I’m a Former Horse Girl Turned Shopping Writer, and This Is How I’m Wearing Fall’s Equestrian Fashion Trend

If you’ve been on the internet recently, you’ve probably seen that the horse girl is having a moment in the saddle. The archetype, which refers to anyone deliriously in love with horses, has found renewed fervor among people who are nostalgic for a certain kind of life, one full of possibility and unbridled joy. I, for one, spent much of my childhood enchanted by horses: my shelves were lined with books such as Black Beauty and Misty of Chincoteague, plus handbooks like Colin Vogel’s The Complete Horse Manual; I watched and rewatched Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron; and when I played make-believe, I was a horse if I wasn’t pretending to ride one. (My horse alter ego was Cinnamon, undoubtedly inspired by Diamond, the chestnut-colored retired racehorse on which I learned how to ride.) Suffice it to say: I’m giddy about fall’s equestrian trend as a chance to channel big horse girl energy.

Fortunately, you don’t need to have a horse to indulge in the aesthetic—only pieces that look the part. Ahead, I’ve wrangled equestrian-inspired jackets, tops, pants, and accessories that will carry you through the season—and they’ll be surprisingly easy to slot into your travel wardrobe. Chosen from my go-to brands, including Everlane, Madewell, and Sézane, these items are perfect for layering and, just as importantly, comfortable. Best of all? You won’t have to pony up a considerable amount of money. Here are my 10 picks, starting at $11. 

Best Equestrian Trend Styles Overall

Levi’s Cotton Barn Jacket

While I’ve worn some version of this blocky all-purpose coat mucking stalls, the barn jacket has become a popular pick outside of the stable—myself included. It layers well and has versatility, plus it has many pockets to carry my day’s essentials. And though it has utilitarian origins, the jacket’s rugged, and in some cases, waterproof exterior can serve as a protective layer when it’s neither too hot nor too cold. The Levi’s Barn Jacket, made from 100 percent cotton, has many practical features, like a corduroy collar and an abundance of pockets. The comfortable fit allows for a wider range of motion, and it can also be easily layered over thick knits as temperatures drop.

Everlane the Everywhere Pant

Although barrel jeans and their close cousin, horseshoe jeans, aren’t actually made for riding horseback (all that fabric flapping about the legs can snag on stirrup straps), their curved-leg shape evokes bow-legged cowboys or old jodhpurs. Essentially, think of this popular pants style as a subtle nod to the horse-girl aesthetic. If you want to hop on the trend, consider the Everlane Everywhere Pant. Made from a combination of cotton and linen, it has a modest bend that is cut wide through the legs, promising plenty of comfort—ideal if you have a long day of sightseeing or a long-haul flight ahead. The pair would lend itself well to boots, though I think it would work equally well with sneakers or ballet flats. 

Frye Miranda Boots

No equine life—or equine cosplay—is complete without riding boots. These pull-on Frye boots incorporate a block heel and rubber outsole to offer grippy traction. The pair has a design similar to versions made for equestrian sport, but it doesn’t hug the leg as tightly, which means it’s more accommodating for wider calves. It’s available in a glossy, black version (pictured above) that calls to mind English riding styles, but options are available in brown and burgundy, too. They will look nice peeking out from underneath a voluminous midi skirt or trousers, as well as with an over-the-knee dress and blazer. 

Sézane Aileen Shirt

A denim shirt is a perennial staple as enduring as the garment itself. It’s rugged enough for work—like feeding horses and cleaning out their paddocks—but it’s also versatile enough to style in many ways. This denim button-up isn’t for the saddle, but it’s perfect for the frontier of the wild city streets. It has an intentionally oversized fit that can easily layer under a sweater or jacket, but it works just as well as a standalone piece. Style it with trousers and loafers or consider denim-on-denim. Pair it with denim jeans in a similar indigo hue for a cohesive outfit that feels appropriate for smart-casual occasions, especially with the right accessories. (Think: a silk scarf or heels.)

Madewell The Dakota Saddle Bag

The saddle bag, which—fun fact—gets its name from the panniers that hung from horses, is a classic that transcends trends. This Madewell version is streamlined and polished, and it holds all the essentials, making it an ideal travel purse. Its curved shape is reminiscent of a saddle, and the metal accent adds interest to its otherwise simple design. The bag’s simplicity, however, is what lends it versatility. I have my eye on the suede brown option, but it also comes in other hues like an autumnal red, classic black, and croc-embossed leather. This vegan leather option is a viable alternative to the Madewell for only $20. It’s similarly wearable, comes in over a dozen colors, and multiple shoppers can attest to its quality.

Spanx Ponte Flare Pant

There is a certain allure to riding breeches. Many are made from some combination of stretchy materials that lend them the comfort of leggings. These ponte pants offer just as much and then some when it comes to versatility. They’re made with viscose, nylon, and a generous amount of elastane for plenty of stretch and comfort, and they’re free from fussy buttons and zippers. The flares call for kicky boots, and they would pair as well with a ribbed cotton tank top as they would with a button-up. It comes in a wide range of sizes and in two wearable colors—black and burgundy—that you can easily match with what’s already in your wardrobe.

Prettywear Quarter Zip Pullover

This quarter-zip winks to the polo shirt typically worn by English riders, but the knit material elevates it to a cozy autumn staple. It fits closely but comfortably against the body, and multiple Amazon reviewers agree that the material is incredibly soft. You can wear it alone, or, when the chill kicks in, underneath a sweater vest or a heavy coat. It’s constructed with a viscose-nylon blend to help maintain its shape and stave off wrinkles—good news for anyone living out of a suitcase.

Globalwin Cowboy Boots

A versatile pair of cowboy boots is quintessential to the horse girl starter pack, and these vegan Western booties would look right at home on the range as they would on the streets. They have a two-inch block heel and rubber outsoles to keep you steady on slippery or uneven terrain, and the conveniently located pull tabs help you yank them on (and off). Wear them with wool trousers and a blazer to the office, or a midi dress on weekends.

Madewell Leather Western Belt

A Western belt needn’t come with a rodeo-size buckle. This Madewell leather belt keeps it minimal with metal accents that can add a touch of interest to a white tee and a reliable pair of jeans, or more edge to pleated trousers. It’s made with saddle leather that softens over time, and one Amazon reviewer reports that since owning this belt for years, it’s held up beautifully.

Poplyke Horseshoe Necklace

Broadcast your affection for the equine with this horseshoe necklace. It’s strung alongside a heart-shaped charm on a sterling silver chain, and Amazon shoppers attest that it looks just as cute in person. The charms are also made from sterling silver, and they come in five variations. If not for yourself, it would make a great gift for horse girls and adults alike.

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