by Britain’s “social season” – using the phrase in the Bridgerton sense – well and truly underway. And while we’ve already had Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Glyndebourne, there are still a handful of English summer events to dress up for. This will be followed by Glorious Goodwood – also known as the Qatar Goodwood Festival – held at the Duke of Richmond’s country estate from 30 July to 3 August.
And while Ascot is known for its strict dress codes, Goodwood is far more relaxed, with varying degrees of formality required depending on the enclosure you’re in. The most formal, and the only one with a dress code per seis the Richmond Enclosure, where men are required to wear jackets and ties.
That said, Goodwood still has a definite “look”. “The Goodwood look fits the setting and 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 under the radar compared to Ascot. Sartorial it is a little more pared back. It is much smaller than some of the other racecourses. It’s effortless and elegant rather than ostentatious or over-stylized.”
For women, it’s all about the English garden party look, whether that’s a floral tea 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-shoulders as well as busier styles for Goodwood, which of course are not approved for the Ascot Royal enclosure,” shares Byrne, who recommends brands including Seren and Rixo. “For me these silhouettes are often the most elegant. Flowers and prints, as well as beautiful bright colors, are suitable for the bucolic setting. You would look out of place in a cocktail dress, but honestly anything goes.”
Renting your race day look is also popular, with By Rotation founder Eshita Kabra recommending brands such as Zimmermann, Emilia Wickstead and The Vampire’s Wife for the event. “The Aje Pastel Pink ‘Mimosa’ dress is the best rental dress for the races,” she says. “The dress has been rented over 33 times and is available to hire for as little as £10 a day.”
Hats and beanies are especially expensive, and don’t get much wear, so Kabra recommends renting these for the occasion: “I definitely want to rent a chic headpiece,” she says. “With hats and bombers likely to only be worn once, it’s a great opportunity to complete your Goodwood outfit and hire a unique headpiece. My favorites are this straw hat from Gucci or this handmade archival hat from Christian Dior.” And while enthusiasts are interested, a wide-brimmed sun hat will offer more protection from the sun (if it comes out), and Byrne recommends a straw boater for the masses.
It is recommended to leave stilettos at home, especially as they can get stuck in the grass. “I’d rather have an espadrille or a block heel, or if the heel stops fail it’s worth the work, as ugly as they are,” says Byrne. “Because there is a lot of grass.”
Also pack layers like an elegant pashmina to cover your shoulders – even if it’s hot at the start of the day, it’ll get cooler as the sun goes down. “With the ever-changing British Summer weather, it’s vital to be prepared for all weather conditions,” says Kabra. “I always bring my light knit Jacquemus cardigan, it’s the perfect piece to layer over chic dresses.”
And to top it all off? “I think sunglasses are a chic finishing touch to your outfit, if matched with the dress code. I chose timeless frames from brands like Chanel, Chloe and Linda Farrow.”
Meanwhile, men should look to the Duke himself for inspiration, with bright linen suits and Panama hats de rigueur. “Standing out from the crowd is always a double-edged sword. Sharp trimmers will turn heads, blunt ones will turn stomachs, so make sure you know what kind of blade you have,” shares designer Oliver Spencer, founder of Favourbrook as well as its eponymous brand. “Seriously though, standout style isn’t about making a loud statement for the sake of it – a perfectly fitted suit in a beautiful linen fabric with natural slubs for a textured finish will set you apart from most people. Understated tones like cream, sand, and stone, or slightly bolder colors like bright pastels provide a neutral canvas for brighter colors in your accessories. It’s the little details that always make the biggest impact.”
When it comes to accessories, attention to detail is the most important thing to consider, according to Spencer. “Whether it’s the design of your tie or the color of the band on your Panama hat, use your accessories to deliver bold color accents or patterns. Contrasting your tie and pocket square is another way to give your outfit a more interesting dynamic.”
The most important thing? Have fun with it. There are no rules here, really.
Goodwood dress code questions answered
How smart should I dress?
Although there is no formal dress code across most of Goodwood, it is important to remember that this is a special event with a level of formality. Just because you can wear jeans, doesn’t mean you should, for example. And isn’t part of the fun of attending a dress-up event? Most attendees prefer floral or coordinating midi dresses, with cardigans, blazers and jackets when it gets cooler in the evening. Flats or heels are both fine, but a platform will be much easier to navigate the course in, not to mention if you’re on your feet a lot during the day.
Can you wear trousers or a jumpsuit to Glorious Goodwood?
Yes! Unlike Ascot, which only recently introduced trousers and jumpers for women, Goodwood has always allowed women to wear whatever they want, so have fun with it.
Can you wear halter necks and one shoulder dresses and tops to Glorious Goodwood?
Again, these are completely fine.
What should I wear in the Richmond Enclosure?
This is the only enclosure that requires men to wear a jacket and tie, and boys aged 7-15 are asked to wear a long-sleeved collared shirt, rather than a polo shirt. Anything goes for women, but the website recommends the “garden party look”, which means floral dresses, floaty, or elegant 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 in The Gordon Enclosure, but according to the Goodwood website, “all guests are encouraged to dress smartly and elegantly, giving a sense of style befitting the racing event at Goodwood.”
What should I wear in Lennox Enclosure?
Again, there is no dress code, but comfort and style are encouraged in the Lennox Enclosure, and you are encouraged to leave your stilettos at home.
Inspiration outfit
Lace trim maxi dress, £350, Me + Em
Straw boater, £60, Game Boutique Bonita; Mikel sandals, £330, Loeffler Randall; Ear coat, £320, The YSSO
Halter neck dress, £295, Rixo
Passion Cashmere, £160, Cornelia James; Low wedge shoes, £195, Russell & Bromley
Cotton and linen blazer, £259, Hackett; Ivory Chinos, £59.95, Charles Tyrwhitt
Silk blend requirements, £18, Rice; Two pocket square, £12.50, Savile Row Company; Luca loaves, £89, Kurt Geiger
