STABLE ICONS

Once upon a time, women in the horse world were content to blend into the barn aisle in beige breeches and a fleece pullover that smelled faintly of liniment. Not anymore. Today’s equestriennes are a dazzling hybrid of elite athlete, runway model, and luxury brand ambassador—serving core strength and couture, often in the same breath.

So, what’s hot right now in the world of women’s equestrian fashion? In short: if it isn’t tailored, Italian, or subtly nodding to the Hermès heritage of fox hunts past, it probably isn’t making the cut.

THE RING: SARTORIAL DISCIPLINE MEETS UNDERSTATED GLAM

In the show ring, form still follows function—but with far more finesse. Gone are the days of boxy hunt coats and thick, scratchy fabrics. Today’s jackets are precision-cut masterpieces, tailored like a Savile Row blazer with just enough Lycra to accommodate a flying lead change. Navy and charcoal are the new neutrals, while olive and dark brown are giving luxe countryside vibes. Anything too loud or shiny? Kindly trot on.

Underneath, tech-forward show shirts dominate. The latest versions boast breathable mesh panels, UV protection, and zippers discreetly disguised as buttons (because no one wants to fumble mid-class). Brands like Equiline, Samshield, and Cavalleria Toscana are crafting shirts that move with you, wick moisture, and—miraculously—don’t wrinkle in your tack trunk.

And let’s talk about breeches. If your pair isn’t high-waisted, sculpting, and in an aspirational shade of ecru or dove gray, you may as well be riding bareback. These breeches are less “work pants” and more “luxury leggings with grip panels,” frequently seen with tonal tops for that clean, monochrome moment. Bonus points if the logo is discreet and the stitching looks like something out of an Italian atelier.



Subtle sparkle is also making a canter-by appearance. A touch of Swarovski on your helmet trim or collar piping says, “I’m here to win, but I could also attend a luncheon at Bibloquet afterward.”

BEYOND THE BARN: STABLE-TO-STREET, BUT MAKE IT ST. MORITZ

Off the horse, equestrian style is everywhere—but not the dusty, practical kind. Think: the glamorous reinterpretation of horse girl chic, where your boots are custom Tuccis, your bag is vintage Hermès, and your vest costs more than your monthly barn bill.

The rise of “modern heritage” dressing has brought brands like Holland Cooper (Image courtesy of Holland Cooper), Ralph Lauren Purple Label, and Maison Alaïa’s riding capsule to the forefront. Women are pairing hacking jackets with leather leggings, cashmere turtlenecks with tailored jodhpurs, and silk cravats with hair that hasn’t seen a helmet all day.

And while barn boots still exist, they’re now Italian, handcrafted, and frankly, too pretty to step in manure. Paddock boots double as streetwear, especially when paired with a crisp white shirt and sculptural gold jewelry (ideally in the shape of a stirrup or a fox’s head—merci, Cartier).

Accessories, naturally, are a playground for quiet wealth. Belts with brass bits, brooches shaped like riding crops, and scarves knotted just-so around the neck are all status signifiers. If it evokes a 1930s heiress riding to hounds before a champagne brunch, you’re doing it right.

MICRO-TRENDS WORTH GALLOPING TOWARD

• Cream-on-cream riding looks – impractical? Yes. But utterly elegant.
• Airbag vests that look like designer outerwear – no one needs to know your stylish vest inflates on impact.
• Custom helmet liners – velvet, croc, and even pearl details. Because if you must wear a helmet, make it couture.
• Hairnets 2.0 – featuring tiny rhinestones, velvet bows, or monogrammed charm clips. It’s giving Marie Antoinette meets Prix St. Georges.

Today’s equestrian woman is athletic, aspirational, and well-accessorized. She wants performance gear that doubles as streetwear, and barn clothes that whisper money—not shout it. And while her horse may wear the saddle, she’s the one truly in control of the reins—of style, of poise, and of the very expensive, very curated image she gallops through life with.

So, Saddle up! The new dress code is fierce but polished, technical but tasteful, and always luxuriously unbothered.

Lilly Bates is a longtime rider and writer and has previously contributed to WQ Magazine. She eschews Lululemon in favor of stretch breeches from Equiline.