Not sure of what to wear to Glorious Goodwood this year? Find out the Qatar Goodwood Festival dress code, as well as outfit ideas for the summer season highlight

‘Glorious Goodwood’ is one of the highlights of the summer season. The five-day event is a wonderful sport and social occasion, filled with thrilling racing, brilliant race day entertainment, and unrivalled style. It's an event like no other.

The unrivalled style is a big point. Dressing the part for the festival is very important, so you must know the Qatar Goodwood Festival dress code.

Discover the dress code here as we take a look at what you can and can’t wear to the festival, as well as present some ideas of what to wear for men and women.

What is the Qatar Goodwood Festival dress code?

The Qatar Goodwood Festival is all about embracing the quintessentially British style. From high fashion to a more classic look, it's all about a relaxed yet elegant, chic look.

The dress code used to be very rigid and very high class. That was relaxed in the 19th century, and now the festival employs a more carefree fashion style.

What’s meant by that is, while Goodwood isn’t as strict as other famous horse racing festivals such as Royal Ascot, you are still expected to dress up.

Blazers, ties, dresses, dress shoes. These are some examples of what to wear on your day at the races, but they don’t have to be the basic one colour note.

Expressing yourself through your outfit is most important. At the festival, it's about the details that work for you. As Lisa Armstrong, the Fashion Director at the Telegraph said, “Grooming is key. You can get away with a fairly casual outfit if the details are polished”.

Qatar Goodwood Festival men’s style guide

We’ve told you about the dress code, so what about some ideas for what to wear?

Starting with the men’s style, the main thing you want to think about is that while it is an elegant event that you need to dress appropriately for, at the end of the day, it is a big summer garden party.

A simple jacket and tie combo is an excellent choice. Lighter colours would be the way to go as well, as the festival comes at the height of the summer. You won’t want to get caught out on a scorching day with dark, heavy clothes.

For the trousers, you can go as smart as proper dress trousers, or you can go a bit simpler and opt for a smart pair of chinos. So long as they match the blazer.

Smarter jeans may be accepted, but you’re better off with other options, especially if paired with a blazer. As for shoes, a pair of loafers or oxfords would do just fine.

Pairing the right hat is important, too. You don’t have to have one, but it would be good to help shade the sun from your face.

The Panama hat is a staple of the festival and suits both men and women. Make sure it is the colour to match your clothing. Sunglasses would also be a good choice.

Qatar Goodwood Festival women’s style guide

For women, dressing for the Qatar Goodwood Festival can provide the opportunity to add their own unique style and flair to their outfits. Remember, it's all about the summer garden party look.

A dress is the best option to go with. This doesn’t have to be anything overtly fancy, it can be something simpler, something that is still stylish yet light such as a flowing maxi dress or a tea dress.

To bring your originality to it with a strong style of your choice, statement stripes, wallpaper prints or a floral dress is sure to impress. Or if you’re thinking of something more plain, soft pastel hues bring a fresh yet contemporary look to the outfit.

If you are looking to go more formal, a trouser suit can go a long way. A slim or straight fit may be more suitable for the event, and you can pair it with a blouse or silk shirt underneath.

The shoes would be best as flats, given how much of your time could be spent on your feet. However, low heels could be a strong statement choice, too.

For accessories, again the Panama hat is a strong choice, paired with some sunglasses for the warm weather and bright sun

What clothes should you avoid?

Tracksuits for sale.
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy / Unsplash

The types of clothes you should avoid are fairly simple. This is an elegant summer garden party, and you should look to dress accordingly. This means the following clothing should not be worn:

  • Sportswear or tracksuits
  • Leggings or joggers
  • Ripped jeans
  • Shorts of any style
  • Open-toed shoes (for men)

Avoid these types of clothing and follow our style guide so you can look the part as you enjoy the Qatar Goodwood Festival in all its glory!

How to attend the Qatar Goodwood Festival in luxury

Now that you’re fully prepared to look your best at the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2023, it’s time to find out how you can enjoy the event in style with VIP hospitality to the event.

Here at Seat Unique, we are delighted to provide you with access to a selection of Qatar Goodwood Festival hospitality packages through our trusted 24/7 online platform.

With a hospitality package, you will experience the event like a true VIP, with a whole host of luxury inclusions such as*:

  • Hospitality parking
  • Champagne reception
  • Access to hospitality enclosures
  • A complimentary three-course lunch
  • Afternoon tea

*Please note that these inclusions are a mix of the inclusions from all of the available packages, and specific inclusions will vary depending on the choice of package.

Tickets for all five days of this amazing event are on sale now. Secure your place now with a Qatar Goodwood Festival VIP Ticket or hospitality package, and have a luxury experience to remember!

Buy Qatar Goodwood Festival tickets