What to Wear to Goodwood Revival: A Practical Style Guide
A practical guide to 1940s, 1950s and 1960s style from What Katie Did, exhibitors at the Revival for 20 years.
Dressing for Goodwood Revival
Goodwood Revival is about far more than historic motor racing. For one weekend, the Motor Circuit returns to its post-war heyday and thousands of visitors become part of the spectacle, dressed in styles inspired by the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Period dress is not compulsory for most visitors, but it is one of the great pleasures of the Revival and makes the entire weekend feel wonderfully immersive. Your outfit neednβt be an exact historical reproduction, nor must it cost a fortune. Original vintage, carefully chosen modern pieces and vintage-inspired clothing can all be combined to create a convincing look.
What Katie Did has had a pop-up shop at The Goodwood Revival for 20 years, so we have experienced scorching sunshine, torrential rain, chilly mornings, stocking emergencies and almost every wardrobe dilemma imaginable. This guide brings together what we have learned about creating an authentic outfit that will also remain comfortable throughout a very long and busy day.
What Should I Wear to Goodwood Revival?
Goodwood Motor Circuit was active between 1948 and 1966, so outfits inspired by the late 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s are all appropriate for the Revival.
Women might choose a tailored 1940s dress or suit, a full-skirted 1950s dress, a sleek pencil skirt and blouse or a colourful early-1960s ensemble. Finish the look with seamed stockings or tights, comfortable shoes and a few carefully chosen accessories.
The most successful Revival outfits donβt simply look good in a photograph: they also allow for plenty of walking, changing temperatures and the possibility of rain. Choosing an era is a useful starting point, but comfort and practicality should always be part of your plan.
Shop: Vintage Inspired Fashion
Choose Your Era
Not sure where to begin? The easiest way to create a convincing outfit is to choose a decade and use it as a guide for your silhouette, colours and accessories.
A 1940s Goodwood Revival Outfit
The late 1940s silhouette was neat, tailored and practical. Dresses generally fell below the knee, with defined waists, structured shoulders and relatively slim skirts. Shirt dresses, tea dresses, tailored suits and blouses worn with high-waisted skirts all work beautifully.
Wartime fashion can be great inspiration, but remember that Goodwood Motor Circuit did not open until 1948. Civilian post-war clothing is every bit as suitable as military uniform and gives you plenty of scope to create a feminine outfit without looking as though you are wearing fancy dress.
Complete your look with seamed stockings, a small hat or beret, gloves, a structured handbag and sensible court shoes or lace-up shoes.
1940s outfit ideas:
- A floral tea dress with seamed stockings and a cardigan
- A fitted jacket with a high-waisted pencil or A-line skirt
- A blouse with a neat collar, worn beneath a knitted tank top
- A late-1940s dress with a softly pointed or gently rounded bustline
- A beret, tilt hat or headscarf for an easy period finishing touch
A 1950s Goodwood Revival Outfit
The 1950s offers two very different silhouettes, both of which are perfect for Goodwood. You can choose a full-skirted dress worn over a petticoat or opt for a fitted wiggle dress or pencil skirt that follows the curves of the body.
Whichever you prefer, the foundation garments worn underneath make an enormous difference. A bullet bra creates the distinctive bust shape seen beneath original 1950s dresses and knitwear, while a waist cincher, girdle or corselette can help define the waist and smooth the silhouette.
Add seamed hosiery, gloves, a vintage handbag and a pair of shoes you can comfortably walk in. Cat-eye sunglasses, a silk-style scarf or a colourful piece of costume jewellery will bring the look together without making it feel overdone.
1950s outfit ideas:
- A full-skirted dress with a petticoat and waist cincher
- A fitted wiggle dress worn over a bullet bra and girdle
- A cardigan with a pencil skirt and seamed stockings
- Capri trousers with a fitted blouse or fine knit
- A swing coat, gloves and structured handbag for cooler weather
An Early-1960s Goodwood Revival Outfit
Goodwoodβs original motor-racing period continued until 1966, making the early to mid-1960s every bit as relevant as the preceding decades.
For an early-1960s look, try a fitted shift dress, a neat skirt suit, cigarette trousers or a slim skirt with a simple knit. Hemlines became shorter as the decade progressed, while colours, prints and accessories grew increasingly bold.
A classic early-1960s outfit might include sheer seamed tights, low-heeled court shoes, a boxy handbag and oversized sunglasses. For a later look, experiment with geometric prints, brighter colours and a shorter skirtβalthough remember that the Revival involves a great deal of bending, climbing and sitting on grass!
1960s outfit ideas:
- A fitted shift dress with sheer tights and court shoes
- A colourful skirt suit with a small structured handbag
- Cigarette trousers with a sleeveless top and neck scarf
- A simple mini dress with opaque seamed tights
- A bold print dress with oversized sunglasses
Start with the Correct Silhouette
Clothing from the 1940s and 1950s was designed with very different foundations in mind from most modern clothes. If you have ever tried on a vintage-style dress and felt that something was missing, the answer may be what you are wearing underneath it.
A bullet bra creates the defined bustline associated with the late 1940s and 1950s, while a waist cincher can emphasise the waist beneath a full skirt. For fitted dresses, a girdle or corselette smooths the line through the waist and hips and can prevent modern underwear from showing through.
You donβt need to wear a complete set of vintage-style foundations to enjoy the Revival. Even one carefully chosen piece can transform the way an outfit sits and make a simple modern dress look much more convincingly period.
Waist Cinchers and Corsets
A waist cincher helps create the nipped-in waist associated with 1950s fashion and can be worn beneath either a full-skirted or fitted dress. A corset creates a more dramatic silhouette, but should be properly fitted and worn before Goodwood so you know that you will remain comfortable throughout the day.
Shop: Waist Cinchers
Bullet Bras
The sharply defined bullet-bra silhouette became fashionable during the 1940s and remained popular throughout the 1950s. It is particularly effective beneath fitted dresses, blouses, sweaters and original vintage clothing.
If you are new to bullet bras, allow yourself time to become accustomed to the shape before the event. The effect is more pronounced than that of a modern rounded bra, which is precisely why it works so well beneath period clothing.
Shop: Bullet Bras
Girdles and Corselettes
Girdles and corselettes smooth the waist and hips beneath fitted garments while providing a secure place to attach stockings. They are ideal beneath pencil skirts, wiggle dresses and lightweight vintage fabrics that reveal every line.
Shop: Girdles
Does My Dress Need a Petticoat?
If you are wearing a full-skirted 1950s dress, a petticoat will add volume and help the skirt hang correctly. It can turn a relatively simple dress into a far more striking Revival outfit.
The petticoat should be slightly shorter than the dress unless you deliberately want the frill to show. For a gentler daytime silhouette, choose a softer petticoat rather than the fullest one available. It will be easier to manage in a crowded grandstand, inside a vintage car or when sitting down for lunch.
A petticoat is not necessary beneath every 1950s dress. Pencil dresses and wiggle dresses were designed to follow the body and are better worn over smoothing lingerie such as a girdle, waist cincher or corselette.
Shop: Frilly Petticoats
Seamed Stockings or Seamed Tights?
For the most authentic 1940s or 1950s look, seamed stockings are the traditional choice. During Goodwoodβs original period, stockings were an everyday essential rather than something reserved for special occasions. The dark line running up the back of the leg immediately gives even a simple outfit a convincing vintage finish.
Stockings should be worn with a suspender belt, girdle or corselette. We recommend six suspender straps rather than four, as the additional clips provide greater security and help keep your seams straight throughout the day.
If you prefer the ease and familiarity of tights, however, seamed tights are an extremely popular choice at Goodwood. They create the same unmistakable vintage effect but simply pull on like an ordinary pair of tights. They are particularly useful if you are wearing a shorter skirt, arenβt accustomed to suspenders or want an extra layer of warmth.
We offer both sheer and opaque seamed tights, making it easy to adapt your outfit to the notoriously unpredictable September weather.
| Choose stockings if⦠| Choose tights if⦠|
|---|---|
| You want the most authentic 1940s or 1950s look | You prefer the familiarity of modern hosiery |
| You are wearing a longer skirt or dress | You are wearing a shorter skirt |
| You already enjoy wearing suspenders | This is your first vintage event |
| You want a lighter option in warm weather | You would appreciate extra warmth |
| Your outfit includes a girdle or corselette | You want a quick and easy option |
Katieβs tip: Whichever style you choose, always take a spare pair. Goodwood involves plenty of walking, and although we sell emergency hosiery from our pop-up shop during the event, it is useful to have a replacement tucked safely inside your handbag.
Seamed Tights for Goodwood Revival
Not sure whether seamed tights will work with your outfit? In this video, Katie talks through the options and explains why seams provide the perfect finishing touch for a Goodwood Revival look.
Wear Shoes You Can Walk In
Goodwood Revival is spread across a large site and even a carefully planned day usually involves a substantial amount of walking. You may also find yourself standing beside the track, crossing uneven ground or sitting on grass.
Fortunately, authentic vintage style does not require painfully high heels. Low-heeled court shoes, loafers, brogues, Mary Janes and lace-up shoes can all look completely appropriate. A small block heel is generally easier to manage than a narrow stiletto, particularly if the ground is soft.
New shoes should be worn in before the event. If you are determined to wear a less practical pair for photographs, consider taking folding pumps or another lightweight alternative for later in the day.
Dressing for Goodwood Weather
A Goodwood morning can begin with autumnal mist, turn into a hot afternoon and finish with wind and rain. We have experienced almost every possible combination during our 20 years at the event, sometimes within the same day.
The secret is to build an outfit in layers that still look attractive when added or removed. A cardigan, fitted jacket, trench coat, swing coat or raincoat can all work with a period outfit, while a scarf provides warmth without taking up too much room in your bag.
For Cold Mornings
A cardigan or light jacket will be invaluable when you arrive early.
For Warm Afternoons
Choose breathable clothing where possible and make sure your outfit remains presentable without its jacket or cardigan. A hat may provide welcome shade, while a fan can be both practical and decorative.
For Rain
A classic trench coat is difficult to beat and works with almost any Revival era. Pack a compact umbrella and protect delicate vintage hats, handbags and shoes from heavy rain. If the forecast looks particularly wet, leave irreplaceable original vintage pieces safely at home and wear vintage-inspired alternatives instead. Ankle length Wellington Boots are perfectly acceptable!
The Finishing Touches
Accessories can make a simple outfit look far more convincingly period, but you donβt need to wear everything at once. Two or three well-chosen details are usually more effective than an entire collection of vintage props.
Consider adding:
- A small hat, beret or headscarf
- Gloves in cotton, lace or sheer fabric
- A structured handbag
- A scarf tied at the neck or over the hair
- Cat-eye or oversized sunglasses
- A brooch or piece of costume jewellery
- A vintage compact
- An appropriate coat, jacket or cardigan
Your accessories neednβt match perfectly. Vintage outfits were assembled and worn in real life, so a little individuality often looks more authentic than a costume in which every element has been precisely coordinated.
You can find a carefully curated selection of true vintage gloves and jewellery at our Goodwood pop up boutique.
What to Pack in Your Handbag
The best Goodwood handbag is large enough to hold your essentials but comfortable enough to carry all day. A structured vintage or vintage-inspired bag will complement your outfit, although a basket or discreet shoulder bag can be a more practical choice.
We recommend packing:
- A spare pair of stockings or tights
- Plasters for tired feet
- Lipstick and a small mirror
- A few safety pins
- An umbrella or lightweight rain cover
- Sunscreen
- A scarf or cardigan
- A portable phone charger
- Any tickets, passes and essential information
We carry a supply of complimentary plasters, safety pins and sewing kits at our Goodwood Revival pop up boutique. There is also a pharmacy on site.
Vintage Hair and Make-up
A period hairstyle will immediately make your outfit look more polished, but elaborate victory rolls are not compulsory. Soft waves, a neat updo, a curled fringe, a ponytail or a headscarf can all suggest the era without requiring hours in front of a mirror.
If you are styling your own hair, practise before the weekend and choose something that will withstand wind, damp air and a long day. Hairpins and a small comb are useful additions to your handbag.
Classic red lipstick works beautifully across the Revival period, but coral, pink and softer natural shades can be equally appropriate. A defined brow, subtle eyeliner and a touch of powder will complete the look without making you feel overly made up.
Our Advice for First-Time Visitors
It is easy to become so absorbed in planning your outfit that you forget you will be wearing it for a full day at a busy motor-racing event. The best Revival look is one in which you can comfortably walk, sit, eat, shop and enjoy the racing.
Try on the entire outfit before you go, including the lingerie, hosiery, shoes, coat and handbag. Wear it around the house for a while, sit down in it and check that you can move easily. This is particularly important if you are wearing a corset, bullet bra, suspender belt or original vintage garment for the first time.
Avoid saving every element until the morning of the event. You do not want to discover at 6am that your suspender belt is the wrong size, your dress zip sticks or your beautiful vintage shoes become unbearable after ten minutes.
Above all, donβt worry about achieving historical perfection. Goodwood attracts everyone from dedicated vintage collectors to visitors wearing their first tea dress. A thoughtful outfit worn with enthusiasm will allow you to join in with the atmosphere, even if every stitch is not entirely true to 1953.
What Do Visitors Most Often Regret?
After 20 years at the Revival, we have noticed that most wardrobe regrets come from practical decisions rather than questions of historical accuracy.
Common problems include wearing new shoes without breaking them in, forgetting a warm layer, choosing a dress that is difficult to sit in and relying on a single pair of stockings for the entire weekend.
Another frequent mistake is buying the outfit first and only thinking about the foundations afterwards. If you want a distinctive 1940s or 1950s silhouette, choosing the correct bra and shapewear before making final alterations to your dress can make an enormous difference.
The Revival should be enjoyable, so give yourself permission to adapt your outfit to your own comfort and needs. Seamed tights are a perfectly sensible alternative to stockings, low heels can look just as authentic as high ones and a vintage-inspired raincoat is far more useful than shivering for the sake of a photograph.
Arriving in a Vintage Car
For those lucky enough to arrive in a classic car, your outfit may need a little extra planning. Full skirts, tight pencil dresses, hats and high heels can all become rather more complicated when climbing into a low or compact vehicle.
Try getting in and out of the car in your complete outfit before the event, particularly if you are wearing a petticoat. Make sure your skirt will not catch in the door and that your hat is secure or can be removed easily for the journey.
We have attended the Revival with our own vintage cars over the years, so we know that mechanical practicalities sometimes win over sartorial perfection. Keep a coat, alternative shoes and emergency supplies in the car if you have spaceβand accept that a little engine oil may occasionally become part of the outfit!
Find Us at Goodwood Revival
What Katie Did has been part of Goodwood Revival for 20 years, helping visitors complete their outfits with seamed stockings, tights and vintage-inspired lingerie.
If you ladder your stockings, change your mind about tights or realise that your outfit needs a final vintage flourish, visit our pop-up shop at the Motor Circuit. We bring a wide selection of hosiery and lingerie to the event, although shopping online beforehand will give you more time to check your fit and try everything on with your outfit.
You'll find us in the centre of the track, between the Earl's Court Motor Show and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar.
Ready for the Revival?
Whether you are planning your first Goodwood outfit or have been dressing for the Revival for years, the right foundations and hosiery will bring your look together.
Explore our hand-picked collection of seamed stockings, tights, bullet bras, shapewear, lingerie and accessories, selected by a brand that has been part of Goodwood Revival for 20 years.