Debenhams’ Cheltenham-ready dresses are perfect for race days and more

Cheltenham Festival has started and attendees have upped their game in the style stakes. While tweed blazers and feathered Fedora hats often dominate the sidetrack, I helped bring the glamour to the busy surroundings of Prestbury Park in a Coast dress. 

The Jockey Club has no formal dress code in place and Debenhams have partnered with Coast to bring shoppers a range of occasionwear pieces that can be donned at race days and beyond. For my Cheltenham debut, I picked up this Coast Printed Jacquard Lace Trim Gathered Sleeve Dress, which is now 20% off and reduced from £139 to £111.20. The mix of green, white and black floral is perfect for spring and most importantly, it made me feel good.

Featuring gathered puff sleeves and a modest V neckline, it creates the look of a longer neck and torso which makes me appear taller and thinner. The intricate floral print adorning the fabric creates a mesmerising visual effect and in my experience, it makes mishaps like food or wine stains less noticeable. 

One of my favourite features of the dress is the lace trim at the waist that delivers an hourglass silhouette. Bear in mind that the dress is designed to have a close fit, meaningshoppers can ditch their shapewear for a desirable snatched look. Inside Cheltenham’s Club Enclosure, attendees can pop into the Debenhams Day Spa for makeup touch-ups and quick hair styling while discovering products from L’Oreal Luxe – Lancome, YSL, Prada, Armani and Viktor + Rolf.

The beauty experts gave me a glow-up using Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear C.E. Skin Transforming Bronzer (£38.25) and YSL Make Me Blush Powder (£39) with a few dabs of YSL Loveshine Candy Glow Lip Balm (£28) on the lips. The pore-blurring YSL blush is hydrating and the colour stays on for hours.

The Coast dress, however, only comes in regular lengths that might be too long for petite shoppers. It sits right at the ankles on my 5″4 frame. Pairing it with sandals or slingbacks makes it a perfect dress for weddings and date nights. 

If floral prints are not your forte, the Coast Satin Two-Piece Suit (£142.40) in butter yellow is another popular choice. The tailored fit is timeless yet the long sleeves should keep you warm while you wander around the Parade Ring, front of the Grand Stand or champagne bar. 

Those wanting an equestrian-style look can try the LK Bennett Cally Mocha Pleated Cotton Shirt Dress, £249, which has a structured shirt-style bodice and pleated skirt. With deep brown hues, it’s a safe bet for race days.

Shoppers can also take inspiration from Claudia Winkleman’s recent looks in The Traitors and get a ME+EM Check Jacket, £325, and match with a khaki green sweater and riding boots.