How to: Equestrian Fashion on a Budget

Grand National Ladies Day sponsors this post. All opinions are my own.

I stepped away from the game for 20 years , and grew up riding and showing horses. I came back to it, and had to do a fair amount of Googling to figure out what to wear to ride a horse. (As it happens, English riders don’t wear complete chaps with fringe to the barn anymore.) It is all inspired me to share some.

The worlds of also the fashionista and the equestrian have overlapped. The highlights of this last 100 decades of equestrian fashion include the elegant skirts of girls riding sidesaddle, the hats Coco Chanel designed for her friends , and — most recently — that the jodhpurs worn with runway models at the NYFW Fall ’16 Display of Tory Burch. The fantastic news is, you don’t require a spending budget to acquire the look.

Bring your fresh sense of fashion out with friends or an upscale event like Grand National Ladies Day odds & horses at brunch.

Equestrian Fashion Staples

Boots, search coat, ratcatchers, breeches and leather gloves. These are the equestrian’s wardrobe’s wardrobe pieces.

Crisp White Oxford

Merona Women’s Shirt, $22.99, Goal

The shirt is a must-have for any equestrian-inspired outfit. If you’ve got a tiny frame, look for side darts (or be ready to add your own) because you desire a slim fit, maybe not a one.

Fitted Blazer

R.J. Classics Prestige Show Coat, $69.99 (on sale), Dover Saddlery

The issue is less expensive than an fake. This hunt jacket from Dover Saddlery is a steal at $69.99. Try this one-button option if you prefer a more fashion-friendly look.

Breeches or Skinny Pants

A pair of breeches is cheaper than a good pair of skinny jeans — approximately $35 or so. These options will probably be ribbed and have a heavy feel to them. They’re also usually not flattering unless you are tall and thin. On the plus side, they will have a suede-like or suede patch on the inner rib.

A more wearable alternative (that delivers a similar appearance ) is the favourite pair of shorts.

Boots

A horsewoman wears fitted leather boots which top out just at the knee. The cheaper riding boots (priced $100) or less commonly fit wide round the calf and might be adorned with a buckle or other embellishments.

Journee Collection Women’s Riding Boot, $31.19, Overstock.com

This style does have buckles on top, however, the calf that is fitted would be well worth the small departure from the traditional riding boot. Oh, and the cost is perfect.

Dublin® Ladies’ Foundation Lace Paddock Boot, $59.99, Dover Saddlery

Paddock or ankle boots would be the better choice for weather. Any ankle boots will do, but if you’d like a equestrian look, locate a set of lace-up paddock boots.

Putting it all together

There are two major principles to follow when putting together an outfit:

If you’re not really planning to ride a horse, don’t go whole equestrian. You will seem a little ridiculous if you throw each equestrian-looking thing you own at the same outfit. Rather, construct your equestrian pieces and — this is important — keep your shirt untucked.

Accessorize. A daring necklace, scarf or necklace are fantastic options, but select just one of those.

You feel prepared to put your own twist on equestrian fashion?