How to master the Glorious Goodwood dress code

The British “social season” – using the phrase in the Bridgerton sense – is well and truly in full swing. And while we’ve already had Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Glyndebourne, there are still a handful of quintessentially English summer occasions to get dressed up for. Next up is Glorious Goodwood – also known as the Qatar Goodwood Festival – taking place at the Duke of Richmond’s country estate from 30th July to 3rd August.

And while Ascot is known for its stringent dress codes, Goodwood is altogether more relaxed, with varying degrees of formality required depending on which enclosure you are in. The most formal, and the only one with a dress code per se, is the Richmond Enclosure, in which men are required to wear jackets and ties.

That said, there’s still a definite “look” associated with Goodwood. “The look at 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 laid back and under the radar compared to Ascot. Sartorially it’s a bit more pared back. It’s much smaller than some of the other race courses. It’s effortless and elegant rather than ostentatious or overly styled.”

For women, it’s all about an 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 shoulder as well as bustier styles for Goodwood, which of course are not permitted for Ascot Royal enclosure,” shares Byrne, who recommends brands including Seren and Rixo. “For me these silhouettes can often be the most elegant. Floral and prints, as well as lovely bright colours, lend themselves to the bucolic setting. You’d look out of place in a cocktail dress, but honestly anything goes.”

Renting your race day look is also increasingly popular, with By Rotation’s founder Eshita Kabra recommending brands such as Zimmermann, Emilia Wickstead and The Vampire’s Wife for the occasion. “The Aje Pastel Pink ‘Mimosa’ dress has been the top rented dress for the races,” she says. “The dress has been rented more than 33 times and is available to hire from as little as £10 per day.”

Hats and fascinators in particular are costly, and don’t get much wear, so Kabra suggests renting these for the occasion: “I’d definitely recommend renting a chic headpiece,” she says. “With hats and fascinators likely to be only worn once, it’s the perfect opportunity to complete your Goodwood outfit and rent a unique headpiece. My favourites are this straw hat from Gucci or this archival hand embellished 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 boater to fit in with the masses.

It’s advised to leave your stilettos at home, not least because they might get stuck in the grass. “I’d favour an espadrille or a block heel, or failing that heel stops do work a treat, as ugly as they are,” shares Byrne. “Because there’s a lot of grass.”

Pack layers, too, like an elegant pashmina to cover your shoulders – even if it’s warm at the start of the day, it will get cooler as the sun goes down. “With the British Summer weather constantly changing, it’s key to be prepared for all weather scenarios,” shares Kabra. “I always bring my light knit Jacquemus cardigan with me, it’s the perfect piece to layer on top of chic dresses.”

And to top it all off? “I think sunglasses are a chic final touch to your outfit, if matched to the dress code. I’d opt for timeless frames from brands such as Chanel, Chloe and Linda Farrow.”

Meanwhile, men should look to the Duke himself for their inspiration, with pale linen suits and Panama hats de rigueur. “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 what kind of blade you are,” shares designer Oliver Spencer, founder of Favourbrook as well as his eponymous brand. “Seriously though, stand-out style is not about making a loud statement for the sake of it – a perfectly fitted suit in a beautiful linen cloth with natural slubs for a textural finish will set you apart from most folk. Understated tones such as cream, sand, and stone, or slightly bolder hues such as pale pastels all provide a neutral canvas for brighter pops of colour in your accessories. It’s always the small details which have 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 colour of the band on your Panama hat, use your accessories to deliver bold accents of colour or pattern. Clashing 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?

Despite the fact there is no formal dress code in place throughout most of Goodwood, it’s important to remember this is a special occasion with a degree of formality to it. Just because you can wear jeans, doesn’t mean you should, for example. And isn’t part of the fun of attending getting dressed up? Most attendees favour floral midi dresses or co-ords, with cardigans, blazers and jackets for when it gets cooler in the evenings. Flats or heels are both fine, but a platform will be a lot easier for navigating the course in, not to mention if you’re up on your feet a lot during the day.

Can you wear trousers or jumpsuits to Glorious Goodwood?

Yes! Unlike Ascot, which only introduced trousers and jumpsuits for women in the recent past, 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 which requires men to wear a jacket and tie, with boys aged 7-15 also asked to wear a long-sleeved collared shirt, rather than a polo shirt. Anything goes for the ladies, but the website recommends the “garden party look”, meaning floral, floaty dresses, 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 Goodwood’s website, “all guests are encouraged to dress in a smart and elegant way, bringing a sense of style suited to the occasion of racing at Goodwood.”

What should I wear in the Lennox Enclosure?

Again, there’s no dress code, but comfort and style are encouraged in the Lennox Enclosure, while it’s advised to leave your stilettos at home.

Outfit inspiration

Lace trim maxi dress, £350, Me + Em

Straw boater, £60, Boutique Bonita; Mikel sandals, £330, Loeffler Randall; Cote earrings, £320, The YSSO

Halter neck dress, £295, Rixo

Cashmere pashmina, £160, Cornelia James; Low wedge shoes, £195, Russell & Bromley

Cotton and linen blazer, £259, Hackett; Ivory chinos, £59.95, Charles Tyrwhitt

Silk blend tie, £18, Reiss; Twill pocket square, £12.50, Savile Row Company; Luca loafers, £89, Kurt Geiger