The British “social season” – the term being used in the Bridgeton sense – is in full swing. And while we’ve already had Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Glyndebourne, there are still a handful of quintessentially English summer events to get dolled up for. Next up is Glorious Goodwood – also known as the Qatar Goodwood Festival – taking place on the Duke of Richmond’s estate from 30 July to 3 August.
And while Ascot is known for its strict dress codes, Goodwood is generally more relaxed, with varying degrees of formality required depending on which room you’re in. The most formal, and the only one with a dress code necessarilyis the Richmond Enclosure, where men are required to wear a jacket and tie.
That said, there is still a distinct “look” associated with Goodwood. “The look of Goodwood lends itself to the setting and the ethos of the estate and the Duke and Duchess,” agrees stylist Sarah Byrne, who is attending for the 10th time this year. “It’s more relaxed and understated compared to Ascot. In terms of style, it’s a bit more understated. It’s much smaller than some of the other courses. It’s more effortless and elegant than ostentatious or overly styled.”
For women, it’s all about the English garden party look, whether that’s a floral dress or a chic jumpsuit (why not try this season’s modern rose print, for example, or a cape dress à la Margot Robbie at Wimbledon, for something a little edgier).
“I love halter necks and one-shoulder and bustier styles for Goodwood, which are obviously not allowed for Ascot Royal enclosures,” says Byrne, who recommends brands like Seren and Rixo. “For me, these silhouettes are often the most elegant. Florals and prints, as well as pretty bright colors, lend themselves to the country setting. You would look out of place in a cocktail dress, but honestly, anything goes.”
Renting your race day look has also become increasingly popular, with By Rotation founder Eshita Kabra recommending brands such as Zimmermann, Emilia Wickstead and The Vampire’s Wife for the occasion. “The Aje Pastel Pink ‘Mimosa’ dress is the most rented dress for the races,” she says. “It has been rented over 33 times and can be hired from just £10 per day.”
Hats and fascinators, in particular, are expensive and don’t get worn much, so Kabra suggests renting them for the occasion: “I would definitely recommend renting a fancy headpiece,” she says. “Hats and fascinators are likely to only be worn once, so this is the perfect opportunity to complete your Goodwood outfit and rent a unique headpiece. My favorites are this straw hat from Gucci or this hand-embellished archive hat from Christian Dior .” And while fascinators are fun, a wide-brimmed sun hat will offer more protection from the sun (if it comes out), and Byrne recommends a straw hat to blend in with the crowd.
It’s advisable to leave your stilettos at home, not least because they can get caught in the grass. “I would wear an espadrille or a block heel, or failing that, heel stoppers work fine, as ugly as they are,” Byrne says. “Because there’s a lot of grass.”
Also wear layers, such as an elegant pashmina to cover your shoulders – even if it’s warm at the start of the day, it will cool down as the sun goes down. “With the British summer weather changing all the time, it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions,” says Kabra. “I always take my lightweight Jacquemus knit cardigan, it’s the perfect layer to layer over chic dresses.”
And to top it all off? “I think sunglasses are a chic finishing touch to your outfit, provided they match the dress code. I would go for timeless frames from brands like Chanel, Chloe and Linda Farrow.”
Meanwhile, men should look to the Duke himself for inspiration, with light-colored linen suits and Panama hats the rigor. “Standing out from the crowd is always a double-edged sword. Sharp dressers will turn heads, blunt ones will turn stomachs, so make sure you know which blade you are,” shares designer Oliver Spencer, founder of Favourbrook and his eponymous brand. “But seriously, standing out isn’t about creating a standout style for the sake of it – a perfectly tailored suit in a gorgeous linen fabric with natural slubs for a textural finish will set you apart from most people. Subdued shades like cream, sand and stone, or slightly bolder tones like pale pastels all provide a neutral canvas for pops of bright colour in your accessories. It’s always the little details that make the biggest impact.”
When it comes to accessories, attention to detail is the most important thing to consider, says Spencer. “Whether it’s the design of your tie or the color of the band on your Panama hat, use your accessories to provide striking accents of color or pattern. Clashing your tie and pocket square is another way to add an interesting dynamic to your outfit.”
The most important thing? Have fun. There are really no rules here.
Goodwood dress code questions answered
How neatly should I dress?
While most of Goodwood doesn’t have a formal dress code, it’s important to remember that this is a special occasion and there’s a certain formality to it. Just because you can wear jeans doesn’t mean you should. And isn’t it fun to dress up? Most attendees prefer floral dresses or co-ords, with cardigans, blazers and jackets for the cooler evenings. Flats or heels are both fine, but a platform is a lot easier to walk in, especially if you’re on your feet a lot during the day.
Can you wear pants or a jumpsuit to Glorious Goodwood?
Yes! Unlike Ascot, which in the recent past only introduced trousers and jumpsuits for women, Goodwood has always allowed women to wear whatever they want, so enjoy.
Can you wear halter dresses, one-shoulder dresses and tops to Glorious Goodwood?
Again, these are totally fine.
What should I wear in the Richmond Enclosure?
This is the only enclosure where men must wear a jacket and tie, and boys aged 7-15 must also wear a long-sleeved shirt with a collar rather than a polo shirt. For the ladies, anything goes, but the website recommends the “garden party look”, which means floral dresses, floaty dresses or smart tops and skirts or trousers suitable for England in the summer.
What should I wear in the Gordon Enclosure?
There is no formal dress code at The Gordon Enclosure, but according to the Goodwood website, “all guests are encouraged to dress smartly and elegantly, with a sense of style appropriate to the occasion of the race at Goodwood.”
What should I wear in the Lennox Enclosure?
Again, there is no dress code, but comfort and style are paramount in the Lennox Enclosure. However, it is wise to leave your stilettos at home.
Outfit inspiration
Lace Maxi Dress, £350, Me + Em
Straw hat, £60, Boutique Bonita; Mikel sandals, £330, Loeffler Randall; Cote earrings, £320, The YSSO
Halter dress, £295, Rixo
Cashmere pashmina, £160, Cornelia Jacobus; Low wedge heel shoes, £195, Russell and Bromley
Cotton and linen blazer, £259, Hackett; Ivory chino, £59.95, Charles Tyrwhitt
Silk blend tie, £18, Travel; Twill pocket square, £12.50, Savile Row Company; Luca loafers, £89, Kurt Geiger