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The Cheltenham Festival, a hallmark of the British spring social calendar, unfolds from March 10th to 13th, highlighting events like Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday, and the spectacular Gold Cup Day.

It’s no wonder the Festival is a beloved event for the Royal Family. Regular attendees include Princess Anne and Zara Tindall, as well as Queen Camilla, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie, with occasional appearances by Catherine, Princess of Wales.

The royals consistently make a fashion statement, often combatting the chill with sophisticated wool coats, durable knee-high boots, and eye-catching accessories.

Attending the races offers the ideal opportunity to don your finest attire, but deciding on the perfect outfit can be challenging.

Here’s where I come in to assist. I interviewed stylist Sarah Kate Byrne, an expert in occasionwear who also styles horse racing presenter Francesca Cumani, to provide her top recommendations for nailing the Cheltenham look.

‘Dressing for the Festival takes a little bit of thought given the time of year and the tendency towards inclement weather,’ she says. 

‘Practicality and functionality are key drivers when choosing outfits, but of course style still plays an important role.’

The overall aesthetic leans towards country chic. You’ll likely spend plenty of time standing on grass, so sturdy footwear is essential – think block heels or chunky flat boots. 

Pair them with rich textures, such as wool, tweed or suede, to capture that quintessential countryside finish. 

It’s also particularly beneficial to layer up with thermal tops, leggings or tights. Sarah recommends Uniqlo’s HeatTech range, while I’m loyal to the thermals from M&S.

Outfit one

‘As a stylist who tries to be as sustainable as possible, shopping your own wardrobe is always a great place to start,’ Sarah notes.

‘You might already own a fantastic dress and simply need a stylish top layer to elevate the look and add a little drama.’

With that in mind, I recently got my hands on Rixo’s iconic Maddison shirt dress in a striking antelope print. It would look particularly chic styled with a chocolate brown Jigsaw coat and a Reiss fedora – one of this season’s standout accessories. 

When it comes to footwear, Sarah says comfort should be a priority without compromising on style.

‘A day at the Festival usually involves plenty of walking and standing, so it’s important to choose a pair of shoes you’ll feel comfortable in all day.’

A great example is the Regina boots from Fairfax & Favor, a favourite of Zara Tindall. I especially love the rich burgundy shade, which adds a sophisticated finish to any race day outfit.

Outfit two

Ever since Cat Deeley wore Reiss’ olive green knitted dress on This Morning, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It looks exactly like something Catherine, Princess of Wales, would wear!

It’s a great option for race day, particularly when styled with a cosy Hobbs coat and Kate’s beloved Long Tassel boots from Penelope Chilvers. 

Bring the look together with a checked scarf by Toast and a pair of gold huggie earrings from Orelia for a polished final touch. 

Outfit three

Argyle prints are synonymous with the Royal Family, and this cardigan from John Lewis immediately caught my eye thanks to its striking cobalt hue. 

I’ve styled it with Boden’s must-have Valentina skirt, which features elegant knife pleats that create soft, fluid movement. 

Of course, I couldn’t resist tapping into the burgundy trend – a shade loved by Catherine, Princess of Wales, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. 

This double-breasted coat from John Lewis is a steal at £99 and looks flawless styled with a coordinating H&M headband. 

For a final flourish, opt for dainty pearl earrings from royal-approved jewellery brand Monica Vinader. 

Outfit four

‘Cheltenham is synonymous with tweed,’ Sarah says, ‘and for very good reason – the course can be bitterly cold.

‘A trouser suit will turn into a lifetime investment piece while serving up a suitably natty race day look that can work for the office too.’

I have fallen head over heels for this sequin-embellished two-piece from Maje. 

The cropped jacket is beautifully balanced by the wide-leg trousers, while the rich shade is flattering on all complexions. 

I would keep the styling simple with a roll neck and classic loafers from M&S, finishing the look with statement earrings from Sita Nevado, available at Wolf & Badger.

And of course, no race-day outfit would be complete without a Mayfair bag from Aspinal of London – a favourite of royals and celebrities alike. 

Outfit five 

I’ve discovered a stunning suede skirt suit at Jaeger, which would team perfectly with Boden’s embroidered denim shirt. 

When it comes to accessories, Sarah advises racegoers to ‘choose a bag that is functional, not just stylish, so you can easily juggle race card, champagne and phone.’ 

It’s sound advice – and the elegant Windsor bag from Fairfax & Favor would be ideal for the occasion. Pair it with White Stuff’s Izzy boots for a simple throw-on-and-go finishing touch.

Outfit six

I love the idea of elevating a classic tailored look with unexpected accessories. 

Take these sleek trousers from Boden and this tie-neck blouse from Next, for example. 

I’ve added a pop of red with a chunky cardigan from John Lewis and echoed the shade with a pair of striking cowboy boots from Penelope Chilvers.

It’s easy to see why this footwear label is a favourite among so many royal women – their latest collection is seriously impressive.