What to wear for Cheltenham Festival – Ladies style guide

The countdown is on until the biggest horse racing event of the year! The Cheltenham Festival takes place from 10–13 March 2026, and this year sees the return of the much-loved Ladies Day on the Wednesday.

Blending elegance and excitement, Ladies Day at Cheltenham is a spectacle not to be missed, both on and off the track, and our style guide will help you shop for the all-important outfit.

Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival

Ladies Day makes a welcome return to Cheltenham this year for the first time since 2019. And it comes with an exciting new ambassador, as trail-blazing Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore joins the team. As Head of Ladies Day, she'll be promoting horseracing as a sport and a great day out for women.

Also new this year is the Ladies Day Centaur Takeover, featuring plenty of fun, fashion and feel-good energy. The day begins with live music and sparkling tips hosted by model and TV presenter Rosie Tapner, before a live fashion show and music from Belfast Brunch.

Racegoers can also win over £10,000 of prizes in the Style Awards at Ladies Day by showing off their best looks. With categories for the Best Dressed, Best Dressed Duo and Best Dressed Group, there are three chances to win, so dress to impress.

What to wear for Cheltenham Festival

Whilst the Jockey Club has no formal dress code, many racegoers like to dress up for the Festival. The Cheltenham Festival features some of the finest racing in the world, and with the finest racing comes the finest fashion. Ladies Day is a chance to showcase your personal style, whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer.

See our photo gallery below for racewear inspiration from previous Cheltenham Festivals.

The weather in March can be unpredictable, so we advise you to check the forecast and dress accordingly. Layer up as you will be outside for most of the day. And think practical with a stylish, warm coat, gloves, a scarf and tights under trousers. You also need to keep in mind that two-thirds of racecourse car parks are on grass, so plan ahead and wear suitable footwear.

Can you wear fancy dress for Cheltenham Festival?

Fancy dress isn't permitted in Hospitality, restaurants or in the Club Enclosure during the Festival, but it is allowed in other areas as long as the outfit isn't offensive. The Jockey Club reserve the right to decline entry should the need arise.

Ladies style guide: Photo gallery from previous Cheltenham Festivals

6 recommended Cheltenham womenswear stores for Cheltenham Festival outfits, hats and accessories

Whether you're after a classic countryside look with tailored tweed, celebrating vintage style with luxurious textures and statement patterns, or adding flair to an old favourite look with a hat or fascinator, the options are endless.

With sustainability and slow fashion on the agenda, it's all about mixing and matching to create a style which reflects your personality. Think investment pieces like high-quality coats, jackets and bags, combined with second-hand items to give pre-loved fashion a new life.

Our guide highlights recommended fashion hotspots around Cheltenham, offering insights into what to wear and where to shop for the perfect style.

Holland Cooper Boutique

Dowdeswell Park, London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6UT

Cheltenham Racecourse’s Fashion Partner Holland Cooper is rooted in British heritage and inspired by equestrian elegance. It leads the way in British tailoring and women’s fashion, celebrating traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist.

If you're looking to capture a classic racing look, HC tailoring is hand-cut and made in the UK with British woven wools, creating sharp yet feminine silhouettes which are designed to be heirloom pieces, including classic trenches, capes and peplum jackets. Or add a special touch with Holland Cooper’s extensive range of premium accessories.

John Lewis & Partners Cheltenham

123 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ

Looking to develop your signature style? Book a free personal styling appointment at John Lewis in Cheltenham, where their skilled stylists will provide inspiration and advice to find that perfect look to make sure you wow the race-day crowds.

There's no minimum spend and recommendations are targeted to match your budget. Whether you're looking for a wow-factor item or a whole new outfit, your stylists will select items for you to try in your private styling suite and compile a shopping list featuring all your favourite pieces.

Mint Velvet

66–68 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1LY

Mint Velvet is dedicated to making sense of fashion and having fun with your clothes. Consider them your ultimate destination for relaxed glamour, translating the latest seasonal fashion trends into versatile, easy-to-wear pieces, with all the accessories you need to complete the look.

Their in-store personal styling experience lets you experiment with new looks for race day. Prepare to expand your outfit choices and seamlessly integrate new pieces into your existing collection. 

Reiss Cheltenham

90 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1ND

Reiss Cheltenham specialises in design-driven womenswear and accessories, combining innovative design, quality and value. They cater to customers who prioritise originality and attention to detail, with sophisticated tailored styles which look right at home at the Racecourse.

Reiss focuses on timeless pieces which can be enjoyed and worn for years to come. So it's no wonder they've built up a prestigious following among style enthusiasts, which includes Hollywood stars and members of the Royal family.

Hobbs London

86 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NB

Located on Cheltenham's Promenade, Hobbs London is a true gem. The brand was established in London in 1981 with a promise of luxury and a commitment to affordability. With modern cuts, feminine tailoring and heritage craftsmanship, they take pride in every detail of fabric, print and finish.

Hobbs focuses on styles which are current but timeless, and their immaculate coats, soft knits and versatile dresses will help you create stunning ensembles perfect for Ladies Day.

Cheltenham charity shops

Various locations

Race day style doesn't need to be expensive, with a great selection of sustainable, pre-loved fashion available at Cheltenham's charity shops. From designer bags to vintage tailoring, you never know what bargains you might find, and your shopping helps raise money for good causes too.

The new downloadable Cheltenham charity shop trail leaflet by Linc shows the location of 13 charity shops around the town centre – or scan the QR code to be directed to a Google Map which shows 21 charity shops in the town centre and 15 charity shops further afield for even more choice.

For more style inspiration, including mastering your Ladies Day look, check out the Jockey Club's style guide and our guide to 6 stylish men’s clothes stores to get you ready for Cheltenham Festival.

Or for everything you need to plan your visit – from where to eat, drink, stay and party to how to get to the races – check out our Guide to Cheltenham Festival