sure You’re the Best Dressed at Cheltenham Races

It isn’t too long until the arrival of Cheltenham Festival, an event that is considered to be the most stylish in the UK sporting calendar. It is a huge social event too, and one where you need to be your best-dressed self.

The search for attire and accessories at this time of year can be challenging, particularly choosing the most weather-appropriate shoes – but we are here to guide you on your quest for the perfect outfit.

With last year’s festival banning general admission due to COVID restrictions, the event is long-awaited and only brings us more excitement.

What to expect from racegoers this year

So, with spring being near, guests tend to ditch darker shades and instead opt-in for a brighter look. In 2020, racegoers dressed to impress by incorporating bold colours into their outfits; model Vogue Williams sported a red trench coat but created a contrast to tone it down by pairing it with a subtle black and white bag and shoes. Attendees witnessed an abundance of printed garments too, placing emphasis on their clothing while achieving a subtle look with their shoes and bag.

This year, we predict that guests will be keen to make up for lost time and will attempt to outdo the attire from two years prior. While patterns dominated the racecourse fashion previously, the accessories to match weren’t as memorable. Expect to see an array of colours this year through flattering yet vivid combinations of matching women’s handbags and shoes and even coffin nails to garments.

Choosing the right colour combinations

But you may ask yourself, what are the most fabulous colour combinations? Well, we’ve got you covered.

Blue and orange is a timeless colour combination. Navy blue specifically is a choice that you can be certain will look elegant, but it can be a slightly safe choice – and this year’s Cheltenham Festival will be nothing short of daring. Instead, pair a royal blue dress with an orange cross-body bag; you will undoubtedly be the centre of attention.

Set the tone for the warmer months by arriving in green and yellow attire. Mustard is the perfect shade for being boldly sophisticated, and adding an emerald green baguette bag and heels will complete your look. Add another splash of colour to tie your outfit together by wearing a chunky green belt.

Red and pink is the perfect colour combination for those who know no limits when it comes to colour – specifically scarlet red and fuchsia. If you are determined to push your colourful style to the next level, choose an eye-catching pink to pair with a striking red clutch bag – make sure your matching shoes are not hidden by your clothing to truly stand out in the crowd.

Dressing weather-appropriate

Although the warmer months will be arriving shortly after Cheltenham Festival, it’s important to remember that UK weather is always unpredictable. So, if the weather isn’t on your side for the event, you may receive some unwanted showers, so your choice of bag and shoes is a make or break.

Practicality is a key trait for your bag, so ensuring that it features a zip to keep the contents safe is something to look out for. A simple click in place to close your accessory will unfortunately not be enough protection on this occasion, as the rain could drench your belongings.

An open-toe heel will be uncomfortable on the day if the rain makes an appearance. While you try to enjoy the day, you will be given the unwanted surprise of wet feet and slippery shoes. Instead, perhaps go for a court heel to avoid any discomfort and to keep your feet slightly more covered up.

Walking in stiletto heels is a skill that takes plenty of practice. If this isn’t your forte, the thought of slipping over, especially in front of a crowd, can be one of your worries of the day. But stress no more; a block heel is a great option for you, not to mention it gives you the opportunity to practise your walk.

Planning your outfit for a long-awaited event can be stressful – especially for Cheltenham, where the importance is placed on style. But there is no need to fret if you are brightening up your look with colourful and unforgettable accessories.