Cheltenham Festival showcases British fashion as ladies return to racecourse catwalks in Gloucestershire

From March 10-13, Cheltenham will once again host hundreds of thousands of racegoers, blending the thrill of horse racing with a parade of high fashion.

Often called the winter equivalent of Royal Ascot, the Festival isn’t just about prize money or record-breaking horses — this year, style is taking center stage.

For the first time since 2019, the historic Ladies Day returns, complete with £10,000 in prizes for the day’s best-dressed.

Socialites, celebrities, and even royals will be showcasing the finest in British country chic, giving the rest of us a glimpse into trends set to dominate rural fashion this season.

Dubarry: Country Classics That Endure

When it comes to British country footwear, few names resonate like Dubarry.

For decades, their iconic Galway boots have been passed down through generations.

Cheltenham veterans like Georgia Toffolo have been spotted in the brand’s sleek black versions, while the Princess of Wales recently donned a Dubarry jacket on a Peak District walk.

Beyond heritage, Dubarry also embraces seasonal trends, such as their Sweetalison tie-neck blouse (£59), featuring stallion prints that nod to the equestrian-core style set to dominate this Autumn/Winter.

Holland Cooper: Tradition Meets Modernity

Holland Cooper has come full circle as the Official Luxury Fashion Partner of the Jockey Club.

From its first display in the Cheltenham shopping village in 2008, the brand has grown to a new 70,000 sq ft headquarters in Cheltenham.

Holland Cooper fuses heritage tailoring and British craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes, making garments versatile enough for boardroom meetings or country estates.

Their latest circle skirt (£599) demonstrates this blend, taking classic tweed into a vibrant red check, reflecting the Festival’s trend-forward outlook.

Fairfax & Favor: Boots That Rule the Racecourse

Since 2012, Fairfax & Favor has become synonymous with practical elegance.

Their Regina boot, designed for women, has sold over 150,000 pairs globally.

Built to withstand Cheltenham’s notoriously muddy racecourses, the boots are equally stylish in urban settings.

British style icons like Zara Tindall and Lady Alice Manners have endorsed the brand, while items like the Upton boots (£445) or Loxley bag (£295) are both functional and fashion-forward, perfect for winter events.

Schöffel: Technical Outerwear with Style

The unpredictable Cheltenham microclimate demands coats that can handle icy winds without compromising on style.

Enter Schöffel, originally a technical skiwear label, whose Portree coat (£450) offers both warmth and sophistication.

The brand’s expertise in extreme weather gear translates seamlessly to British winter events, proving that practicality and elegance can coexist effortlessly.

Cordings: Tweed for Every Occasion

Finally, no Cheltenham wardrobe is complete without tweed, and Cordings remains unrivaled in this arena.

The brand’s heritage pieces, like the Wetherby tweed waistcoat (£202), are adored by celebrities and aristocrats alike.

With a loyal following that includes Eric Clapton and Claudia Winkleman, Cordings proves that classic tweed is no longer just for the racecourse — it’s ready for city streets and global fashion capitals alike.

Impact and Consequences

Cheltenham’s renewed focus on fashion signals the rising influence of country style in mainstream trends.

Luxury brands leveraging the Festival will likely see sales boosts, while smaller designers might gain exposure by showcasing at the event.

The Festival’s media coverage ensures that the outfits worn on the course often set the tone for upcoming rural fashion, affecting retail trends across Britain.

What’s Next?

As the Festival approaches, the eyes of the fashion world will be glued to Ladies Day.

Expect social media coverage to amplify brand visibility, with influencers, royals, and racing elites serving as the ultimate trendsetters.

Brands like Dubarry, Holland Cooper, Fairfax & Favor, Schöffel, and Cordings are likely to release new collections inspired by what they display at Cheltenham.

Summary

The Cheltenham Festival isn’t just a horse racing event; it’s a showcase of British country fashion at its finest.

With the return of Ladies Day, the spotlight is on heritage brands embracing modern twists.

From Dubarry boots to Holland Cooper tweeds, Fairfax & Favor’s resilient footwear, Schöffel’s functional outerwear, and Cordings’ timeless pieces, the Festival is as much about sartorial elegance as sporting prowess.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Cheltenham Festival runs March 10-13, featuring racing and fashion highlights

• Ladies Day returns for the first time since 2019, with £10,000 in prizes for best-dressed

• Dubarry boots remain a staple for country and urban style alike

• Holland Cooper blends heritage tailoring with modern silhouettes for versatile fashion

• Fairfax & Favor boots combine practicality and glamour for challenging racecourse terrain

• Schöffel coats deliver technical warmth without sacrificing style

• Cordings tweed remains iconic, adaptable from racecourse to city streets

• Festival fashion often predicts trends in rural and country-inspired wardrobes