Why Equestrian Style Never Goes Out of Fashion

Why Equestrian Style Never Goes Out of Fashion

A look at why equestrian style has remained timeless, blending practicality, craftsmanship, tradition, and understated sophistication into a versatile influence on modern fashion.

Equestrian style has been influencing fashion outside of the stable for hundreds of years. It’s easy to see why the aesthetic has permeated popular culture—fitted trousers, riding jackets, leather accessories, and riding boots are all immediately recognizable and aesthetically pleasing, even given their utilitarian function. The combination of practicality, craftsmanship, and tradition has made it persist in popular fashion influences in much the same way that military fashion has over the centuries. Equestrian fashion carries with it an understated sophistication that screams premium in the fashion world. For those looking to bring that aesthetic into their own wardrobes, The Paisley EQ offers a range of equestrian-inspired pieces that make it easy to incorporate riding style beyond the stable.

Much like military fashion, equestrian fashion has deep historical roots. It developed initially out of raw practicality. Riders required comfortable garments, but form-fitting enough that they did not restrict freedom of movement or become an unnecessary hazard themselves while riding. This naturally resulted in close-fitting, breathable clothing with a traditional structure that outwardly signaled its function. Over centuries, these garments subsequently became associated with country life, the nobility, and sporting culture. As a result, those aesthetics permeated into popular culture as a means for the masses to express those same ideals.

Classical equestrian pieces combined form and function, and that is an instinct that has permeated into the modern day. Riding boots and jackets are designed in a way that is both sturdy and protective, without sacrificing aesthetic beauty. The fact that riding gear is made primarily of durable materials such as leather further adds to the appeal. A well-made leather equestrian accessory, for example, can bring the same combination of practicality and polish to an everyday outfit. Equestrian gear is designed, historically and in the modern day, to adhere to a specific aesthetic while remaining eminently functional. It’s no wonder, then, that it appeals to the broader cultural fashion sense.

A traditional equestrian wardrobe is both understated and versatile. It relies on colors like black, brown, navy, cream, tan, and deep green that can realistically go with just about any outfit. These shades are easy to combine with other styles, making them inherently versatile. The clean lines of equestrian style are further easily exported to other fashionable lanes, making equestrian style itself an aesthetic influencer rather than a receiver. Someone can reasonably incorporate equestrian aesthetic choices into a modern wardrobe without ever riding a horse themselves. A classic riding-inspired jacket, equestrian accessory, or carefully chosen piece from The Paisley EQ can add that influence without making an outfit feel like a uniform.

Durability is itself a motivating factor in popular fashion, and equestrian wear possesses it in abundance, almost by design. Compounded by the fact that it traditionally is associated with the wealthy and the nobility, it is no surprise that equestrian style migrated into the middle-class and below conceptions of that which signals wealth and privilege. The quality and durability of equestrian wear compounded such perception. For many collectors, longevity is more important than the latest, greatest trend. That emphasis on pieces that can be enjoyed for years is also central to the appeal of equestrian fashion as a collectible and lifestyle aesthetic.

It should be noted that in all of this, equestrian style is eminently easy to reinvent. Designers and consumers can easily reinterpret the design instincts of riding clothing without abandoning its identity. Riding boots can be paired with jeans just as easily as they can be with breeches. A form-fitting riding blazer can go with just about anything. Even a smaller detail, such as a leather belt, bag, or other equestrian-inspired accessory, can introduce the aesthetic without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul. A piece being labeled as “riding style” leaves plenty of room for interpretation, allowing designers and consumers to incorporate equestrian influences in creative and fashionable ways.

We don’t believe, in our hearts, that “riding style” belongs solely to the stable. If the stable speaks to you in your day-to-day life, as it does to us, we believe that you should embrace it.

Rock your riding jacket.

Find pieces that bring equestrian style into your everyday wardrobe with The Paisley EQ.