Having been horseback riding since the ripe age of four, my sense of style outside of the barn has incorporated the sport I love so much in some way, shape, or form. Whether it be my collection of bracelets adorned with small bits, a horse-printed Hermes scarf, or my old show jumping blazer I have retired from the show ring, I can honestly say I feel most comfortable and confident walking around campus in these accessories, looking like a modern day equestrian. Fortunately, I am not the only one who feels that the equestrian look is applicable to one’s everyday wardrobe. Looking around, I see that many of you BC girls, whether you ride horses or not, are choosing to wear equestrian inspired clothing that feature exquisite leatherwork, are well-tailored, and are simply practical and comfortable – all of which makes the equine-inspired fashion trend effortlessly chic. Here are a few of my favorite fashion trends I have seen around campus that you may or may not have known are inspired by the sport of equestrianism!
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Riding Boots (duh.)
My go-to boots that I slide on in the morning look great with everything – leggings, skinny jeans, even dresses and skirts. So, it’s no wonder that virtually every clothing and shoe line has their own version of the “fashionable” riding boot available for sale. Although most of us would die if we ever got mud on our $300 Michael Kors boots, traditional riding boots were initially made to be worn by riders in every condition, rain or shine, in order to aid them in the saddle. The height of the riding boot is to help prevent the saddle leathers from pinching the rider’s leg, the heel is to prevent the rider’s foot from sliding through the stirrup, the toe of the boot is hard to protect the rider’s feet while they are on the ground, and the smooth soles of the boot prevent a rider’s foot from getting caught in the stirrup in case of a fall.
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Hunter Boots
This one actually surprised me, but after doing a little research it is official that our favorite wellies were actually created and made famous by the Duke of Wellington and his cavalry in the early 19th century. The Duke told his shoemaker that he needed to supply his cavalry with a boot that was suitable for battle, could provide extra grip for the rider, and could protect the riders’ knees from bullets, but were also comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. Thus the Hunter boot, and company, was born. The company. however, originally used leather to make their boots before switching to rubber in 1852.
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Polo Shirts
The polo shirt was developed in the 19th century by British polo players in India who needed a unique but comfortable sporting shirt they could easily play and move in. The trend spread among the players and at the end of the 19th century, Brooks Brothers took the British idea of this formal sports shirt back to the United States and introduced the “polo shirt” to their customers in 1896.
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Hermès
While it may not necessarily be a “fashion trend,” Hermès started out as a company that made harnesses, bridles, and saddles for European noblemen in Paris. It has since expanded to produce high-end clothing, bathing suits, belts, shoes, jewelry, perfumes, and scarves (often still containing small but noticeable equestrian detailing, patterns and leatherwork) that always bring a smile to our faces every time we get a glimpse of the signature orange box they come packaged in. Even today, Hermès still sells tack and riding equipment that I, and probably many other equestrians, drool over.
Although not everyone wants or has the time to pursue an interest in horseback riding, we can all at least take advantage of the timeless fashion styles the sport has lent us over the years!
Sources:
http://www.duchamplondon.com/marcs_blog/the-history-of-the-polo-shirt/
http://bitsandbridles.com/2013/09/hunter-boots-beloved-wellie-heres-a-history/]
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/ec99d874-9634-11e2-b8dd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2iyorYd96
http://www.dappledgrey.com/2012/04/pinning-your-way-to-equestrian-style-on-pinterest.html
http://www.equestrianstylist.com/ralph-lauren-fall-equestrian-style/