With Cheltenham Festival coming to a close, I found myself thinking about the elegant countryside style that defines the famous meeting. While the horses may take centre stage, seasoned racegoers know the real spectacle often unfolds in the crowd.
Few people capture that effortless race-day elegance quite like Zara Tindall who has become a style fixture at Cheltenham over the years. The King’s niece was officially named a brand ambassador for Fairfax & Favor in March 2025 – cementing a partnership that stylish racegoers had long noticed trackside.
So I headed down to the brand’s Marlow store in Buckinghamshire to see if I could recreate that signature look for myself. Rather than searching for a single standout outfit, my focus was on investment pieces – the kind that justify their price through real cost-per-wear. Zara, 44, has long championed that philosophy, regularly re-wearing classic coats, boots and accessories season after season.
What struck me almost immediately was how wearable the collection felt. From tailored outerwear to beautifully crafted boots and structured handbags, each piece felt designed to stand alone as a wardrobe staple.
In other words, these are not just race-day outfits. They are timeless countryside classics you could just as easily wear on a crisp morning walk, a weekend lunch or a day in town.
With that in mind, I picked out two looks that perfectly capture the elegant yet practical style – shop below.
For my first look, I chose a striking suede coat trimmed with plush fur detailing – the kind of piece that instantly feels made for a Cheltenham enclosure moment. The rich caramel tones bring warmth and depth, while the double-breasted silhouette and belted waist create a flattering, structured shape that feels both polished and powerful. What surprised me most was how luxurious it felt to wear; the suede is soft yet structured, and the dramatic fur cuffs and collar add a touch of old-school race-day glamour.
This is the sort of coat I know I would wear season after season – a real head-turner that could just as easily take me from a crisp countryside walk to a glamorous day out in the city. The structured handbag feels equally timeless, the kind of elegant piece that instantly elevates any outfit. And the boots are exactly the sort of wardrobe staple I would reach for constantly -smart enough for work but just as perfect for dinner or drinks afterwards.
For my second look, I chose something slightly more relaxed but just as elegant – a beautifully tailored wool cape-style jacket finished with a soft fur collar. The silhouette feels incredibly flattering, with the belted waist adding shape while the wide sleeves give it a subtle sense of drama. What I noticed straight away was how easy it felt to wear. It is the kind of jacket I could throw on for a countryside walk, yet it would look just as chic heading into the city.
It also feels perfect for that tricky moment when winter begins to soften into spring – those brighter days when the sun appears but there is still a chill in the air.
The tan suede boots add warmth and practicality, making the whole outfit comfortable enough for a long day on your feet. Paired with the structured handbag, which is both classic and eye-catching, the look comes together effortlessly. Like the first outfit, every piece feels like something I would reach for again and again, whether for Cheltenham or everyday life.
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