Zara Tindall stuns at Cheltenham Festival in silky 80s blouse and midi skirt

Cheltenham Festival got off to a flying start on Tuesday with a royal attendee leading the style set. King Charles‘ niece, Zara Tindall, made an appearance on day one of the annual equestrian event alongside her husband, former England rugby star, Mike Tindall.

Zara, 44, looked endlessly stylish as she blended teal and navy. She chose a peplum-style cropped wool jacket by The Fold with double-breasted buttons and cinched her silhouette further with a leather belt. 

Zara styles it out on day one

She also added a matching A-line midi skirt, as well as black knee-high boots with a block heel for added warmth. Breaking up the heavy wool, the daughter of Princess Anne slipped on a teal silky blouse with a pussybow neckline that the likes of Princess Diana used to wear in the 1980s. It is also a popular style with the Princess of Wales.

© PA Images via Getty Images

Accessorised to perfection, pro equestrian Zara added a crocodile print mini bag, leather gloves, and statement earrings, the ‘Baroque Peacock Pearl’ style by Hector Lion. Mixing up her traditional race day attire with something more avant-garde, the royal topped off her look with a dramatic teal percher hat by Juliette Botterill featuring climbing leaves.

For her beauty look, her eye-catching headwear was offset with an understated updo, and her makeup featured a lick of mascara and a swipe of lip balm.

Zara’s style statement

With her first look of Cheltenham Festival 2026, Zara has set a style precedent. “She understands racecourse dressing better than almost anyone in the royal sphere, and this look is a perfect example of why. The deep navy coat creates a sharp, tailored silhouette that feels both classic and incredibly polished, while the structured waist and full skirt add just enough femininity to keep the outfit elegant rather than overly formal,” fashion stylist Oriona Robb tells us. 

“What elevates the outfit further is the thoughtful coordination of colour. The rich navy palette paired with the emerald silk blouse adds depth and sophistication, and the matching brings a sculptural element that draws the eye upward. Zara is particularly skilled at balancing traditional British countryside style with modern tailoring, which is why her race-day looks consistently feel timeless.”

Zara’s best navy Cheltenham Festival looks

It isn’t the first time Zara has worn a navy blue look to Cheltenham. After all, it is a classically elegant shade for colder days without the harshness of black. Keep scrolling to see her takes on a navy look at the Cheltenham Festival in years gone by…

14

Pop of yellow

© James Whatling

In 2025, Zara stepped out on ‘Champion Day’ wearing a double-breasted navy coat, boots, and trousers, but added a pop of colour with her mustard yellow hat.

24

A caped moment

© Getty Images

2024’s ‘Champion Day’ called for a caped moment. Zara paired the dramatic swishy outerwear with a turtleneck jumper in the same colour and added a contrasting dove-grey netted percher hat.

34

Stylish suit

© Getty Images

In 2024, the royal attended ‘Style Wednesday’ of the festival in a navy pinstripe suit. She broke up the traditional workwear with a race day-ready burgundy percher hat and a pleated blouse in the same red wine hue.

44

A navy accessory

© Getty

In 2024, the cousin of Prince William made an appearance on Festival Trials Day wearing a merlot-hued ensemble with chocolate brown boots, but added her seemingly favourite shade of blue in her fedora hat.