What does one wear to a period-themed motor racing festival? Our locally curated fashion guide has the answers…
What to wear to Goodwood Revival
Capturing the romance and glamour of vintage motor cars, the Goodwood Revival returns for a long weekend this September (8-10), to celebrate the halcyon days of British motor racing. Following the sweeps and curves of the Goodwood classic circuit, the festival is a nostalgic escapism to Grace Kelly-esque silk scarves and Rat Pack trilby hats. This year is set to be a double celebration as the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit commemorates its 75th anniversary, along with 25 years since the first Goodwood Revival was held in 1998.
True to the circuit’s original period, the event is defined by its strict dress code, encouraging guests to enjoy the unforgettable and playful fashions of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. From circular skirts and coiffed hair to tweeds and soft merino, ladies can dress up as various period characters including Carnaby Girls and Café Racers. For the gents, look to idols such as John Coltrane, Marlon Brando and Ken Russell for mod style, period leather and smart Teddy Boy cool. If you need a bit of inspiration, you can book yourself in for a styling appointment at one of the on-site salons or sign up to a talk or workshop about second-hand style. You can also pick up some retro gems at the Arcade d’Aubigny vintage market.
If immersing yourself in the nostalgic universe of Goodwood wasn’t tempting enough, the event reserves the right to say ‘pip-pip, cheerio!’ to the inappropriately dressed – including controversial uniforms and culturally appropriated items, so make sure one wears one’s best attire. Who knows? You may even make the short-list of guests, invited by a panel of fashion experts, with a chance to win Best Dressed.
FOR THE LADIES
Evoking Mary Quant by way of Cher Horowitz, this cropped chequered jacket is a nod to the swinging ’60s while feeling fresh and modern. It’s currently in the Zara sale at just under £13 – so be quick!
Cropped textured blazer, £12.99, Zara; 79-83 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB
No other accessory can immediately transport you back to the 1950s quite like a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. What’s more, the style is eminently flattering and never goes out of fashion.
1330 cat eye sunglasses, £340, Cutler and Gross; 16 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QL
Past generations wore hats, fascinators and hair accessories with aplomb. This elegant straw boater featuring the house of Gucci’s iconic bee emblem is timeless, on-trend and will instantly elevate your outfit.
Bee-embellished boater hat, £435, Gucci; available at Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Pearls needn’t be confined to your nan’s jewellery box, as proven by Vivienne Westwood’s punky pieces featuring the late, great designer’s iconic orb.
Olympia beaded faux pearl orb necklace, £150, Vivienne Westwood; available at Harvey Nichols 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Indulge your inner rockabilly chick with this fabulous pencil skirt. The logo pattern keeps it contemporary, but for attending Goodwood Revival, feel free to go full-on ’50s with victory rolls, red lipstick and a fitted cardigan or shirt. Perfection.
Logo jacquard calf-length skirt, £249, Pinko; available at Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
FOR THE GENTLEMEN
OK, the “TB” insignia on this Burberry jacket stands for Thomas Burberry, not Teddy Boy, but we think this elegant, tailored number with its slim-fit design in Italian woven-wool still looks the part. A true investment piece.
Slim fit embroidered monogram wool tailored jacket, £1,490, Burberry; 1 Sloane Street, SW1X 9LA
For a modern twist on retro dressing, opt for this stylish geometric-print shirt from Ted Baker. The short-sleeve and Revere collar nod to 1950s-style shirts, while the unique blend of lyocell, linen and cotton will keep you cool, calm and collected.
Braemar short sleeve geometric border print shirt, £95, Ted Baker; 75 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB
A sturdy pair of leather Derby shoes will add a dapper – and authentically vintage – spin to your ensemble. This elegant pair from traditional British shoemaker Crockett & Jones will last a lifetime.
Pembroke dark brown scotch grain shoes, £540, Crockett & Jones; 155 Brompton Road, SW3 1QP
They may be a bit on-the-nose, but we love the detail in these delicate sterling silver cufflinks modelled on – what else? – vintage race cars.
Sterling silver racing car cufflinks, £355, Deakin & Francis; available at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
The Baker Boy hat, also known as the Newsboy or flat cap, has been around since the early 20th century, and was all the rage in the 1920s. Wear this houndstooth-weave iteration with a matching tweed ensemble for full vintage impact.
Arbor wool Baker Boy cap, £58, Reiss; 163-169 Brompton Road, SW3 1PY
