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The Qatar Goodwood Festival, more affectionately known as 'Glorious Goodwood', is set to return for another year of thrilling horse racing and unparalleled social festivities. Spanning from 30th July to 3rd August 2024, this five-day event is a highlight of the British flat racing season, promising an unforgettable experience for both horse racing enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a historic British social event.

The Heart of Glorious Goodwood

Glorious Goodwood is not just about the races, although the competition is fierce with 13 Group contests and three ultra-competitive Group 1 races, including the £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes. This festival is a celebration of British heritage, social gatherings, and fashion making it the perfect occasion to dress up and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The Best Dressed Competition

One of the highlights of the festival is the Best Dressed competition, which takes place on Friday 2nd August. With a'Quintessentially British', dress code, relaxed, effortless and elegant outfts are likely to be sought out by the judges as they consider all aspects of dress including shoes, hat, and accessories. This year, there are no specific colour requirements, giving attendees the freedom to explore and express their unique style. Guests in the Richmond and Gordon enclosures will have the opportunity to be selected, with prizes awarded to the first, second, and third place winners.

Tips to Win the Best Dressed Competition

To stand out in the Best Dressed competition, consider the following tips:

  1. Dress to Impress: Opt for classic, elegant pieces that embody quintessentially British style. Think tailored suits for men and sophisticated floaty floral dresses for women. Fabrics such as linen, silks, and panama hats can add a touch of timeless elegance.
  2. Attention to Detail: Judges will be looking at the overall harmony of your outfit. Ensure that your shoes, hat, and accessories complement your attire. For men, a stylish hat and pocket square can make a significant difference. For women, an elegant wide-brimmed hat or gloves can add a touch of glamour.
  3. Colour Coordination: While there are no specific colour requirements, choosing a cohesive colour theme can make your outfit stand out. Whether you prefer bold, bright hues or understated pastels, ensure your ensemble looks well-thought-out. When harmonising, choose shades within the same colour family for a cohesive and sophisticated look, adding a single bold accessory like a handbag or shoes for a striking effect. Colour blocking, on the other hand, involves pairing contrasting, solid colours to create a vibrant, eye-catching ensemble, with one bright element—such as a hat or handbag—to add an unexpected and playful pop of colour, elevating the overall outfit.
  4. Confidence is Key: No matter what you wear, carry yourself with confidence. Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and let your poise and self-assured presence elevate your look, making a lasting impression on the judges. To ensure you are going to be comfortable consider the weather and floor surface you will be walking on when you are planning your outfit. You need to be at ease rather feeling the need to constantly adjust your outfit. It's also a good idea to wear your hat for a few hours around your house before you wear it out as that way you can make sure it's fits well and you know how to position best for maximum impact.

Whether you are heading the races for the sport, the social scene, or the fashion, Glorious Goodwood truly offers something for everyone. If you would like any advice or help selecting you headwear, do some and see us in our Arundel. We are just down the road from Goodwood and one of the closet hat shops to the racetrack offering hats and headwear to buy and hire for men and ladies alike.

British Millinery Associationaward winning hat shop new business of the year 2022 Isabella Josie

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