Horse racing season has officially kicked off with Cheltenham Festival having taken place this week, with racegoers known for showcasing their most sophisticated looks at the major event. With it being my first time attending the races I wanted to do so in style, and found the that not only ticks all the spring trend boxes, but can be re-worn time and again, too.

What I love about Cheltenham in particular is that pretty much anything goes. Their dress code encourages guests to be ‘relaxed and comfortable’ and arrive ‘dressed to feel your best’, so there’s no pressure or real rules to follow.

Managing to strike a balance of both comfort and elegance was my which is technically a bridesmaid dress, but works just as well for special occasions like the races. The buttery yellow base absolutely nails one of the top colour trends for spring, with the shade being absolutely everywhere this season, and is adorned with a stunning dahlia floral design, which lends itself nicely to the countryside aesthetic of the races.

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Usually £129, the dress is currently , and has the most romantic ruffly angel sleeves which I love for multiple reasons. The first is that they aren’t restrictive, allowing for a full range of movement and all-day comfort. They also do a wonderful job at covering the upper-arm area, which is an area of self-consciousness for many. And thirdly, if it’s given out warmer weather, the underarms are really breathable, so there’s no need to worry about sweat patches showing.

The , making my legs look longer while creating a curvy silhouette that skims the tummy. The skirt of the dress flows beautifully, and the satin fabric looks way more expensive. I also loved the detailing at the back with a little cut-out to reveal some of my back, while still being very bra-friendly and not showing any pesky straps.

I received dozens of compliments from other racegoers on my outfit, and I felt a million dollars in the gown. I was able to move around the enclosures freely and comfortably, which makes it not just a great option for the races, but for spring and summer weddings, too, where that same flexibility is needed for the dancefloor.

While the weather has been lovely of late, I knew it would be foolish not to take a light jacket, because it is still a little chilly in the shade. Instead of wearing a coat, I teamed my dress with this down from £99. The jacket is actually part of a suit co-ord which I saw a couple of other people sporting at the event, but I loved the way it matched perfectly with the dress, but still felt a little different to what others were wearing.

The blazer has a classy tailored fit and functional flap pockets. The double breasted design means it looks as good worn open as it does buttoned up. However, I did find it a bit of a nightmare to steam the night before, with stubborn creases in the thick fabric taking a while to shift. Though they eventually smoothed, it is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking for a jacked that is more low maintenance, as while it can be machine washed at 30 degrees, it can’t go in a dryer or be ironed.

I also love , as it can be dressed down with a pair of light blue denim jeans for a much more casual look. Debenhams suggest pairing it with a sleek pencil skirt or tailored trousers in a contrasting hue.

But if it’s race day inspiration you’re looking for, has a whole section on their website dedicated to showcasing their best styles for a day at the racecourse. And here’s a little tip, too - in 2023 and 2024, both Grand National Style Award winners wore yellow - could it be a winner for a third year?

In 2022, it was a cape dress that won the award, so might be a popular choice for anyone attending the races this year. I love this , which has a really elegant design, flattering cape sleeve detailing, a keyhole opening at the back and a split side hem, perfect for showing off a pair of strappy heels. It also comes in green, burgundy or black.

And for something a little more modern and contemporary, there’s this which are £69 and £29 respectively. Check designs are something I saw a lot of at Cheltenham, and this outfit would look gorgeous with a pair of chocolate brown knee boots.

But if it’s my races ensemble you want to copy, you can