What do Russell Crowe, Jaime Foxx, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jeremy Irons, Madonna, Kiefer Sutherland, Kaley Cuoco, and Ralph Lauren all have in common? Well, they are all famous, of course, but after doing some research I also found out that they all own and ride horses and are considered quite the equestrians! Many celebrities and socialites alike seem to love the sport and who can blame them. Horses are such beautiful and majestic creatures and the human-equine bond is unmistakable. Throughout most of our history, horses have played a huge role in the human experience and have been vital to our existence. In today’s world, however, horseback riding is difficult if not impossible to do. It’s a super expensive sport that requires lots of money, time, and, of course, horses! I recently traveled to Sea Island, Georgia with my family and we all had the pleasure of taking a beautiful, scenic tour of the island on horseback. There is a powerful feeling that happens when you ride atop a horse.
Although we all can’t live the lives of our famous equestrian friends, we all can access the fashion part of the equestrian life. It is possible! I don’t own a horse or ride but I do love the impressive look equestrians sport. There is something so regal and sophisticated about them that I needed to add it to my wardrobe. But how? Well, quite simply actually! Manhattan Saddlery located at 117 East 24th Street was my first stop. As I looked around this amazing shop, I quickly realized by going through the racks that all I really needed to buy here were breeches (like the white ones shown above in my feature photo). Breeches are snug fitting pants made of cotton, nylon, and elastane and come in many great colors like black, white, beige, navy blue, royal blue, burgundy, hunter green, gray, and tan. These pants fit like a glove and you don’t have to be a size zero to look good in them. The fabric is thick enough, the elastic is real, and the seaming is done just right so that you feel as comfortable wearing them as you would a normal pair of pants or jeans. Trust me on this.
I just needed the breeches for this look because I noticed that the compliments/accessories to this outfit, as shown in the store and in the many photos I have viewed, were already in my closet. You can pair so many things with breeches. For a more formal look, I would pair it with a button down Oxford shirt in any color or pattern or stripe and maybe add a solid brown or black belt. Top this with a tweed, brown, black, gray, or navy blazer and you are good to go. This establishes the more accurate portrayal of the equestrian fashion look. However, you can transition this into something more comfortable and more for everyday. For a casual riding style, pair the breeches with a sweater, turtleneck, or cotton long sleeve top. Stay with the color palette of the pants themselves by being consistent with all black, all beige, or all navy. Or, mix it up and be more playful with colors and pair hunter green breeches with a cream, yellow or even orange sweater. Have fun with this! The options are honestly limitless.
Finally, it’s a must that you wear a leather or suede high boot in black, any color brown, or even beige with this. It’s kind of the whole point. The boots finish this outfit beautifully and you are now ready to go out into your day feeling strong, sophisticated, and very well put together! Always be confident in yourself, walk tall, and know that with a little fashion help, nobody can stop the positivity and light you have inside!
For more about this look, please read Age-Wise Style: The Timeless Appeal of Equestrian Dressing written by Cindy Weber-Cleary attached below.
HAPPY SHOPPING, EVERYONE!
