Today’s outfit came into my head the moment I found this green Zara coat…when I saw it, it instantly had a certain vibe which involved countryside, rainy and cloudy weather…with a touch of English aristocracy – well I have certainly read a lot of books and watched numerous films with English aristocrats as main characters to know it!
Equestrian look today isn’t reserved only for professionals – it is quite normal to see horse-riders inspired looks and accessoires in street fashion and on the runways. The look is very elegant, and perfect for cloudy and cold days. The main parts of the look are quality well-tailored coats and jackets, vests, fitted trousers, and high leather boots – I can bet that almost every girl has some variation of this look. Maybe in our everyday outings we don’t wear high hats, veils and whips, which were a common part of this look in the early 20th century, but equestrian look and its variations will definitely never go out of fashion!
Coat and trousers by Zara
Black chiffon shirt bought on E-bay, vest by X-nation (unfortunately this wonderful Croatian brand got shut-down last year 😦 )
Umbrella brooche by Mon petit coin, custom made Powerpuff Buttercup brooche by Piece of cake
Handbag by Desigual, bought at Je*s store
Leather gloves by Zara, ring was made by Stela’s mom 🙂
Throughout history equestrian apparel has been worn by riders in their effort to master these proud beasts. These clothes date back to earlier times, and have continued to evolve to the clothing used by riders today.
Lady Mary Crawley portrayed by Michelle Dockery in ITV series Downton Abbey
Equestrian uniform from 1937.
It was not until the 17th and 18th century that horse-mounted soldiers did away with wearing heavy armor. Riding apparel had to adjust to the change in the landscape of the battlefield as well. Riders had to wear breeches and jodhpurs, giving the rider better balance and a protection as he rode.
An advert for the riding breeches – early 20th century
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco
Beautiful Greta Garbo
Jackie Kennedy
Another important development to equestrian apparel was how it became very form-fitting, cut very close to the person’s body. This is because the rider comes into very close contact with the horse, and one’s steed may be sensitive to sudden moves by the rider.
Charlene, Princess of Monaco
Charlotte Casiraghi – modeling for Gucci fashion brand
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Clothes that flail or wave as the ride progresses can distract the horse, and might cause the rider to lose control. Loose fabric is also a liability when riding at high speeds, since clothes can easily be snagged by rider’s surroundings.
A diverse range of designers continues to be inspired by a look steeped in history and rich with aristocratic associations. There is a sort of elegance to equestrian clothing – rider needs to be in shape, and his clothing has to be well fitted and tight. Strong tailoring can be seen on riding jackets, coats and skirts. Leather boots and leather gloves are also a must for any wannabe equestrian out there.
Many designers have implemented this elegant look into their collections.
Equestrian fashion by Burberry
Handbag by Kate Spade
Boots by Tory Burch
From his first women’s jodhpurs in 1976 to those legendary polo shirts, touches of equestrian style are a permanent part of Ralph Lauren’s design.
Equestrian fashion by Ralph Lauren
Recently, John Galliano gave the theme haute attitude at Christian Dior, and even Jean Paul Gaultier, though not a rider himself, gets his kicks playing with the genre’s style codes—including the kinky associations attached to harnesses and riding crops—both in his own collection, and as women’s ready-to-wear designer at Hermès.
Amazing equestrian fashion by John Galliano for Christian Dior
Equestrian fashion by Hermes
Goldfrapp – Ride A White Horse
Rolling Stones – Wild Horses
Special thanks to Miss Stela and Miss Nina 🙂
Miss Dee STyle 
This is a wonderful post. I learned a lot about the progression of equestrian fashions and enjoyed viewing the photos. I appreciate the quality of your post. I always enjoy fashion history.
Sharon
http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com
Dear Sharon, thank you for your great comment, It really made my day…I love fashion, but I’m always interested in the history, craftsmanship and trivia behind our everyday clothing items…I just subscribed to your blog and love it, looking forward to your new posts!
Kisses, Dina
Thanks for stopping by Behind the Mirror!! This is a great post! I grew up riding horses so I love to mix my actual riding gear with everyday fashion. An obviously place to start were my rubber tall boots for riding in the rain. They are the perfect snow boots to schlep around the city in!
Thank you for your beautiful comment and for stopping by :). I love horses and the whole look surrounding them – my riding experience is very modest and my last time on a horse ended up in mud :), so quality boots are definitely a must! XXX
Great pics. Love the info you gave. I love the pop of green you added to the outfit =)
Hazel
http://www.theskimplelife.com
Thank you Hazel for stopping by and commenting 🙂 – somehow I always end up with something green in my wardrobe, can’t help it :)! XXX
That looks very funky these days! The bag is outstanding! I love it! Thank you for following me on bloglovin, I followed back. Have a lovely weekend!
http://www.minsbeautyequipment.com
Thank you Min ! Your blog is great, it is so informative – themes are really interesting (love the 5 minute make-up routine)! Looking forward to your new posts!
XXX
Dee
This was a really nice post! I really like your outfit and the scenery in each picture really pulled everything together and it made sense! I also really enjoyed the info you gave about other designers and all the history that was added in!
xx Jayla
http://www.konsciousvyb.blogspot.com
Thank you Jayla for your great comment!
I really try to make posts with a story – pictures of each outfit are taken in places which enhance the clothing and accessories, and there is some history beside it.
You have a great blog, love your post with maxi dress, you really pull it of :))!
xxx
Dee
Heyy found you on ifb! 😀 I actually think you look like Buttercup a bit, hehe. Funny I should read this today, I just decided my goal before reaching the age of 30 is to own a horse. Gotta start saving money! o_0
Thank you Amria, your Buttercup comment is such a great compliment :))! My decision before turning big 3-0 was to learn how to ride a horse – proud to say I loved it! I recently discovered ifb and it is really an amazing community. I visited your blog – you are such a talented make-up artist, looking forward to your new tutorials! And I see you are my fellow colleague – I finished my med college three years ago :)!
XXX
Dee
I have you to look up to, I still have a couple of years to go! Thank you so much, wordpress itself is a great community too, I am close to all the girls I’ve met here and I am sure you must be too. Thank you again! 😀
I’m still new in blogging community but I met so many wonderful people around WordPress and looking forward to meet new ones :)! Kiss!!
Great equestrian style! I have a tweed blazer that I found an H&M and can only seem to wear equestrian-themed outfits around, also!
: signe : the daily savant :
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Thank you Signe :)! I have to say this is one of my favourite looks this season – I also have some twed blazers in my wardrobe and they are absolutely perfect for equestrian type outfits – you will definitely need to put on your blog your version of equestrian ensemble :))!
XXX
Dee
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