As we enter into the latter part of the year, it’s time to put your summer wardrobe away and whip out your favorite fall pieces you’ve been dying to break out since last year. Think cozy knit sweaters, warm puffy coats, and chic leather boots; all topped with a fresh pumpkin spiced latte. But what about your riding clothes?
Naturally, we’re always looking for the next “it” trend or must-have buy when it comes to streetwear, and most of the time, it’s no different for your riding clothes. Although we don’t have endless designers creating curated looks each season to send down the runway, we’re lucky that equestrian world trends don’t change as quickly as they’re made available.
For riders, it’s not about keeping up with the Joneses, but putting on what makes you feel your best to perform your best (with your own personal flair thrown in for good measure). This season, try adding a little style to your riding wardrobe with some of our favorite picks.
The Black Jacket with a Pop
Let’s go back to the basics. Black is that unique color that looks great on anyone – it’s the perfect go-to for any wardrobe, especially for riders. A sleek black show coat in the ring? To die for. No matter what ring you're showing in, a black show coat is understated elegance at its finest. It’s the perfect addition to any outfit, any day of the week. Whether you’re racing against the clock in the jumpers, or producing a clean and fluid course in the equitation, a black show coat is always considered formal (and it looks sharp, too). Want to stand out from the crowd? Find a coat graced with a velvet collar or bold white piping. Adding a pop of color or a textured flair is a great addition to this simple look.
Photo by Meghan Bacso for Noelle Floyd.
Two black jackets that strike this balance perfectly:
1) Noel Asmar London Show Jacket, $348.
2) Pikeur Sheila Show Coat, $384.
Not-So-Traditional Show Shirts
Let’s face it, horseback riding is a sport rooted with a deep history and it’s important to respect those traditions. But let’s update it with a twist. For a long time, show shirts were viewed as a simple white shirt with a buttoned collar. No one dared step out of the box with exuberant colors or wild patterns – a big no-no. But, with modern designs and technical fabrics for our breeches, it’s important to not forget about the show shirt. Today, show shirts come in a variety of highly breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics to cool you during those hot summer days. Keep the white shirts in your closet and opt for something new – dare I say a navy shirt with a white collar and cuffs?
Photo by Thomas Reiner.
Here are a couple of options that put the starched-stiff show shirts you grew up in to shame:
1) RJ Classics Lane Show Shirt, $115.
2) For Horses Sirio Show Shirt, $160.
High-Tech Sun Shirts
We all know it by now: the sun is not good for you. As hard as it is for me to say, shade is the new sun. You can’t go to a show or school at home without seeing these high-tech garments gracing the rings, but even mainstream brands like J. Crew are coming out with their own versions. Even in the fall, the sun is still out there.
Photo by Dani Maczynski.
Keep your skin looking young:
1) J.Crew Sun Shirt, $68.
2) Equi In Style Solid Cool Shirt, $86.
Blue or Red Schooling Breeches
Stand out in the schooling ring, but not because your horse is rearing or kicking passersby. Bold blues and ruby reds are hues that are elevated and modern, while being the right kind of bold statement.
Photo by Tori Repole.
Photo by Tori Repole.1) Pro Horse International Jem Breech, $195
2) B. Vertigo Tiffany Breech: $219.
Layer It Up
‘Tis the season for layering. They're a way to incorporate a variety of textures and colors into your look, and functional in your outdoor sporting endeavors. Think: functional base, warming and classic sweater, a pop of color on a printed scarf, and a puffer for extra cold and wind protection.
Photo by Dani Maczynski.
1) Miasuki Nahar Cashmere Knit Sweater, $405.
2) Madewell Chenille Scarf, $55
Feature photo by Dani Maczynski.