Bella Hadid found love in Adan Buelos, a (strikingly handsome) decorated equestrian. We fell head over spur-clad heels in love with her horse-cutting competition outfits. Burberry's Equestrian Knight emblem remains a significant source of inspiration for the brand's Creative Director, Daniel Lee, and the silhouette of Stella McCartney’s Ryder bag mirrors the poised nape and back of a white stallion. Equestrian-inspired trends are an evergreen constant in the fashion world – they don’t make thunderous comebacks, but then again, they never really go away.
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What makes equestrian fashion irresistible to women isn’t its rebellious silhouettes, unexplored colour combinations or architectural layering. It's the allure of an aspirational lifestyle, a primal sense of freedom and, in sartorial terms, a herald of the elegance we refer to as classic. And since many models are horse girls themselves, the trend is never short of ambassadors.
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Deconstructing the DNA of equestrian-inspired looks – your horse girl aesthetic study guide.
Riding boots are a given start when building a bona fide horse girl look. Think of the buckled Hermès Jumping Boots, and just like with the brand's most renowned piece, the Birkin bag, these should appear visibly worn, and not seem like they are a cherished showpiece. Sleek, minimal, or slightly embellished with buckles or equestrian-style straps, the boots should be knee-high, regardless of the reigning climate of your hemisphere.
Photo: Edward Berthelot (Getty Images)Tailored silhouettes for true equestrians mean freedom of movement. For the rest of us cosplaying off-duty showjumpers, they mean feminine accentuated silhouettes in a variety of tantalising textures. Riding jackets, jodhpurs (stylised or functionally equestrian), balloon-sleeve blouses, and waistcoats cinched at the waist all add formality and structure to the off-the-track interpretation of the look.
Photo: Dia Dipasupil (Getty Images)The Americana trend translates well to street-style adaptations of the horse girl aesthetic. It’s fun, expressive and a little louder than its aristocratic counterparts. A fringed bag by Scottish leather atelier Strathberry pairs effortlessly with Japanese raw denim by cult denim brand Momotaro Jeans and a vintage Ralph Lauren buckle belt. The more buckles, the merrier. Americana does not shy away from over-accessorising; in fact, the accessories command our attention alongside the rustic textures.
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Silk scarves are having an editorial omni-moment this year, slung low on the hips or drawing attention to a seductively sleek ponytail. They also make a perfect accoutrement to the equestrian look, adding depth to an array of textures such as leather, tweed, wool and gabardine.
The colour palette that ties it all together is rooted in an earthy palette – camel, taupe, olive, and charcoal are complemented by creams and the crispiest of whites. And while white might be impractical in an actual stable setting, the high-fashion adaptation of the horse girl trend allows for more frivolous choices. In fact, it demands it.
