How to Nail the Horse Girl Aesthetic

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There was a period of time when being called a “horse girl” was considered derogatory. And then Gen Z discovered that Bella Hadid rode horses. Suddenly the horse pants from Stella McCartney’s Chloé 2001 collection worn by Carrie Bradshaw and more recently, Olivia Rodrigo, were on everyone’s wish list. By the time Kendall Jenner starred in Stella McCartney’s Winter 2023 campaign, wearing all red in a sea of speeding white stallions, the appeal of the horse girl aesthetic felt like it had officially re-entered the zeitgeist.

For a generation currently obsessed with whispering opulence, the resurgence of interest in the equestrian world style feels inevitable. It’s one of the only universes that appears immune to trends; people who either participate in or simply spectate the sport have been following one aesthetic for decades and sticking to it.

For showjumper Peter Lutz, it’s a welcome phenomena. “I believe that the equestrian aesthetic has a wide-ranging appeal to people outside of the horse-riding world because it represents a unique combination of elegance, athleticism, and tradition,” he says. “The sport of horse riding has a rich history and culture that has been passed down through generations, and a very recognizable look such as tailored jackets, tall boots, and helmets. I think that the equestrian aesthetic appeals to people outside of the horse-riding world because it represents sophistication and tradition that is both timeless and captivating.”

Shoe designer Sam Edelman has also been involved in the horse world for decades—as a rider, trainer and dealer—and many of the brand’s fans might be surprised to learn that his popular designs are inspired in large part by it. “We incorporate elements of the equestrian aesthetic in everything we do. The iconic Gigi sandal is the perfect example, it was the pioneer product concept merging everyday fashion with details true to its saddle making heritage. The saddle stitch detail is a core brand identifier that transcends beyond our sandals to the entire collection.”

But the horse girl influence isn’t limited to traditionally equestrian pieces like boots either. Australian equestrian Edwina Tops Alexander found a way to incorporate the look into her jewelry line, Toti, which is also named after her beloved horse’s nickname. “During my career, I’ve applied the three values of connection, confidence, and challenge. All of my designs have these meanings incorporated into them.” She thinks it’s best exemplified in her connection bangle, “It’s very elegant, versatile and comfortable. I never take it off, and I compete with it all the time. It has a flexible movement in it which allows for a perfect fit.”

Caroline Boudier founded her equestrian brand Dada Sport with similar intentions: to imbue more femininity in the space, “Equestrian style has codes that are really classic, cool, and just, very chic. When I started Dada Sport in 2012, I wanted to start something new and really think of the clothing for women. At the time there were very few equestrian brands for women, even though there are so many women in the sport.”

And yesterday, Boudier revealed a new Dada Sport campaign starring 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour winner Mathilde Pinault. The photos feature Pinault holding a horse saddle while wearing a pair of jeans and walking out of the Paris metro with sneakers styled with the brand’s technical leggings. And they’re a perfect example of why people seem to be leaning into the equestrian aesthetic again. There’s a fashion statement to be made outside of the stables, but that’s something horse girls knew all along.

Below, the best equestrian-inspired pieces to shop now.

There was a period of time when being called a “horse girl” was considered derogatory. And then Gen Z discovered that Bella Hadid rode horses. Suddenly the horse pants from Stella McCartney’s Chloé 2001 collection worn by Carrie Bradshaw and more recently, Olivia Rodrigo, were on everyone’s wish list. By the time Kendall Jenner starred in Stella McCartney’s Winter 2023 campaign, wearing all red in a sea of speeding white stallions, the appeal of the horse girl aesthetic felt like it had officially re-entered the zeitgeist.

For a generation currently obsessed with whispering opulence, the resurgence of interest in the equestrian world style feels inevitable. It’s one of the only universes that appears immune to trends; people who either participate in or simply spectate the sport have been following one aesthetic for decades and sticking to it.

For showjumper Peter Lutz, it’s a welcome phenomena. “I believe that the equestrian aesthetic has a wide-ranging appeal to people outside of the horse-riding world because it represents a unique combination of elegance, athleticism, and tradition,” he says. “The sport of horse riding has a rich history and culture that has been passed down through generations, and a very recognizable look such as tailored jackets, tall boots, and helmets. I think that the equestrian aesthetic appeals to people outside of the horse-riding world because it represents sophistication and tradition that is both timeless and captivating.”

Shoe designer Sam Edelman has also been involved in the horse world for decades—as a rider, trainer and dealer—and many of the brand’s fans might be surprised to learn that his popular designs are inspired in large part by it. “We incorporate elements of the equestrian aesthetic in everything we do. The iconic Gigi sandal is the perfect example, it was the pioneer product concept merging everyday fashion with details true to its saddle making heritage. The saddle stitch detail is a core brand identifier that transcends beyond our sandals to the entire collection.”

But the horse girl influence isn’t limited to traditionally equestrian pieces like boots either. Australian equestrian Edwina Tops Alexander found a way to incorporate the look into her jewelry line, Toti, which is also named after her beloved horse’s nickname. “During my career, I’ve applied the three values of connection, confidence, and challenge. All of my designs have these meanings incorporated into them.” She thinks it’s best exemplified in her connection bangle, “It’s very elegant, versatile and comfortable. I never take it off, and I compete with it all the time. It has a flexible movement in it which allows for a perfect fit.”

Caroline Boudier founded her equestrian brand Dada Sport with similar intentions: to imbue more femininity in the space, “Equestrian style has codes that are really classic, cool, and just, very chic. When I started Dada Sport in 2012, I wanted to start something new and really think of the clothing for women. At the time there were very few equestrian brands for women, even though there are so many women in the sport.”

And yesterday, Boudier revealed a new Dada Sport campaign starring 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour winner Mathilde Pinault. The photos feature Pinault holding a horse saddle while wearing a pair of jeans and walking out of the Paris metro with sneakers styled with the brand’s technical leggings. And they’re a perfect example of why people seem to be leaning into the equestrian aesthetic again. There’s a fashion statement to be made outside of the stables, but that’s something horse girls knew all along.

Below, the best equestrian-inspired pieces to shop now.

Pony Club-Embroidered Rugby Top

Rugby tops have been having a moment for some time now but this pony club embroidered one is the only one to go viral—thanks to recently being spotted on Taylor Swift. The white, v-neck collared top has McCartney’s “Pony Club” insignia on the chest with a horse’s head and horseshoe embroidered in golden thread. Swift leaned into the preppy look with tall brown riding boots.

Penny Boot

Edelman says the horse girl world has had a strong influence on his brand's design, but it is certainly most evident in the popular penny boot. The style looks exactly like those that riders wear, but would look just as good with a mini skirt as it would a micro mini skirt.

Competition Jacket

It doesn't get more classic than Dada Sport's competition jacket, which has been reimagined with a tailored spirit that makes it elegant enough to wear anywhere. Boudier recommends pairing it with the brand's airbag vest.

Sequin-Embellished Printed Organic Midi Dress

Perhaps the fashion world's most prominent horse girl, Stella McCartney's pieces offer less traditional takes on the aesthetic. this sequin embellished midi dress is not something you'd ever see at a horse jumping event but is the perfect, unexpected way to bring that competition energy and spirit to a festive affair this season.

Pony Appliqué Crewneck Sweater

Bode's Pony appliqué crewneck sweater makes the perfect gift for stylish horse enthusiasts everywhere. Plus, no experience or competition needed—it already comes with a prize ribbon attached at the chest.

Connection Bangle

The first time Edwina rode her hore Itot—whose nickname is Toti—she felt an immediate connection and knew they were a perfect duo. This bangle is inspired by their bond, which she hopes inspires others to make and celebrate their meaningful connections.

Off-White Equine Shirt

Sure equestrian inspired looks are fun, but pieces like Bode's equine shirt with an all over horse print are infinitely more fun.

The Cropped Itty Bitty Goodie Tee

And for a more subtle option, Mother denim has the cropped itty bitty goodie tee with a parade of stallions marching across the chest. It's still whimsical but casual enough to wear every day with your go-to denim.

Appaloosa-Printed Velvet Over-The-Knee Boots

McCartney said that "horse power" rode through every element of the Winter 2023 collection modeled by Kendall Jenner. And while we're obsessed with every piece, it's these appaloosa-printed velvet over-the-knee-boots that Jenner posed in while naked on a white horse that we can't stop thinking about.

Stivali Buckle-Detailed Leather Knee Boots

As with all trends, the recent obsession with riding boots can be traced all the way back to Mrs. Prada. Her Miu Miu Stivali boots are impossible to keep in stock and has been helping every It girl get in touch with her inner horse girl.

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