The Grand National is almost upon us — and if you've been agonising over what to wear, you're not alone. Every April, the same delicious dilemma divides the racegoers of Aintree into two camps: the tweed traditionalists and the fashion-forward few. So, to tweed or not to tweed? We're here to help you decide — and to shop the look for less, right here on Reliked.
The Case For Tweed
There's a reason tweed has anchored British country style for centuries. It speaks the language of rolling paddocks, leather stirrups, and post-race Champagne — fluently. At the Grand National, tweed signals that you know your stuff. You're not just here for the fashion parade (though you'll still absolutely win it). You understand the tradition, the heritage, and frankly, the April weather.
The good news? Tweed has never felt fresher. Modern cuts — think cropped blazers, belted jackets, and sophisticated midi dresses — have transformed the fabric from country estate staple into genuine race-day chic. And with Reliked's incredible selection of preloved tweed pieces from designer and premium brands, you can nail the look without spending like you've backed the wrong horse.
Our Tweed Picks You'll Love
For an effortlessly polished race day look, the Fabrique Cream Tweed Midi Dress (£55, was £175) is everything. Cream tweed at the races feels undeniably right — classic, elegant, and utterly refined. Pair it with a statement fascinator and block-heel courts and you're done.
If you're a blazer person — and honestly, who isn't — the BOSS Blue Asymmetric Tweed Jacket (£70, was £165) is a standout. That asymmetric cut elevates it far beyond your average country jacket, and the blue works beautifully against the Aintree green. For something boldly fashion-forward, the Pinko Red Tweed Blazer with Fringe Details (£199, was £450) is the kind of piece that photographs brilliantly in the winners' enclosure — fringe details, rich red, and completely unforgettable.
For those who love a bit of designer provenance with their race-day dressing, the Isabel Marant Etoile Red Tweed Jacket (£178, was £445) brings that quintessential Parisian-meets-countryside energy. Beautifully textured and impeccably cut — this is tweed with an accent.
Want to mix tweed into a head-to-toe look? The Commense Blue Tailored Tweed Trousers (£42, was £70) are a stylish alternative to the expected dress. Pair with a silk blouse, block heel, and a fascinator to show the crowds that trousers at the races can absolutely steal the show.
The Case Against Tweed
Of course, tweed isn't the only way to dress for Grand National day. The races have always been a space to be bold, colourful, and gloriously over-the-top. Think floating florals, dazzling dresses, and head-turning colour — all with a spectacular headpiece to match. This is your moment to wear the thing you've been saving, the dress that felt too much for every other occasion. At Aintree, too much is never enough.
Dresses That Don't Need Tweed to Make a Statement
The Karen Millen Multicoloured Floral Jacquard Strappy Full Skirted Tailored Maxi Dress (£78, was £279) is race day in a dress. Sweeping, structured, and bursting with colour — it's the kind of piece that makes people stop mid-bet to ask where you got it. Teamed with a nude or metallic heel and a bold fascinator, this one does all the heavy lifting.
For something a little more understated but no less elegant, the Karen Millen Pink Crinkle Georgette One Shoulder Maxi Dress (£91, was £449) is soft, feminine, and thoroughly glamorous. That one-shoulder neckline makes it feel considered and editorial — this is not an accidental outfit.
And if you want something a little more relaxed without sacrificing style, the Pretty Lavish White Pascale Racer Day Dress (£28, was £58) is a gorgeous, breezy option — the name practically writes itself for race day. White at the races is a bold choice, but an incredibly chic one.
The Finishing Touches: Because the Hat Matters
You can have the most perfect outfit in the enclosure, but without the right headpiece, the look isn't complete. Fascinators and hats are the punctuation of race-day dressing — and Reliked has you covered there too.
The Veni Infantino Cream Snoxall & Gwyther Large Fascinator (£85, was £225) is the kind of statement piece that gets photographed. Large, cream, and utterly refined — it pairs impeccably with the tweed looks above and adds an unmistakably polished finish.
For something with a pop of warmth, the John Lewis Tangerine Macey 23 Fascinator (£13, was £60) is a steal. That burst of orange-tangerine is the colour equivalent of backing a winner — unexpected, vivid, and impossibly stylish against both cream tweed and bold florals.
The Bag & The Shoes
Race day accessories deserve as much thought as the outfit. For a clutch that strikes the right balance between elegant and interesting, the Anya Hindmarch Nude Woven Raffia Clutch (£175, was £350) is an effortless choice. The woven texture nods to the country setting while keeping the overall look sophisticated and current.
Or, for something with a touch of occasion glamour, the Heidi Klein Cream Bamboo Hardbox Clutch with Gold Chain Strap (£119, was £199) is luxuriously chic. That gold chain strap elevates the simplest of outfits — and it tucks beautifully under your arm during the big race.
If you're heading into the countryside paddock or want to add a grounded, equestrian energy to your look, the Holland Cooper Cotswold Black & Gold Boots (£195, was £249) are an inspired choice for those leaning into the tweed camp — rugged-luxe meets race day, and it works.
So… Tweed Or Not To Tweed?
Honestly? Both answers are right. If you love the heritage, the craft, and the unmistakable elegance of tweed — wear it with confidence and pride. If florals, flowing fabrics, and statement colour are more your speed — own that entirely. The Grand National is one of Britain's most beloved and theatrical occasions, and your outfit should feel like a celebration, whatever form that takes.
The one rule we'd stand by: wear something that makes you feel brilliant. The horses are running regardless — you might as well look extraordinary while they do.
Shop all the looks above on Reliked — preloved fashion from the brands you love, at a fraction of the price. Because great style shouldn't cost the earth (or your betting budget).
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