Cefinn Sirens - Meg Nicholls

We were thrilled to spend time with racing aficionado Meg Nicholls, for the latest in our Cefinn Siren series. Winner of the Horse Writes and Photographers Association Award for Emerging talent in 2023, Meg is now a presenter for both ITV and Racing TV racing.

Shot on a glorious sunny day at Newbury Racecourse, Meg styled our Summer 25 occasion wear with bespoke head pieces by Jess Collett Milliner, for a masterclass in effortless race day style, while we caught up with her on her racing career, approach to fashion, and her key Cefinn pieces to wear for Ascot.


How did you get into horseracing?

I didn’t so much get into horseracing, rather I was born into it! My father, Paul Nicholls is a 14-time champion jumps trainer, and I definitely inherited his passion for horses and riding. I like to joke that I grew up on the back of a horse in the Somerset countryside!

I started my career relatively young, taking out my amateur license at age 16, then when I turned 17, I branched out to ride as an apprentice on the flat.

After riding over 100 winners, I ‘retired’ in 2022 to switch my attentions to the media, which had already come calling. I developed a new passion for presenting and now love to be able to bring my passion, experience and knowledge of racing to a wide audience, so I feel super fortunate.

How would you describe your approach to fashion?

A lot of the time I’m in gym/ workout gear as I ride most mornings - but I adore fashion so I’m delighted that my career gives me the opportunity to dress up often.

I tend to keep things simple and fuss-free and my style mantra is bold, colour, comfort. The time of year and different event dress codes will influence my choices, but I always build my looks around these three style pillars. I’m petite so I prefer a midi length dress for my frame, but I always pair with a heel to elongate the leg and add some drama to the overall look.

Why is Cefinn one of your go-to brands?

Given my petite frame, finding flattering, well fitted pieces that suit my personal style is not an easy task. Cefinn is a go-to for me, as from any given collection, I can always find several looks that suit me – whether they be different dress shapes, lengths or fabrics.

I like that Cefinn incorporates strong confident colours and stunning prints which give interest to a piece and align with my sense of style which is both adventurous yet elegant. The cut of the dresses is so flattering, and I just feel great in the pieces, I mean you feel confident when you feel comfortable right?!

What are your key tips for dressing for the races?

The big summer race meetings like Royal Ascot and the Derby offer the occasion to really dress up so my first tip would be to rise to the occasion – I really enjoy these moments to make a style statement and be more adventurous with my choices. When the weather is very warm, I’d opt for lighter fabrics and floaty cuts, otherwise, a more fitted and cinched together style in a darker shade always looks chic, feminine and appropriate.

When it comes to accessories, they don’t always need to colour match with your outfit. For example, I love pairing the Liliana dress in pink palm floral with the scarlett red Rita boater hat, and red heels. The colour clash gives some personality and attitude to the look, which I enjoy.

For the events that you’ll need to wear a hat for, start with the dress choice first and pick a style you will be comfortable in all day long, then move on to finding a headpiece to pair it with. This can take time, so give yourself at least a month if not more to pull your shortlist together. Or, you can turn to the current partnership of Cefinn with Jess Collet Milliner, which is an absolute dream as together the two designers have done the hard work of matching colours, shapes and silhouettes for you!

What are your key picks from the collection this year?

1. Jessica Dress in Navy with JCM Victoire Hat

"I love the deep blue colour of this dress. I typically wear lighter colours in the summer so I’m enjoying the style twist this darker shade is bringing. The corded lace is stunning, and I know I’ll be able to wear this piece across a few seasons."

2. Mirabel in Blue White Paisley with JCM Katharine Wheel Hat

"This dress is giving everything an event dress should! The flattering cut, the placement of the frills, the floaty fabric, I could go on! I especially love the little gold flecks in the fabric, such a beautiful detail that just elevates the look."

3. Liliana in Pink Palm Floral Print with JCM Rita Boater Hat

"I’m a fan of pink so the Liliana dress is an immediate win for me. But I loved the more relaxed silhouette of this piece as I feel supremely comfortable whilst wearing it."