Welcome to Autumn Essentials for the Fashion Conscious Equestrian. My aim is to provide you with a unique "Equestrian themed" selection of fashion hints and tips to keep you bang on trend through Autumn. Now, the weather is turning and no matter how you look at it - those die hard short wearers need to listen up - we have to start wrapping our bodies up ready for winter hibernation. I can say only one thing...................................Layers! 1. Base layer Don't be fooled that this can be a scraggy old T shirt that no one will see. Often autumn throws some milder days at us and we all know how hot we can get whilst working with our beloved horses. Go for darker colours and patterns, they don't get dirty so quick, they also flatter every figure. The neck line counts; Again - don't fall into that trap of thinking because its underneath no one will see it - at some point, someone will! Long Sleeve Round neck tops often only suit those blessed with the frame of Angelina Jolie. For us normal folk a round neck makes our shoulders slump and we loose our more feminine features. Although I am not their biggest fan they are useful for wearing under short sleeve polo's and still a must for your winter survival wardrobe (Winter Essentials for the Fashion Conscious Equestrian coming soon). Good places to get these cheap are H&M http://shop.hm.com/gb/shoppingwindow?dept=DAM_TRI_LAN&shoptype=S and Primark, they sell different colours and materials, stretchy or cotton - so choose carefully! Go with dark colours for fuller figures, stripes and designs for a more funky, fun look. Remember not to get really tight clingy tops as this does not allow any room to trap air for your body to heat, it also clings to the places you don't want and makes that extra sausage roll stand out more. Pastel shades anyone? well I'm not sure who suits pastels? I'm not a fan personally as they always wash me out and block pastel colours always make you look a size bigger - at least! Step over to the dark side or maybe you could wear them under a Tshirt (a darker coloured Tshirt - I know I'm obsessed) |
V neck long sleeve tops are soooo much better than round necks - they give instant shape to all bodies. Again go to H&M or Primark for cheap solutions.
Long sleeve shirt - yes this may sound odd but if you are in the more customer or professional based equestrian areas nothing looks better than a shirt; plus you can choose any colour, any pattern to help reflect the image you want to create. New Look, H&M, Primark all have nice varieties that are kind to the pocket but if you have a little more cash to spare or important people to impress try http://www.hawesandcurtis.com/ladieswear.asp%20Try Try wearing a cute tank top to layer up or dress down a louder shirt.
Short sleeve Tshirts are a must and even better if a polo shirt. They can be worn underneath sweaters or over long sleeve shirts. They make all sizes, ages a shape and most places now do a lady fit style. I prefer finding T's that are personal to me, maybe a band I like or I love the superdry shirts - although they are expensive and I can't recommend using them to muck out in unless you have wads of cash! All the horsey brands do their takes on polo shirts and have some pleasant designs and colours so shop around Joules, Toggi, Derby House and don't be afraid to get cheaper replicas for the dirty jobs! If you are small enough, Asda or Tesco have their school packs of polo shirts for a few pounds - perfect for wearing whilst mucking out.
2. Mid-Layer
This is really important to get right as at this time of year whilst your working it will be the layer most seen.
Tank tops are so cute and add sophistication to your look but are also really practical. They will keep your core warm but leave your arms free for equine activities, I also like them because they don't bunch the sleeves up like a sweater can so leave you looking feminine not butch - most horsey girls have well muscled arms anyway we don't need any extra help!
Thin Sweaters can look really classy but require the right neck line and fit. Like the long sleeve T's these can make you look masculine and also boring, wear a pretty scarf to protect your neck from chills and make your outfit stand out. Another way to improve this look is to try wearing a shirt or polo underneath with a contrasting sweater to match. Beware of using short sleeves or 3/4 lengths as these can show through and add bulk. If you are lucky enough to have great bone structure and are slight then you will get away with a V neck or round neck sweater without a shirt collar underneath.
Make sure your sweaters are the right length in the body for you - if they are too long they can make your legs look short, too short in the body and you will be showing off your friders tan trade mark white belly!
3. The Top layer
It is vital that your coat makes the statement you want to send out. Wearing a baggy, tatty coat blends you in with so many others and doesn't get you respected or noticed- yes I understand in horses we all work long, mucky hours but even washing your coat regularly makes a whole heap of difference in your presentation.
The Blouson has probably been the most popular equestrian coat in all disciplines and all countries for years. You will find most working equestrians wearing these especially with the added advantage of having your own name, brand or business being embroidered by many companies or stands at most equestrian events. This is a bulky jacket that isn't waterproof and doesn't do anything for your figure; however it does cover you up if you're feeling a bit bloated. They have an awful habit of riding up your back if you bend over letting cold air in and a possible builders bum out to any unlucky bystander! You can do better than this coat but they are a good back up for riding out on those lovely rainy days where we need ten thousand dry sets of clothes before lunch time!
The Puffa Jacket has developed. It used to be a duvet style navy blue coat worn by most farmers wives complete with baler twine hanging out the pocket and barbed wire nicks. Now Puffa have re invented the puffa with new fashionable cuts and colours complete with new materials to keep you toasty and fashionable. Other brands do great and cheaper alternatives such as Derby House, Caldene, Toggi etc - if you find a coat you like head to ebay to see if you can pick up a bargain. I love equestrianclearance.com http://www.equestrianclearance.com/products/leisure_riding/jackets/index.html they have great variety and fantastic prices. The only downside to a puffa style jacket is that they aren't water proof - bummer!
Drawstring waisted Jackets are good for most shapes and sizes and come in many colours, they are often cheap on the pocket too. They are waterproof and can add a more feminine outline however they are a little out of date. New versions of these can be found with belts around the middle - these are much nicer and look smart. They don't ride up and display your behind to the world but they aren't practical to ride in as they often hang low enough to sit on, this can be annoying but also when it rains the water runs straight off the tail and onto the saddle saturating your jods and pants! There are shorter versions available but make sure you hunt around if buying from the Internet and really check the pictures out to make sure they don't sit further than your hip line.
Sport Jackets are my favourite option - they are however more expensive but I do believe they are worth the money! I work with horses everyday year round - I used to buy at least three coats per year - these were all equestrian coats that shared the same problem; they weren't truly waterproof, the fabric was weak and the fastenings broke easily and quickly. I brought my first Northface jacket three years ago - its just a shell but it came with a detachable thermal core (a thin micro puffa if you like) I still have that coat - I wear it all year round as its light its perfect for summer showers - it even goes in the washing machine . I can't recommend this enough and if you join go outdoors and get their discount card (£4 a year) you receive massive savings via Internet but they have got stores across the country that are easily accessible. Be brave DON'T STICK TO THE EQUESTRIAN SECTION - yes it is good but have a look at the other sporting sections that offer the same qualities such as water resistance, warmth etc - you may get a better more stylish bargain!
4. Jodphurs and Breeches
These are not the most flattering attire for anyone, fact. My advice is to (a) get the right size; too small and you will show the world what you got, too large and even Nora Batty will wince! (b) get the right colour. The amount of colours and shapes available now are immense, long gone are the days of army major style high waists and ludicrous hip and thigh bulges. Hello Mark Todd, thank you for making Jodphurs for all shapes of woman - those that are very womanly to those that resemble teenage boys - they have created jods and breeches for us all that are still affordable - hooray! Go have a look online or try on at equestrian events but make sure you get the right colour. Larger ladies beware of light coloured plaid or block coloured pastels (including beige) these can accentuate everything try dark colours or even better a full seat style that has contrasting colours or plaid, this will create a feminine look that makes any derriere look fab! If you have curves - make the most of them - these kind of jods do that for you! Smaller ladies steer away from block colours - especially black or navy as these can slim you further - I know everyone wants to be slimmer but looking like a swiss ball propped up by two match sticks is not a good look - try some plaid or brighter colours - again the full seat jods that contrast colours are great at creating a feminine look. http://www.equestrianclearance.com/westgate_efi/mt_plaid_breeches_ladies/index.html Whatever shape you are do not, I repeat, DO NOT WEAR BLOCK PALE COLOURED JODS they are purely for the under 12's!
I hope this blog has been useful? Lets see better dressed and happy horse women out there. My next blog will be on Make up tips when working with horses - I know it doesn't seem practical but there are great products out there to improve our health plus it goes a long way to making us feel better about ourselves and making our time spent with horses even better.
Please let me know what you thought of the piece and if you have any ideas or tips you can share with fellow readers.
Best Wishes,
Charlotte x
