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In January, model Charlotte Casiraghi opened Chanel’s Haute Couture runway show wearing a black tweed jacket, fitted black pants and black boots. The look wouldn’t have caused much buzz had it not been for the fact that Casiraghi wore it while perched atop her horse, Kuskus. Spectacle is often the name of the game when it comes to Chanel runway shows (Karl Lagerfeld once flew in an iceberg to serve as runway backdrop), and a horse trotting its way around seated showgoers was no exception. Taking cues from the runway, horse girl fashion is in this fall, with many designers adding sporty and preppy flourishes to their collections that feel reminiscent of the equestrian outfits worn by riders. 

High fashion has always maintained a tie to the equestrian world. Hermès began as a saddle-maker, while Gucci products have long been adorned with the brand’s signature horsebit. More recently, a new era of equine enthusiasts have emerged in the industry. Model Bella Hadid often shares videos of herself riding on Instagram, and designer Hillary Teymour of Collina Strada has channeled her equestrian childhood into her recent runway collections. The message: horse girl style may 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 the look. First is the just-left-the-barn, “hay in hair, a woodchip somewhere, manure on boots, slobber on shoulder.” Second, is equestrian-inspired. The third is horse iconography—“having actual horses on your clothes.”

All of these iterations of horse girl style—literal and whimsical alike—relate back to the larger appeal of fashion that’s grounded in comfort and simplicity. “Equestrian fashion cycles frequently, especially at times of uncertainty,” says Susan Glynn, Ariat’s VP of apparel design, of the renewed interest. “People are drawn to comfort, nostalgia, and connection. The human-horse relationship is powerful and beautiful. It helps us feel rooted 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 pieces are so timeless, classic and functional,” says Glynn. “You don’t ever have to recycle. They can stay in your closet forever.”

There are always the formal English riding staples like field jackets and polos, but you can also add touches of trendiness by way of Western details. “I grew up riding English, so if I’m really wanting to lean into my horse girl roots outside of the barn, I’d wear an oversized blazer of some variety (traditionally, you’d wear a much more fitted one because you don’t want excess fabric getting in the way) with jeans and a button down oxford shirt,” suggests Diamond. Plus, she emphasizes, “you need a great leather belt.” To touch on 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 many notable brands bringing equestrian fashion to the forefront this season, Diamond’s recommendation is to keep an eye out for used gear on Etsy or Ebay, which she notes always looks better. “You know that scene in The Philadelphia Story where Katherine Hepburn tackles her fiancé at the barn because his riding clothes are too new, and she wants to get dirt and barn dust all over them? There you go.”

Ahead, shop 14 pieces to help you pull off the look this fall, whether you’re planning to hit the stables or just embrace the look from home.   

All products featured are independently selected by Observer editors. When you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission that supports our work.

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