The Horse Girl aesthetic will be everywhere this fall — here are 14 pieces to get the look

In January, model Charlotte Casiraghi opened Chanel’s Haute Couture show wearing a black tweed jacket, fitted black pants and black boots. The look wouldn’t have caused much fanfare if Casiraghi hadn’t worn it while perched on his horse, Kuskus. Spectacle is often the name of the game when it comes to Chanel runways (Karl Lagerfeld once flew into an iceberg to serve as the backdrop for the runway), and a horse trotting around seated onlookers was no exception. Taking inspiration from the runways, equestrian fashion is in the spotlight this fall, with many designers adding sporty and preppy elements to their collections reminiscent of the equestrian outfits worn by equestrians.

Haute couture has always maintained a link with the equestrian world. Hermès began as a saddler, while Gucci products have long been adorned with the brand’s signature horsebit. More recently, a new era of riding enthusiasts has emerged in the industry. Model Bella Hadid often shares videos of her riding on instagram, and designer Hillary Teymour of Collina Strada has channeled her equestrian childhood into her recent runway collections. The message: The riding style might be considered preppy, but it’s not just for those who frequent the riding club.

Amelia Diamond, writer and head of creative brand marketing at AYR, who is also an advisor for Calling all horse girls, explains that there are three main categories when it comes to looks. The first is the one who has just left the barn, “hay in his hair, a wood chip somewhere, manure on his boots, drool on his shoulder”. Second, is equestrian-inspired. The third is horse iconography – “having real horses on your clothes.”

All of these iterations of the cavalier style — literal and whimsical — hark back to the broader appeal of fashion grounded in comfort and simplicity. “Equestrian fashion rotates frequently, especially in times of uncertainty,” says Susan Glynn, Ariat‘s VP of clothing design, renewed interest. “People are drawn to comfort, nostalgia and connection. The human-horse relationship is powerful and beautiful. It helps us feel grounded and connected.

This fall, look to the trend as a way to incorporate sleek yet preppy pieces into your collection. “The wonderful thing about equestrian fashion is that unlike other trends, the ‘look’ and the pieces are so timeless, classic and functional,” says Glynn. “You never have to recycle. They can stay in your closet forever.

There are still the formal English riding staples like field jackets and polo shirts, but you can also add fashionable touches with Western details. “I grew up riding in English so if I really want to lean on my riding roots outside the barn I’d wear an oversized blazer of some variety (traditionally you’d wear a much more fitted one because you don’t I don’t want the excess fabric to get in the way) with jeans and a button-up oxford shirt,” Diamond suggests. Plus, she points out, “you need a great leather belt.” To touch the western side of things, an updated cowboy boot worn with a sleek slip dress embraces the aesthetic without being too literal.

And while there are plenty of notable brands bringing equestrian fashion to the fore this season, Diamond’s recommendation is to keep an eye out for second-hand gear on Etsy or Ebay, which she says always look better. . “You know that scene in Philadelphia History where Katherine Hepburn tackles her fiancé at the barn because his riding clothes are too new and she wants to put dirt and barn dust in them? So.”

Ahead, shop 14 pieces to help you pull off the look this fall, whether you’re planning on hitting the stables or just rocking the look at home.

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