THE COTSWOLDS GENTLEMAN'S
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL STYLE GUIDE
Whilst the Cheltenham Festival has no formal dress code, we feel it's a perfect opportunity to dress up and stand out from the huge crowds in celebration of the best four days in the sporting calendar.
We're never quite sure what the weather will be at Prestbury Park come March, so it's always good to be flexible with your outfit of choice.
We highly recommend layering. When the wind blows at Cheltenham, you know about it. However, we may be surprised and be basking in warm early spring sunshine. With that said, come the last race of the day, it will still be pretty chilly.
This guide will help you mix and match everything, from tailored coats and gilets to traditional blazer, shirt and tie. But, as always, just remember one thing... leave those shiny suits at home!
We're never quite sure what the weather will be at Prestbury Park come March, so it's always good to be flexible with your outfit of choice.
We highly recommend layering. When the wind blows at Cheltenham, you know about it. However, we may be surprised and be basking in warm early spring sunshine. With that said, come the last race of the day, it will still be pretty chilly.
This guide will help you mix and match everything, from tailored coats and gilets to traditional blazer, shirt and tie. But, as always, just remember one thing... leave those shiny suits at home!
BLAZERS & COATS
You will build your whole outfit around what jacket, blazer or coat that you choose to wear.
The beauty with either is that you can go with whatever combo underneath that you fancy. A jumper, shirt and tie, a roll neck, or a fleece gillet all look equally smart.
We absolutely love the Holland Cooper Tailored Coats. Our favourite being the Tawny Cheltenham coat that we will wear twice this year, once with the jumper and fleece gilet combo and the next time with a jumper, shirt and tie.
The beauty of this coat is how flexible it is with different colours. On Day One, we will wear the Holland Cooper Khaki Green Country Fleece Gilet with a brown or green jumper, fitted khaki cords (ours are from M&S for just £30), Fairfax and Favour Chocolate Chelsea Boots and a brown belt. This combines a country class look while not feeling too overdressed. It's also brilliantly layered too to combat all temperatures.
As you can see in the image below, the coat looks equally as good with a roll neck in which case you wouldn't need both the gilet and the jumper underneath.
The beauty with either is that you can go with whatever combo underneath that you fancy. A jumper, shirt and tie, a roll neck, or a fleece gillet all look equally smart.
We absolutely love the Holland Cooper Tailored Coats. Our favourite being the Tawny Cheltenham coat that we will wear twice this year, once with the jumper and fleece gilet combo and the next time with a jumper, shirt and tie.
The beauty of this coat is how flexible it is with different colours. On Day One, we will wear the Holland Cooper Khaki Green Country Fleece Gilet with a brown or green jumper, fitted khaki cords (ours are from M&S for just £30), Fairfax and Favour Chocolate Chelsea Boots and a brown belt. This combines a country class look while not feeling too overdressed. It's also brilliantly layered too to combat all temperatures.
As you can see in the image below, the coat looks equally as good with a roll neck in which case you wouldn't need both the gilet and the jumper underneath.
Moving onto the shirt and tie combo under a coat or blazer.
Below, Frankie Foster wears the Holland Cooper Glenn Green Cheltenham Coat, paired with a white shirt, a silk tie that he has designed himself, House of Cavani Dakota Navy Chinos and Fairfax and Favour Trafalgar Boots
Chris Hughes wears the House Of Cavani Power Grey blazer and waistcoat with a white shirt, navy tie and their Dakota Navy Chinos (included in the 3 piece) and a pair of brogues, either a pair of Russel shoes (pictured) with the nay suede to match the navy theme or simply the plain brown Madrid shoes.
SUITED & BOOTED
As a partner to the Cheltenham Festival, House Of Cavani offer a more affordable option if you are looking for a suit for the races. From traditional tweeds to checks and pin stripes, they have you covered for all four days.
Our two favourites from their collection would be the Gaston Sage Tweed Three Piece (£269), which pops when paired with a white shirt and burgundy tie and pocket square, and their two-toned green Caridi Sage with Caridi Olive Waistcoat (£299) which would be ideal for St Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival.
Our two favourites from their collection would be the Gaston Sage Tweed Three Piece (£269), which pops when paired with a white shirt and burgundy tie and pocket square, and their two-toned green Caridi Sage with Caridi Olive Waistcoat (£299) which would be ideal for St Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival.
FRANKIE'S FIVE STYLE TIPS FOR THE FESTIVAL
Remember it is National Hunt season
Check the forecast and dress for the weather, but remember it is still a jumps racing fixture! Think boots not loafers… overcoats and tweed instead of light blazers. Of course, what you’re wearing should be fun and can be colourful. I like to do that with accessories.
Accessories
I am bias here after recently launching my first few silk tie prints – Franc James. I am a big believer that men can upgrade or rejuvenate an old suit simply with a new tie! Last year’s suit can become a new outfit all together with an impressive silk tie. The same goes for your regular overcoat but maybe adding a new flat cap or smart baker boy cap. Accessories are where you can turn a regular outfit into something more fun.
Overcoats & Waistcoat combo
I love wearing suit trousers with only the waistcoat and a long overcoat for a really smart look, weather depending. A full suit and overcoat can be too warm and too many layers to worry about for the day and night that follows. Leave the blazer at home for a really smart look with your overcoat on when at the racecourse, and when you take your overcoat off in a bar later that night you will be perfect indoors in a shirt tie and waistcoat.
Comfy footwear
Finding something to wear for Cheltenham can often mean new shoes – don’t wear them for the first time at Cheltenham! You will put in some serious miles on the racecourse and likely into town after, they have to be comfy. No pair of shoes will make up for a blunted personality because you have terrible blisters.
Have fun
Cheltenham is smart, but it’s not office smart. Remember you are going to a once-a-year event to have fun - dress like it!
Check the forecast and dress for the weather, but remember it is still a jumps racing fixture! Think boots not loafers… overcoats and tweed instead of light blazers. Of course, what you’re wearing should be fun and can be colourful. I like to do that with accessories.
Accessories
I am bias here after recently launching my first few silk tie prints – Franc James. I am a big believer that men can upgrade or rejuvenate an old suit simply with a new tie! Last year’s suit can become a new outfit all together with an impressive silk tie. The same goes for your regular overcoat but maybe adding a new flat cap or smart baker boy cap. Accessories are where you can turn a regular outfit into something more fun.
Overcoats & Waistcoat combo
I love wearing suit trousers with only the waistcoat and a long overcoat for a really smart look, weather depending. A full suit and overcoat can be too warm and too many layers to worry about for the day and night that follows. Leave the blazer at home for a really smart look with your overcoat on when at the racecourse, and when you take your overcoat off in a bar later that night you will be perfect indoors in a shirt tie and waistcoat.
Comfy footwear
Finding something to wear for Cheltenham can often mean new shoes – don’t wear them for the first time at Cheltenham! You will put in some serious miles on the racecourse and likely into town after, they have to be comfy. No pair of shoes will make up for a blunted personality because you have terrible blisters.
Have fun
Cheltenham is smart, but it’s not office smart. Remember you are going to a once-a-year event to have fun - dress like it!
CELEB SPOTTING
The Cheltenham Festival is a haven for famous faces enjoying a day at the races, all looking very dapper donning mostly Holland Cooper.
Idris Elba is wearing their Soft Navy Cheltenham Coat, which he has matched with a white shirt, skinny tie, grey trousers and black boots.
Ed Westwick has also gone for a classic coat, seen here in the Holland Cooper Soft Black Cheltenham Coat, black Baker Boy Cap and a shirt and tie combo.
Luke Evans has also gone for the Cheltenham Coat style, but opted for the Blackwatch pattern with matching hat and black roll neck.
The reason that we love the Cheltenham Coat is that it works so well and, as like we have already mentioned, it's incredibly versatile. It's a single-breasted mid-length coat which means it will look as good if are 5ft 7in or 6ft 6in. It's framed by slightly padded shoulders for a sharp silhouette, featuring classic notch lapels and horn style button fastenings. Pop the collar to reveal a hidden fabric detailing that matches the internal double-welt ticket pocket.
Idris Elba is wearing their Soft Navy Cheltenham Coat, which he has matched with a white shirt, skinny tie, grey trousers and black boots.
Ed Westwick has also gone for a classic coat, seen here in the Holland Cooper Soft Black Cheltenham Coat, black Baker Boy Cap and a shirt and tie combo.
Luke Evans has also gone for the Cheltenham Coat style, but opted for the Blackwatch pattern with matching hat and black roll neck.
The reason that we love the Cheltenham Coat is that it works so well and, as like we have already mentioned, it's incredibly versatile. It's a single-breasted mid-length coat which means it will look as good if are 5ft 7in or 6ft 6in. It's framed by slightly padded shoulders for a sharp silhouette, featuring classic notch lapels and horn style button fastenings. Pop the collar to reveal a hidden fabric detailing that matches the internal double-welt ticket pocket.
GET KNITTED UP
Knitwear is an essential item if you need that extra layer under a jacket and over a shirt.
For a strong, classic country look, a green or brown crew is a strong choice. We paired the Holland Cooper Chocolate Country Crew Neck under our gilet and tailored coat combo and it worked perfectly. You could just wear it with a shirt and tie under a blazer like on the image below.
However, knitwear is a good way of adding a pop of colour to your outfit.
We often wear a roll neck under a blazer. It's a really simple and smart look. What we would say is always try and find a colour that matches a pattern in your coat or jacket. Most tweed blazers or coats have red, brown or blue running through them and it's an easy way to look nicely coordinated.
The other look that is hugely popular, and equally as smart, is the 1/4 zip over a shirt and tie under a coat or blazer. We love the stone blue or Chilli cotton cashmere one from Schoffel. It looks good with chinos and is also another way to show off your tie of choice and match it to a stripe in your jacket.
For a strong, classic country look, a green or brown crew is a strong choice. We paired the Holland Cooper Chocolate Country Crew Neck under our gilet and tailored coat combo and it worked perfectly. You could just wear it with a shirt and tie under a blazer like on the image below.
However, knitwear is a good way of adding a pop of colour to your outfit.
We often wear a roll neck under a blazer. It's a really simple and smart look. What we would say is always try and find a colour that matches a pattern in your coat or jacket. Most tweed blazers or coats have red, brown or blue running through them and it's an easy way to look nicely coordinated.
The other look that is hugely popular, and equally as smart, is the 1/4 zip over a shirt and tie under a coat or blazer. We love the stone blue or Chilli cotton cashmere one from Schoffel. It looks good with chinos and is also another way to show off your tie of choice and match it to a stripe in your jacket.
ON YOUR FEET
As Frankie mentioned above, you are on your feet most of the day and cover some ground which means good footwear is a must.
When we look for new shoes and boots, the first place we always look first is Fairfax and Favor. As we have mentioned before, we love their Chocolate Suede Chelsea Boot. Stylishly simple in its design, it works perfectly with cords and chinos of most colours. For a shinier option, if that's your thing, the Trafalgar boots that Frankie wore above do exactly the same thing.
Equally as stylish are the Cognac Houghton suede brogues (also available in chocolate and taupe). They will work with pin-sharp suit, or style them down a little with chinos.
Striking the perfect balance between smart and ‘outdoorsy’, the mahogany leather Malvern Boots are perfect if the rain sets in. Water-resistant and easily paired to jeans (yes you can wear jeans if you want!), they nail the polished, yet practical look.
When we look for new shoes and boots, the first place we always look first is Fairfax and Favor. As we have mentioned before, we love their Chocolate Suede Chelsea Boot. Stylishly simple in its design, it works perfectly with cords and chinos of most colours. For a shinier option, if that's your thing, the Trafalgar boots that Frankie wore above do exactly the same thing.
Equally as stylish are the Cognac Houghton suede brogues (also available in chocolate and taupe). They will work with pin-sharp suit, or style them down a little with chinos.
Striking the perfect balance between smart and ‘outdoorsy’, the mahogany leather Malvern Boots are perfect if the rain sets in. Water-resistant and easily paired to jeans (yes you can wear jeans if you want!), they nail the polished, yet practical look.
WHAT FAIRFAX & FAVOR SAY
“The weather at Cheltenham can be very unpredictable, so it’s vital your racing outfit is fit for what the British weather may throw at you! Our Leather gloves and scarf are essential accessories, along with a comfortable pair of loafers or Chelsea boots - my personal favourites would be our signature men's Chelsea boot in chocolate suede."
Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of Fairfax and Favor
Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of Fairfax and Favor
ACCESSORIES
A decent accessory is the perfect way to finish off your outfit. Whether it's a scarf, hat, tie, umbrella or gloves, it's an easy way to take your look to the next level.
Something that keeps getting mentioned is the weather, it's genuinely that unpredictable. We have been to the Cheltenham Festival when it is almost reaching 20 degrees, and then the next day the temperature is in single figures and raining.
If it's cold, then take some gloves. We love the chocolate leather Signature Gloves from Fairfax & Favour for a few reasons. Mainly because they look and feel amazing, and secondly they have touch screen compatible index finger and thumb tips which is perfect if you're putting a bet on your phone.
If hat's are your thing then we couldn't look past the beautiful Wingfield Trilby from Hicks & Brown. It's available in both navy and brown and would be the perfect topper to a classic outfit.
A tie is a quick and easy way to add some bright and bold colours to your look. As he mentioned earlier in his plug for his own ties, Frankie Foster has a couple of options that will elevate your look with a flash of orange or red.
Something that keeps getting mentioned is the weather, it's genuinely that unpredictable. We have been to the Cheltenham Festival when it is almost reaching 20 degrees, and then the next day the temperature is in single figures and raining.
If it's cold, then take some gloves. We love the chocolate leather Signature Gloves from Fairfax & Favour for a few reasons. Mainly because they look and feel amazing, and secondly they have touch screen compatible index finger and thumb tips which is perfect if you're putting a bet on your phone.
If hat's are your thing then we couldn't look past the beautiful Wingfield Trilby from Hicks & Brown. It's available in both navy and brown and would be the perfect topper to a classic outfit.
A tie is a quick and easy way to add some bright and bold colours to your look. As he mentioned earlier in his plug for his own ties, Frankie Foster has a couple of options that will elevate your look with a flash of orange or red.
And, if you are wearing Holland Copper and you like the Baker Boy style of hat, then they pretty much have one to match every coat and blazer.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
HOOLAND COOPER
Cotswold House
The Barlands, London Road
Cheltenham, GL52 6UT
www.hollandcooper.com
FAIRFAX & FAVOR
Digbeth St
Stow-on-the-Wold
Cheltenham
GL54 1BN
www.fairfaxandfavor.com
SCHOFFEL
Landmark, Broadway
Stow Country Clothing, Stow on the Wold
Elm of Burford, Burford
Bredon Hill Country Clothing
www.schoffelcountry.com
HOUSE OF CAVANI
www.cavani.co.uk
HICKS AND BROWN
Bredon Hill Country
Cheltenham Road
Ashton Under Hill
Evesham,
Worcestershire
www.hicksandbrown.com
Cotswold House
The Barlands, London Road
Cheltenham, GL52 6UT
www.hollandcooper.com
FAIRFAX & FAVOR
Digbeth St
Stow-on-the-Wold
Cheltenham
GL54 1BN
www.fairfaxandfavor.com
SCHOFFEL
Landmark, Broadway
Stow Country Clothing, Stow on the Wold
Elm of Burford, Burford
Bredon Hill Country Clothing
www.schoffelcountry.com
HOUSE OF CAVANI
www.cavani.co.uk
HICKS AND BROWN
Bredon Hill Country
Cheltenham Road
Ashton Under Hill
Evesham,
Worcestershire
www.hicksandbrown.com