Cheltenham race goers don extravagant hats and colourful suits on ‘Style Wednesday’ where men and women can both win fashion prizes
Extravagant headpieces, thigh-skimming hemlines and sky-high heels were in vogue for Cheltenham’s Style Wednesday today.
The second day of the race meet, which has long been fondly referred to as Ladies Day, marked their first Style Wednesday today, with a fashion competition for both men and women
Day two of the prestigious four-day event is known for attracting a host of royals and celebrities alike as they show off their sartorial prowess while enjoying a day out at the races in Gloucestershire.
One racegoer commanded attention in a sunshine yellow blazer and feather headpiece.
While another ensured all eyes were on her in a silky kimono with dragon print, corset and bow hat.
Well-heeled guests included Queen Camilla and her son, Tom Parker-Bowles, who were sure to enjoy the festivities.
Camilla stunned in a bottle green coat and fur hat.
Meanwhile, Zara and Mike Tindall, as well as Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance.
Extravagant headpieces, thigh-skimming hemlines and sky-high heels were in Vogue for Cheltenham’s Style Wednesday today
While another ensured all eyes were on her in a silky kimono with dragon print, corset and bow hat
One reveller, clad with a Louis Vuitton bag, pulled a red bull out
Grey suits and bold hats was a look of the day for this racegoer
Gorgeous in green! Queen Camilla attends Cheltenham Festival
Camilla was joined by her son, Tom Parker-Bowles
Keen equestrian Zara opted for a suited look as she was joined by husband Mike
Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack were also in attendance
Cousins together! The royal cousins appeared to enjoy the day out together
British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper opted for a bold blue and white print
Aston Villa and England footballer Tyrone Mings was among the many well-heeled guests
Charlotte Hawkins and Jade Holland Cooper were among other guests at the event.
While the event is no longer known as Ladies Day, it’s clear revellers still make the same amount of effort.
Some excited racegoers even start planning their outfits for the popular occasion six or so months in advance.
The famous event that was once called Ladies Day has been ‘downgraded’ to Style Wednesday, with the Jockey Club, which runs 15 courses across the UK, also ditching the Best Dressed competition.
Instead, the day now includes the Slow Fashion awards, open to both men and women, which ‘celebrates vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces’.
A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse said: ‘This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate “fast horses, slow fashion”, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.
‘This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.’
Royal PDA! Zara and Mike exchanged a sweet kiss during the races
Style sisters! The royals cousins looked effortlessly chic in their outfits
Colourful houndstooth looks were popular among various guests
Green was another popular colour as many opted for dashing emerald looks
Belted coats and oversized bags were another look among the guests
One reveller looked the bell of the ball in a pink and purple fairytale inspired number
Animal style! Others opted for bold prints and animal styles
Kimberly Wyatt looked effortlessly cool in black and white houndstooth
Lady in red! One reveller matched her hair and outfit in a move sure to command attention
Revellers weren’t afraid of thigh-skimming skirts for the day out
One racegoer commanded attention in a sunshine yellow blazer and feather headpiece
Bold looks included statement tights and coats
Huge heels were paired with this look from one reveller
Commenting on the change, The Daily Mail’s Nadine Dorries said in her latest column: ‘I looked at the programme and saw, with no fanfare or warning, that Ladies Day at Cheltenham appears to have been downgraded to Style Wednesday.
‘I’m assuming this is some sort of woke nod from the Jockey Club to the powerful trans lobby.
‘If that’s the case, the Jockey Club might like to consider who exactly will be attending – and who it is they are now offending.’
The second day of the four-day festival hasn’t officially been labelled Ladies Day since 2018; last year it was billed as Festival Wednesday.
But fans on X were equally disappointed with the move to rebrand the second day as ‘Style Wednesday’, with one person writing: ‘Who on earth gets paid to come up with this nonsense? Oh for the days when racing was felt worthy enough on its own.’
Another said: ‘Style Wednesday? Jesus wept. It’s Ladies Day,’ while a third added: ‘Game is in the gutter.’
Beautiful in blue! One racegoer looked classy in a sky blue look
Now you see me! A bright purple suit – and a camo look – were sported by these two men
The chilly weather didn’t stop revellers from pairing tiny skirts with coats
Blue seemed to be a popular choice among guests who wore headpieces and earmuffs
Many opted for the mob wife aesthetic with bold fur coats
Bold blue and pinks were sure to command attention from this reveller
Perfect in pink! One person opted for caped sleeves as she headed inside
One group cooridanted their outfits by all going in purple shirts and ties.
The only exceptions to the new policy at any of the 342 fixtures staged by The Jockey Club is offensive fancy dress or offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts.
Traditional morning dress or formal day wear is also still required in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day.
Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said: ‘Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.
‘We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.
‘For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed. A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.
Charlotte Hawkins appeared to match the queen in a green look
Green was a popular colour of the day among many guests
Bright colours were popular among many guests
‘For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed. A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.
‘So, when we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers.
‘Of course that doesn’t mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to.
‘This is about giving people a choice and the opportunity to come racing dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges regularly presented by the British weather.
In the past, entry into some enclosures has required the wearing of a jacket and tie while sporting trainers has also been frowned upon.
Truesdale added that the new rules should remove any ‘ambiguity or uncertainty’ about how people had to dress at the track.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the biggest race of the week which holds one of the biggest prize pots in the sport.