Skip to content
Lately horses have been taking over the runways at fashion shows across the globe– sometimes literally. In 2023, Stella McCartney hosted her Winter Fashion Show at France’s oldest riding school, featuring models strutting across an indoor arena against a backdrop of horses at liberty. In 2024, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner rode two horses at Vogue World Paris.
While it’s amazing to see equestrian sports highlighted on a world stage and celebrated for its traditional and elegant equestrian clothing, it can also be frustrating to feel as though the fashion world is missing the heart of the sport– the sweat, tears, and hard work involved. After all, hay in your hair and dirt on your breeches are staples of the average equestrian’s horse riding apparel.
But as a sport, we do have an advantage over the crowd as equestrian fashion steps into the forefront– we already have a lot of these pieces in our wardrobes at home. Now we can incorporate these authentic riding pieces into everyday outfits while staying true to the spirit of the sport. Rep your roots with fashion that speaks to your equestrian passion in and out of the saddle.
Turn Riding Style to Street Style
Those breeches that you wear to the barn every week? With a few changes in how you style them, you can also rock them out to run errands or to lunch with a friend. For example, take the Dapplebay Sport Hunter Show Breeches. Featuring a wide waistband and a double button closure, these breeches are stylish whether you’re in the barn or at brunch. Pair them with a sweater, like the Dapplebay Equestrian Athletic Club Sweatshirt to round out a look that is casual, equestrian, and fashionable. Or, if it’s a warmer day, wear the breeches with the Equine Couture Icefil Sun Shirt. This shirt will keep you cool and you can make it less sporty by styling it with a trendy jean jacket combined with statement jewelry and some trendy ballet flats.
Take the Barn to Work with You
If you want a more low key nod to your equestrian roots, wear your lucky show belt to the office. When other non-equestrians who enjoy the aesthetic ask you where you got it, you can tell them the story behind the piece. The best horse riding apparel belts to pull double duty at the barn and at work are the Dapplebay Horse Shoe Elastic Belt and the Baker Ladies Classic Plaid Belt. The Dapplebay Horse Shoe Elastic Belt features a classic black belt with beautiful silver accents in the form of two engraved horse shoes that act as the closure. Use this belt to cinch your waist with a dark-colored office dress– the silver horse shoes will be the perfect accent against the dark backdrop.
The Baker Classic Plaid Belt combines the timeless signature Baker pattern with rich dark leather accents. This belt is easily paired with some dark office slacks and a blazer for a subtle equestrian nod within your standard corporate look.
Use Equestrian Technology Everyday
Equestrian clothing is designed to keep you the perfect temperature, no matter the weather. Why not take advantage of that technology every day of the week? When you’re heading out to a social event on a bright summer day, a riding shirt can help you stay cool. Elevate your riding shirts by pairing them with a nice pair of pants or by layering them.
The Equine Couture Cara Long Sleeve Show Shirt offers full coverage protection against the sun, while also looking polished and put together for a trendy get together. Cooling features like the EquiCool technology for moisture wicking and UV protection, as well as ventilated mesh underneath the arms for air flow, this outfit will keep you cool and protected from sunburn, while also looking chic on and off the horse. Pair this shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans or a pullover sweater on a cool evening for a look that’s fashionable and elegant.
The Difference Between Trendy and True
For lifelong equestrians, it can be frustrating to see people following the trend and walking around while wearing riding clothes, but who don’t know much about the sport itself. We don’t want our sport reduced to a fashion trend, instead of a respected athletic achievement. But, we’re also in a unique position where we can take advantage of the trend, while being true to ourselves.
Fast fashion might mimic the look with plaid belts and high-collared shirts and riding boots, but it misses the meaning behind it. Equestrians know where to find horse riding apparel that work hard at the barn and can also look fashionable while you’re out and about from true equestrian clothing shops, like Breeches.com.
Investing in our collection of authentic brands, like TuffRider and Dapplebay, shows real pride in the sport. Designed by equestrians for equestrians, these pieces aren’t just designed for the trend, they’re designed to be durable enough for equestrian athletes to wear all year round.
Shop for your next outfit on Breeches.com. Click here to shop now.