Ready... Set... Equestrian Chic with Miller Gaffney
As an avid horseback rider ever since I was a young girl, I grew up in an equestrian world in which a unique sense of style permeated my every day life. Even before Ralph Lauren’s polo-inspired line of fashion and home furnishings, this equestrian style was centuries in the making, characterized by a classic and simple approach to fashion appropriate for country or city life. I am drawn to the familiar country dress codes of jeans, plaid, leather, corduroy, quilted jackets, and riding boots that are signature components of this equestrian style.
Whether an English or western rider, all riders like a playful plaid shirt. Riding vests and jackets or traditional blazers always look chic and preppy and are easy to layer over tees, turtlenecks, and cardigans.
Riding boots are a standard whether you wear your “real” riding boots or today’s popular “fashionable” boots or cowgirl boots. You always need a great pair of Western boots or riding boots. On rainy days, rain boots like Hunters or Wellies are essential, and they are also useful around the barn or after riding. They keep you comfortable and fashionable.
Dress an outfit up or down with some equestrian-inspired jewelry such as a horseshoe necklace, horse bit earrings, or stirrup motif bracelets. I am a fan of an equestrian printed scarf as a belt or wrapped in your hair to add some color.
The iconic field tote is great to use as a flea market shopping bag, weekend, or office tote.
Mix your styles whether you ride or want a new comfortable daytime look. One is always fashionable with equestrian clothing.
Vintage equestrian pieces are always popular in art, antiques, and collectibles. Horse collectibles such as vintage trophies or loving cups in sterling, silver plate, or pewter are great pieces to use in décor or for use as flower vases or ice buckets.
I love modern equestrian photography. Elegant and unconventional approaches to the photography of horses make a distinctive bold addition to any room in the house.
Art with an equestrian theme appeals to a large audience and is highly coveted by collectors, including paintings, drawings, prints - even rocking horses and horse weather vanes - all of which can bring a mystique and elegance into any home.
