Today, we embark on a journey to the heart of equestrian style, where the rich traditions of horsemanship and the traditional elegance of heritage fashion intertwine.
With over three decades of experience outfitting gentlemen from the rolling hills of Kentucky to the prestigious riding clubs of England, we have a keen eye for the secrets that define this old-money aesthetic.
So, grab your riding crop, don your finest tweed, and allow us to guide you through the hallowed halls of equestrian fashion elegance.
This article showcases our work with Ashton, a 28-year-old equestrian enthusiast and heir to a venerable British aristocratic legacy.
Raised on the sprawling grounds of his family’s ancestral estate, Ashton was no stranger to the world of horses and the sartorial traditions that accompanied it.
However, he grappled with the challenge of infusing his equestrian attire with a modern, youthful twist.
“I want to honour the heritage of my forefathers, but I also yearn to express my unique sense of style.”
Together, we embarked on a sartorial journey, crafting five exquisite ensembles that perfectly captured the essence of old-money style while allowing Ashton’s personality to shine through.
Time to enjoy 5 equestrian-inspired outfit ideas that will have you looking like a modern-day lord of the manor.
1. Polo Match Perfection
For a high-stakes polo match, opt for a crisp white cotton polo shirt from La Martina, the Argentine brand synonymous with the sport of kings.
Pair this with a set of tailored white chinos from Polo Ralph Lauren with a slim, modern fit that allows for ease of movement.
Layer on a navy blue wool blazer from Hackett London, a brand steeped in the rich traditions of British sporting elegance.
Complete the look with a pair of chestnut brown leather riding boots from Ariat, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and comfort, and a woven leather belt in tan from Hermes featuring the iconic H buckle.
Accessorise with tortoiseshell aviator sunglasses from Persol, adding a rakish charm to your ensemble, and a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in stainless steel.
2. Country Ride Charm
Start with a brown tweed sport coat from J.Press, featuring a classic hacking pocket and a subtle windowpane check.
Layer this over a tattersall check shirt in a complementary green and blue colourway from Cordings, a British institution renowned for its country sporting attire.
Pair these with tan corduroy breeches from Hermès, celebrated for their exceptional fit and durability.
Finish the ensemble with a pair of dark brown leather field boots from Dubarry, a brand with a rich heritage in equestrian footwear, and a woven leather belt in a dark brown from J.Crew, for a touch of preppy style.
Accessorise with a navy blue cashmere scarf from Begg & Co., adding a touch of warmth and refined texture to your outfit, and a pair of leather riding gloves from Dents, a brand that has been crafting exceptional gloves since 1777.
3. Dressage Elegance
Begin with a black wool tailcoat from Cavallo, a German brand renowned for its exceptional equestrian attire. Pair this with a set of white breeches from Pikeur with a high-waisted, flattering fit that adheres to the strict dress codes of the sport.
Layer a crisp white cotton shirt from Turnbull & Asser beneath your tailcoat, and add a black silk stock tie for a touch of traditional elegance.
Complete the look with a pair of black leather dressage boots from Der Dau, a brand celebrated for bespoke craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Accessorise with a pair of white leather gloves from Roeckl and a simple black leather belt from Hermès, allowing the timeless elegance of your outfit to take centre stage.
4. Hunt Club Heritage
When participating in the time-honoured tradition of the fox hunt, embrace the rich hues and textures of the autumnal British countryside.
Start with a red wool hunt coat from Huntsman, a Savile Row institution that has outfitted the British aristocracy for nearly two centuries.
Pair this with a set of tan breeches from Farlows featuring a comfortable, high-waisted fit that allows for ease of movement in the saddle.
Layer a tattersall check shirt in a complementary green and red colourway from Purdey beneath your hunt coat, and add a gold silk stock pin for a touch of Sloane Ranger elegance.
Complete the look with a pair of black leather field boots from Vogel, a German brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and a pair of tan leather gloves from Herm̬es
5. Equestrian Escapade
Begin with a brown waxed cotton jacket from Barbour, a brand with a rich heritage in country pursuits over a blue chambray shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren, adding a rugged charm to your ensemble.
Pair with a set of tan jodhpurs from Tredstep and finish the look with a pair of brown leather jodhpur boots from Ariat and a brown leather belt from Anderson’s, for a touch for BCBG style.
Accessorise with a tan cotton flat cap from Lock & Co. Hatters, a brand outfitting equestrians for over three centuries, and a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses from Oliver Peoples, adding a hint of vintage style to your outfit.
Dos and Don’ts
To ensure you navigate the sartorial landscape of old money equestrian style, keep these essential guidelines in mind:
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Mastering the art of old-money equestrian style is all about embracing the rich traditions of horsemanship with creations from genuine equestrian clothing brands, and your personal touch of sprezzatura.
By wearing these five outfit ideas you’ll embody the spirit of refined old-money elegance and sporting heritage, irrespective of the occasion.
Style with The VOU
Knowing the look of equestrian fashion and purchasing some expensive brands is one thing.
But knowing how to match them according to your seasonal colour and body shape…well, that’s a different thing.
True fashion mastery lies in knowing and matching your body shape/type with your seasonal colour – skin, eye, and hair colours.
It requires understanding how to shop and pair the most ideal garments, footwear, and accessories from the most relevant, heritage brands.
This is paramount to being able to dress correctly by body shape, occasion, location, time of the day, and lifestyle.
Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colors
Fashion comes in a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring so find out your ideal colours with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style garments from relevant heritage brands, and style them by occasion, season, location, and body shape is crucial.
From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and confidence.
Our team of seasoned stylists will curate a bespoke capsule wardrobe that reflects your tastes and aspirations while honouring the time-honoured traditions of the equestrian world.
Remember, owning luxury brands isn’t enough. To look stylish, confident, wealthy, and successful you must match your body shape, colour palette, season, occasion, location, time of the day, to perfection.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.