Formal race day wear can be hard enough during the spring and summer but during the autumn? It’s even trickier! Fear not because this is our guide on dressing for a race day when it’s colder outside. Even though dress codes aren’t as strict as they once were, you still want to look and feel great! Here’s our guide on what to wear to Cheltenham Races in November.
Men’s
Tweed is the perfect choice for a formal occasion but it’s also a great option to dress down a little. A tweed blazer is the ideal piece to build your outfit around. It’s an item that you’ll grab frequently anyway for just about any formal event but it’s ideal for race days.
Because it’s a focal point, you want your other clothing items to complement it, rather than take the shine away. Your tweed blazer should be fitted, ending below the hip bone and sized up properly. Key places to double-check that it fits right are around the shoulders, across the back, the length of the sleeves and across the chest. You want it to fit your body but not be too snug that you struggle to move around in it. Don’t forget that if it’s cold, you might stick a jumper on top of a shirt so you might want some extra wiggle room.
Speaking of layers, you’ll need to wear a collared shirt under your tweed blazer. If your tweed has some coloured thread running through it, pick a shirt of that colour or even a checked shirt with the same colour scheme. Tweed jackets with a more neutral colour mean you can go wild for colour underneath. However, an all-neutral outfit is just as stylish and very on-trend right now. We know a crisp white or cream shirt will never go out of style!
If your tweed jacket is particularly colourful, we recommend keeping the rest of the outfit ‘quiet’ and neutral. You want your blazer to be the centrepiece so make sure no other item is competing with it in the style stakes. Black, grey, white, cream, brown and tan all go with brighter pieces but navy can also add a pop of colour if you’d rather.
On the bottom half, tweed trousers that match the blazer make for a formal race day outfit. Even shooting breeks can make you into the ultimate country gentleman. However, it’s okay to ditch them for something simpler. Chinos in a neutral colour will go with just about every tweed blazer but beige or brown ones usually go best. Plus they’re versatile enough to wear with a casual outfit too. You might even be able to wear jeans if it’s a less formal race day. We’d recommend sticking with dark wash indigo jeans with a straight leg as these are the most smart-casual options. Make sure they’re fitted and crisp to give off the illusion of smarter trousers.
Race days in November will ultimately mean cooler weather and potentially some drizzly skies too. Whilst formalwear and waterproof clothing don’t normally go hand in hand, you can at least wear a proper coat or take an umbrella instead. Whether it’s a lighter jacket in a packet or a wax jacket, choose one that’s slightly oversized so you can still wear your tweed blazer underneath. You’ll be grateful for another layer if it’s freezing outside!
When it comes to footwear, you need to think smart but practical. Brogues and Chelsea boots should already be in your wardrobe so maybe they just need a bit of a clean and polish. Try to choose a pair of shoes with a decent tread underneath because you don’t want to be slipping on muddy grass.
Women’s
It can actually be trickier for choosing what to wear to Cheltenham Races in November for a woman. Do you go formal in a suit or fitted dress or do you go more casual in skinny jeans and a hat? Ultimately, the choice is up to you but you’ll never be alone if you choose to dress up.
Once again, a tweed ensemble is a great place to start if you don’t know what to wear. A fitted tweed skirt should be a staple in any country lady’s wardrobe and this is the perfect time to wear it! Your tweed skirt should be fitted but not too tight. As always, we also value comfort as well as style so you’ll need to be able to move around in it. There’s no such thing as the perfect length as every woman prefers something different. However, a general guide is that mid-thigh is a flattering length for most women.
Now what to wear your tweed skirt with! Just like the men, you can make it into a suit with a tweed blazer and even a waistcoat. Why should the men get to have the monopoly on a tweed suit when women look amazing in them too? You also have options with a tweed blazer. You can go for the regular fit, which finishes just below the hips, or a longline version, ideal for those with a longer torso or who love the oversized look. Always make sure you stick to the same tweed though because whilst we usually love mixing and matching, it doesn’t work for tweed.
A collared shirt is another item that every country lady should have in their wardrobe. Lots of our customers have bought multiple options, from plain to checked and every pattern and colour in between. Similarly to the men, you can choose to pick out a colour of thread from your tweed and choose a shirt in the same colour. However, if you want to tone down your tweed, how about a country-patterned shirt in a crisp cream or light blue? Choose from pheasants, horses, highland cows, rabbits, dogs, owls and much more! The lightweight viscose fabric is more of a relaxed fit than a traditional cotton shirt, making it a great piece for underneath a blazer.
When it comes to footwear, it can really make or break an outfit, especially on a formal occasion. You can go super formal with lace-up brogues or switch them for a pair of Chelsea boots. This is a great idea for outdoor events, such as race day, because they will have a much better tread on the soles of the feet. Taller boots look just as good as shorter ankle boots as long as that tread is grippy!
Choosing what to wear to Cheltenham Races in November can seem difficult because, with ever-changing weather and temperatures dropping, it doesn’t always lend itself to dressing formally. However, layers will be key for any country gentleman or lady and don’t forget that dress codes often aren’t as formal as they used to be for race days. As long as you look presentable and feel cosy and warm, you’ll look the part.
