Dita Von Teese returns to Goodwood Revival: Find out what to wear with our Vintage Style Guide
|
|
Time to read 3 min
Darlings, it's time to plan your Goodwood Revival outfit! This isn’t your average weekend event, it's a time-travelling style extravaganza, and Dita is back.
From 1940s wartime charm to 1960s mod glamour, the Goodwood Revival dress code is your chance to channel the fashion icons of yesteryear—and look utterly fabulous doing it. Here's your guide on "what to wear".
Each September, West Sussex becomes a glamorous, immersive celebration of mid-20th-century style, speed, and sophistication. Unlike most festivals, the Goodwood Revival is a full-blown period drama—and you’re part of the cast!
Making her dazzling return to the Revival is none other than Dita Von Teese, the undisputed queen of vintage glamour. After captivating audiences at last year’s sell-out event, Dita is back for all three days, bringing her signature Femme Totale allure and timeless charm.
On Friday 12 September, she’ll take to the Revival Style Stage for an exclusive conversation with New York’s style activist, Dandy Wellington. Expect sartorial insights, stories from the golden age, and a celebration of enduring elegance.
"Goodwood Revival is a full-blown period drama—and you’re part of the cast." |
A muse to the fashion world and an icon of vintage culture, Dita doesn’t just wear the era — she lives it. A lifelong classic car enthusiast, her collection reads like a love letter to automotive history. From a 1930s Chrysler New Yorker to a 1940 LaSalle convertible and a 1953 Cadillac Fleetwood, her current project is to lovingly restore a rare 1952 Woodill Wildfire.
On Sunday 14 September, Dita steps into the spotlight once more as a guest judge for the iconic Best Dressed competition, casting her expert eye over the event’s most impeccably turned-out attendees. Also returning is beloved vintage tastemaker and Sunday Times bestselling author Paula Sutton, of Hill House Vintage, who will join a stellar line-up of judges for the Best Dressed competition, held daily. Be prepared for show-stopping looks, runway-worthy retro, and plenty of old-school flair.
 |
 |
|
Perfect Cat Eye Sunglasses
|
Alana Jumpsuit in Hydrangea print
|
 |
 |
| Mabel dress in green fan print Shop Now |
Green feather bolero Shop Now |
If you're wondering what to wear to the Goodwood Revival, fear not. We’ve got you covered from hair to footwear. Whether you're a 1940s land girl, a 1950s bombshell, or a 1960s mod goddess, this is your by era style guide.
1940s: Wartime Chic.
The 40s woman was practical yet polished. Think Rosie the Riveter meets Ingrid Bergman. Fabrics were rationed, so silhouettes were streamlined. If you’re channeling this era, go for Victory roll hairstyles with red lipstick and strong brows. Shirtwaist dresses, tea dresses, or skirt suits with shoulder pads.
To bring land girl style, think trousers—high-waisted and wide-legged—with tucked-in blouses. Pair with sensible oxford shoes, or low heels with ankle socks.
Top it off with a knitted beret or headscarf tied under the chin, and perhaps a wicker handbag. If it rains, a classic trench or belted utility coat completes the look perfectly.
1950s: The Bombshell Decade
It’s the era of Dior’s “New Look,” where femininity reigned. Want to feel like Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe for a day? Then this is your decade. Full-skirted swing dresses with nipped waists and petticoats for volume—twirling is encouraged!
Cardigans or cropped jackets with pearl buttons make great layers, if needed.
Gloves, cat-eye sunglasses, kitten heels, peep-toe shoes, or dainty pumps should do the trick.
Hair should be coiffed—think pin curls, soft waves, or a classic chignon. Red lips and winged eyeliner are non-negotiable.
"strutting the paddock with a Dita Von Teese‑level attitude" |
1960s: Mod, Bold & Beautiful
Fancy a little Twiggy? Or a bit of Bardot? The Swinging Sixties were playful, punchy, and unapologetically experimental. Embrace the revolution with mini dresses in bold prints or color-blocked mod patterns.
Tailored jackets and boxy suits with matching skirts.
Accessorise with Go-go boots or Mary Janes. White tights or fun accessories like oversized plastic bangles will look the part. Hair teased into a beehive, a long bouffant ponytail, or with a statement headband will be bang on.
This is the easiest era to source modern-day versions of, especially from high street brands with a retro twist.
With DJ sets from Art Jefferson and Ginger Fizz , this year’s Goodwood Revival promises fashion, fantasy, and four-wheeled nostalgia — all wrapped in a haze of golden-age glamour. The Goodwood Revival isn’t an ordinary outing—it’s a three‑day immersive experience. Don’t just admire history—wear it. Whether you're exploring the pits, sipping Pimms at the VE‑Day street party, or strutting the paddock with a Dita Von Teese‑level attitude, every corner is a scene, and your vintage look is your passport.
Goodwood Revival
Friday Sept 12th to Sunday Sept 14th 2025
Written by: Michelle P. E. Scott
Copy Editor: Alana Bowen
