Get ready for … The Cheltenham November Meet! Your style guide – everything you need to know about what to wear, where to shop, and how to make the most of your outfit!

Hello my darlings. Well, racing content is in full force now, and despite a very poorly laptop having been away for a few weeks, with the outcome that it cannot be fixed, we are still somehow here with The Cheltenham November Meet blog!

I am so excited to share with you this blog. Consider this your bible for the 2024 November meeting. I’m talking where to shop, what to wear, and how to make the most of your outfits! This meeting is now less than a week away, so what are you waiting for!

Let’s begin!

What is The November Meeting, where is it, and when is it?

The Cheltenham November Meeting is one of the key events in the British jump racing calendar, taking place at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse. Often referred to as the “Showcase of the Season,” the three day event occurs over a weekend in mid-November and serves as a major fixture in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, which is held in March. Many of the top National Hunt horses make an appearance, and performances during this meeting are often viewed as indicators of form for the Festival.

The first day, known as “Countryside Day,” celebrates the link between racing and rural life, with events including charity races, countryside displays, and auctions to support rural causes. The day typically features novice hurdles and chases, that showcase up-and-coming talent.

Saturday is the highlight, featuring the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup, a Grade 3 handicap chase that attracts a competitive field and is seen as a major race in its own right. This day also includes other top-level contests, offering ample opportunities for racing fans to see some of the season’s rising stars.

The final day, Sunday, is more relaxed, family-oriented, with races featuring more high-caliber horses. The Sunday races often attract experienced runners and previous Festival winners, making it a thrilling finale.

The Cheltenham November Meeting runs from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024

Now, what to wear …

The November Meeting is one of the most stylish dates in the racing calendar, but the unpredictable British weather means that layering and thoughtful styling are essential.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a Cheltenham-ready outfit with detailed recommendations from my top brands.

Let’s dive in!

1. Start with a good base

To keep warm in the often chilly and damp November weather, a cosy base is essential. Start with a fitted jumper or roll neck, providing insulation without adding bulk. These don’t have to be expensive. I often get my basics from M&S, H&M, Primark or Shein. I also love going for some colour in these, as well as having those essential neutrals. If you’re looking for something a little more special, why not try the below:

• Fairfax & Favor: F&F have recently launched a first for them, the Anna Jumper. I have recently featured this jumper in my Burghley Horse Trials blog, so do have a look back over that if you want the specifics. I have this jumper in Ecru, in a size Medium, and I love it! It comes in at £145, but it is a soft and luxurious piece in neutral, easy to wear colours!

• Holland Cooper: The home of luxury country knitwear, so I won’t list them all. However, they have a huge selection of choices, from thinner, more fitted roll necks, to really chunky pieces. The gold hardware on these pieces is what really sets them apart, and the endless options available mean you’ll be spoilt for choice!

• Nicola Sexton: If a pop of colour is what you’re looking for, Nicola Sexton is the brand. They have a range of gorgeous jumpers in both fun and neutral colourways. They also have a range in to match the colourways of their footwear – creating the most seamless outfit looks!

2. Trousers, skirt or dress?

Choosing the right bottoms is all about finding that balance between warmth and elegance. You might want to opt for a dress as your base piece. During the National Hunt season, think chunky knit dresses as opposed to those floral favourites opted for at the likes of Ascot. If a dress isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a tweed skirt. Those of you preferring trousers, I would opt for black, navy or white jeans.

These are again a base piece of your outfit, and they don’t have to cost a fortunate. I wear my jeans from Lovall the most, they are super flattering, and really easy to wear. Whilst there are tons of luxury skirts out there, there are also budget friendly options from the likes of Primark, Zara, Shein and Rydale, and the same goes for knitwear dresses!

When it comes to dresses or skirts, if you pair your tights to your boots or footwear, you will create a much more streamlined look, as well as really lengthening by your legs! If you wear black boots, opt for black tights, chocolate boots with brown tights or tan boots with neutral tights. I often just get my tights from Primark – usually I end up laddering a pair or two!!

A couple of the luxury country pieces I’m loving at the moment are:

• Holland Cooper: Again, there are endless dress and tweed skirt options available through Holland Cooper. The tailoring of their tweed skirts is absolutely beautiful and really does ooze luxury, whilst the hardware finish on their dresses sets these apart.

• Joules: The launch of their Foxley tweed trousers has really caused a stir, super stylish and at a very affordable price within the country fashion world. These would make for a real statement outfit piece, but they also have a range of skirts and dresses available as well!

3. The essential tweed coat or cape

Some sort of coat is a must at Cheltenham. Not only will this be part of your outfit, it will be essential for warmth. I prefer mid to longer length jackets for the races, they are flattering, and often help with a sophisticated and classy look.

A tweed jacket really is a racing essential, and they come in so many different styles, suitable for all budgets.

If you are wearing a midi or maxi dress, I would always try and go for a coat or jacket the same length or longer, this helps to streamline your look.

A cape is another option you might like to consider. They are beautiful and flattering, and offer something a little more stand out, and different. These are also a great option on colder days, when you want to layer with lots more chunky options!

Here are some of my standout options:

• Welligogs: The brand of coats and jackets that I am most often seen in. The tailoring of these jackets is perfection, and the style and designs are exquisite! The quality of these jackets are amazing and the price point is really good for the product you are getting! A couple of my absolute favourites are the Savannah Peacan Wool Coat and the Knightsbridge Houndstooth Jacket.

I have a Welligogs code for all of my lovely CCL following, use ‘LUCINDA10’ on your full priced items online on their website!

• Holland Cooper: My trench coat from Holland Cooper was an aspirational and luxury purchase, and it was a real treat. I get lots of wear from it, and the tailoring and style of the piece really oozes luxury. Alongside these full length trench coats, they boast a huge variety of jackets, coats and capes, all of which are finished to perfection, and really can be the statement, stop and stare piece of an outfit!

• Joules: Again if you’re looking for a slightly more budget friendly version, Joules is a great for both costs and blazers. They also have an option to match the above discussed Foxley trousers if a matching set is your thing!

• Hunt & Hall: If you aren’t already familiar with this brand, they are well worth a look! Slightly more unique luxury clothing and their designs are sure to make a statement on the racecourse! I love their long jackets and capes – I have the Bilsdale cape which pairs perfectly with the Fairfax & Favor seasonal colourway, Moss Green. This cape is lightweight so perfect for pairing with chunky knitwear, but also making it suitable for your wardrobe all year round.

• Fairfax & Favor: Jackets were introduced a few years ago now, and they have launched some really beautiful pieces. Whilst most iconically known for their footwear, the clothing range is holding its own out there!

4. Statements with a scarf

The right scarf can add texture and color to your look, as well as a touch of luxury. I am usually seen accessorising with a silk scarf, and these are a really easy way to add a pop of colour or a statement to your outfit, particularly if you have opted for a more neutral outfit.

If you’re looking for something warmer, (faux) fur lined scarves and shawls are a really popular option, and great for keeping you cosy and warm too! If you’re in search of one of these to complete your look, I recommend checking out That Scarf or Etton Taylor!

Here are a few scarf recommendations:

• Acacia Zuri: I am fairly new to this brand, but wow their designs are spectacular. I’ve also written about and showcased this brand on some of my more recent content so be sure to check that out if silk scarves are of interest.

• Clare Haggas: Clare is the queen of country silk scarves, she will also be exhibiting at the November meeting for the first time this year. Her designs are incredibly beautiful, and oh so popular. There’s something for everyone, including twillies, hair accessories and accessories for the men too!

• Joules: Wanting luxury on a budget, Joules is the place to shop your silk scarves! Typically priced around the £40 mark, their range of scarves are often equestrian themed and in a really beautiful palette of colours!

5. Practical yet stylish footwear

The grounds at Cheltenham can be wet and muddy, so footwear is something that should be considered carefully. I am absolutely not one of these pain is beauty kind of girls, my footwear needs to do a job, and do it well.

Just like many others, I have to consider where I spend my money, and footwear is an area of outfit planning that I think deserves the luxury brand and price tag. I will happily buy the very affordable version of many items of clothing but I love my luxury footwear, and I do believe it can elevate the whole outfit. You could wear a whole outfit from Shein or Primark, and the right footwear could completely change the look!

I may well be biased, but there is only one footwear option for me to recommend here. I have been buying and wearing this brand for over 10 years now, and I think you can see why. Whilst there are plenty of options out there, this is my recommendation:

• Fairfax & Favor: It was the iconic suede Regina boot that launched F&F into the spotlight in the country fashion world, and boy can you see why. These boots are a work of art. If the classic Spanish style boot isn’t quite your thing, never fear, their footwear collection spans well beyond, including everything from leather loafers to shearling lined outdoor boots!

6. Add a hat or fascinator for a polished look

Hats and fascinators will come in all different forms at Cheltenham, with everything from classic fedora hats in neutral colours, to the most extravagant and statement fascinators, and everything else in between!

It’s always fun to add a hat to your outfit, and I have some options highlighted below that are both stylish and practical:

• Schoffel: If you’re looking for a classic Fedora that’s really well made, look no further than Schoffel. I have only recently tried one of their Fedora hats, but the quality is incredible, and I can tell it’s a piece going to last me for endless winters to come!

• Hicks & Brown: H&B have the most spectacular range of fedoras. I bought my first ever fedora from this brand when they were first starting out, and they have grown from strength to strength with their designs being a hit with both royalty and celebrities! Also, keep an eye out for their collaboration coming with Fairfax & Favor!

• Josephine’s Country Collection: Whether it’s a fedora or a fascinator that you’re after, Jo has the answer. Jo is super creative and can make you a bespoke piece, or you can buy or hire her current range. Also a stylist, Jo has a keen eye and will be able to assist with those finishing touches!

7. Elevate the look with thoughtful accessories

The right accessories can add refinement without overwhelming the look. Jewellery, gloves, belts and bags are just some of the areas where you can complete your outfit and add that finishing touch.

Here’s what to consider:

• Hiho Silver: The go to equestrian jewellery brand. Home of the cherry roller collection, this brand not only has the most beautiful equestrian pieces to finish off your race day outfit, but also a range wider range of stunning jewellery for all occasions.

• The Silver Stable: This is a much newer jewellery brand, but this year they have entered the show circuit and really made their presence known. The most beautiful hand made pieces, I combine my Silver Stable and HiHo Silver jewellery on a daily basis, and find both have the best quality and well made jewellery, not only for special occasions but able to withstand the day to day of going to work, mucking out, and at the gym!

• Fairfax & Favor: If matching your outfit and accessories is key, then F&F is the brand to go to. With belts, gloves and handbags, amongst many other accessories, this brand is a go to if you now want the full look from one brand! It’s also a great brand if you’re following the ‘rule of three’ as all their accessories match their chosen seasonal colourways.

• Barkworth Reeve: I only discovered this brand recently, at Burghley Horse Trials, and boy have I been missing out. Specialising currently in handbags, and they really do it well. When I first saw the Ambridge leather handbag, I completely fell in love. I have now been fortunate enough to work with this brand, and I can honestly vouch for the quality and style of these pieces!

• Mackenzie & George: Whether it’s belts or hats, M&G do it will. I have been wearing their leather belts for many years now, and these really are built to last, so you’re getting an investment piece at a really reasonable price. I have completely fallen in love with the new Dublin belt which comes in Tan and Black. Keep an eye out online for this!

• Fig & Twig: This brand has only recently launched, but they offer a variety of snaffle bit belts, which are elasticated so really easily extendable. These have become a firm favourite of mine, and with a variety of colours on offer, there is sure to be one to perfectly compliment your outfit as the finishing touch!

I have a Fig & Twig discount code for my lovely CCL following, use ‘LUCINDA10’ at the checkout on their website.

Final thoughts …

With a carefully layered look featuring high-quality pieces and thoughtful accessories, your Cheltenham outfit will be both functional and elegantly British. Embrace the warmth, depth, and textures of these pieces to create an outfit that is classic, cozy, and perfect for the races.

Outfit inspo …

That’s it then my darlings! The November meeting is next week now, and if you are attending, I hope you have the most wonderful time, and maybe see you there!

Lots of love, Lucinda xo