Popular Fashion Trends

Popular Fashion Trends Inspired by Horse Riding and Equestrian Sports

Did you know that a large part of today's popular fashion trends is full of equestrian influences? On almost any runway you'll find an outfit that has a distinct hint of horseback riding style. The following popular fashion trends owe their inspiration to equestrians:

Tall Boots

Within the last few years, fashion tall boots have grown to closely resemble the tall boots worn by hunter, jumper, and dressage riders. Some of today's fashionable tall boots so closely resemble riding boots that it can be hard to tell them apart. From fake spurs to spur rests to accent brown leather at the knee, you can't deny that tall boots were definitely inspired by equestrians.

Cowboy Boots

Straight out of the Western rider's wardrobe come cowboy boots. Cowboy boots are now a fashion statement, making the perfect pairing with jeans or a skirt for a night out. Not just for work anymore, men's and women's cowboy boots are a popular fashion accessory. Today fashion western style boots, made out of artificial leather (some even with high heels), are available at a lower price point than the cost of a genuine pair of work-ready boots.

Western Shirts

Western shirts - plaid, collared button-downs - were inspired by those shirts popular amongst Western riders. Today's trendy western style shirts often sport decorative embroidery and accent buttons, and can be a versatile item for layering in anyone's wardrobe.

Polo Shirts

The polo shirt is perhaps one of the equestrian world's greatest influences on popular fashion. Polo shirts were originally favored by polo players because of the fact that their collars stayed folded and in place during the intensely athletic game. Today the polo's popularity is widespread, and the shirt owes its name to the polo players of the past. One of the most notable designers of polo shirts, Ralph Lauren, still pays homage to the polo's origin with its embroidered logo of a polo player and horse.

Breech Style Tights

Female fashion is heavily influenced by equestrian inspiration, and this is reflected in the recent trend of tights styled to resemble breeches. These tights feature the form-fitting breech style, and many sport accent pockets and even artificial knee patches. Most commonly styled with sandals or another type of minimalist shoe, these breech style tights are a distinctive nod to the fashion of the horse world. As you can see, it's difficult to deny the impressive influence that horseback riders and equestrian style have had upon today's popular fashion trends.