Where there's a big equestrian event, there's Zara Tindall. The former Olympian rarely misses the chance to show her support and passion for horses at Cheltenham, but one glance through the royal archive and it's clear that she was ahead of her time with her fashion sense.
While the outdoors event comes with the risk of cool weather, Zara (nee Phillips) gave us a lesson in spring dressing when she stepped out for a day of horse racing in March 2000.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetAged 19, Princess Anne's daughter, who is now a Cheltenham Racecourse committee member, looked radiant in a midnight blue pinstripe co-ord in a style that has come back into fashion.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetThe teenager's noughties outfit consisted of a mini skirt with a mini leg split and a longline jacket with oversized buttons and a collar. It wouldn't look out of place today, with similar styles gracing the high street.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetKnee-high leather boots with chunky heels completed Zara's understated yet quietly glamorous look.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetBeauty-wise, Zara styled her cropped blonde bob in a sleek straight style with a relaxed uneven centre parting and adopted her mother Anne's minimal makeup style with glowing skin and pink lips.
Practical fashion tips
In an exclusive interview and shoot with HELLO!, the royal opened up about her fashion top tips at Cheltenham. "My number one style tip for dressing at Cheltenham would be to create a balance between elegance and practicality," she said.
"Choose a classic, tailored outfit, but make sure to incorporate layers and weather-appropriate accessories. For me, it’s about what works and feels good to wear. For events where I have to get more dressed up, I work with an amazing stylist who's brilliant at finding pieces that reflect the type of event it is.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThere's nobody quite like Anne who manages to strike the perfect balance between stylish and practical – a skill that Zara has learnt growing up, especially now she is a mother to three kids Mia, Lena and Lucas with her husband Mike.
Zara Tindall: 5 surprising facts
© Getty1. Gap year romance
Zara Tindall met her husband, Mike, during her gap year while visiting Sydney, Australia, in 2003.
2. Countryside abode
The couple live with their three children on Zara's mother Princess Anne's Gatcombe Estate in Gloucestershire
3. Sports star
In addition to being a skilled equestrienne, Zara has also played hockey, gymnastics, and athletics.
4. Her wedding dress moment
Zara's ivory silk wedding dress was an elegant style by designer Stewart Parvin, and she paired it with Jimmy Choo heels and the Meander Tiara.
5. Driving ban
In 2020, Zara was banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding up to 91mph near her home in the Cotswolds.
"Mum taught me the importance of having good-quality clothing that keeps you warm and comfortable outdoors," she added.
"I spend a lot of time outside, so I need footwear and clothing that supports the lifestyle we lead, whether that’s standing on the sidelines watching the kids, walking the dogs or attending the races."
