It’s only natural that we are more inspired by a fashion pictorial or a film than by the runway. Clothes dress a character and I think that their most important role is to help us express ourselves. It was once again a film that made a great impact on me when it came to a certain style and brought it back to my attention. This time it was Betty Draper in Mad Men. I’ve only recently started to watch the series (because I usually stubbornly stay away from anything that’s very popular), but I can honestly say that I’m already a fan (at least so far anyway). Back to January Jones’ character, her equestrian outfits are flawless and the way she carries them is exemplary.
It’s the simple, strong silhouette I love about this style, the tailored precision, the posture it demands, the absence of unnecessary embellishments drawing focus to the details, to the heritage accents. It’s the very polished look with an aristocratic air, but without the stiffness, but rather a refined country, sporty feeling and the freedom that goes with it.
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It doesn’t have to be a total-look, where would we be wearing that? Accessories are perfect to lend your look a sleek and elegant equestrian vibe. There are the stirrup jewellery, bracelets and belts, a saddle bag or even just a tassel, scarf or a quilting on the glove and, of course, the classic riding boots (Ralph Lauren– or Burberry-like), a wardrobe staple. The straight cut (no laces) and low heel are what makes them elegant and comfortable at the same time. They are the perfect footwear for the cold season, when you can either match them with a lighter dress or pair them with skinny jeans tucked inside.
Every few seasons, the equestrian style makes a return to the spotlight. But I’m not writing about it because it’s in trend this autumn. I like to write about clothes that have the ability to cross the line from fashion to style. Because style has a personality of its own, we recognize it when we see it, it’s there to stay, regardless of what seasonal fashions dictate. This fall the designers have interpreted the riding themes so beautifully. From the bit and bridle detail jacket at Etro, double-breasted tweed coat with inner-sleeve patches, scarf dresses with riding motif prints, elegant boots and helmets at Tommy Hilfiger, to the most modern equestrian interpretation at Givenchy: satin jodhpur-shaped pants, knee-high boots with heel-covering sheaths, giant disc earrings, turtlenecks and tailored jackets.
Etro
Tommy Hilfiger
Givenchy
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Wishing you all a wonderful week!
photos: 1-4: Richard Phibbs for Town and Country September 2011, ‘Beautiful creatures’ editorial styled by Xanthipi Joannides/ 5,6: Etro AW 2012, vogue.com/ 7-10: Tommy Hilfiger AW 2012, vogue.com/ 11-14: Givenchy AW 2012, vogue.com
Loved this post Ada! (I am so annoyed that I can’t watch Mad Men because it makes me want to start smoking again!! Silly I know but I have to avoid it)! Those Tommy Hilfiger boots are gorgeous – I love the autumnal colours!
i love this style, i recently did a post on it, check it out: http://www.asparklyhanger.blogspot.ro/
Speechless…love them all, specially the boots!
great post , definitely inspired , i love the first picture and i’m praying to have to hermes boots in my life .
I noticed that you’ve pinned a few ideas recently and thought that this style is very you, especially the blazers and accessories. It has a timeless quality to it and, although I wouldn’t be able to pull of the entire look, I would certainly love to add a touch – it always feels very British to me for some reason, so no wonder…
Have a wonderful week, sweetheart!
xxx
Beautiful images. Love the structure of this look.
Have a great week.
I keep tear sheets of some of this editorial, very beautiful. However, since I live in a very equestrian city, it’s not a look I can affect. Nor does it look this elegant in real life either.
this is such a timeless look and couldn’t agree more – it doesn’t need to be head-to-toe. i think that’s what turns some folks off about the runway; they aren’t styled for day-to-day life, so it’s hard to imagine pairing one item from a look with things in your closet. and if you watch mad men for nothing else, watch it for the fashion (it gets a little slow in the 3rd & 4th seasons, in my opinion), it’s beautifully done
I absolutely love equestrian style, Ada. Always have ever since I was very young. My step mother used to ride and I was always at the stables and competitions so I was surrounded by it. I too adore Betty Draper’s equestrian looks. She does pull it off effortlessly. I only started watching Mad Men this summer myself but I became so addicted that I watched all 5 seasons in a month
Happy Monday! xoxo
I really enjoyed this post, Ada, it has such a wonderful collection of images and looks. Those boots are beautiful and I really love the styling in that photo.
You already knew my thoughts on Givenchy … loved that collection!
The boots and the braid are just sublime – so gorgeous and I really want something in that equestrian plaid. I had the naughtiest pony in the world which put me off riding but I love the clothes that go with it!
I am always a fan of equestrian style in small doses. I love the last quilted leather jacket in your images Ada–so beautiful! I was also anti-Madmen for awhile, it seemed like it would be so misogynist, but it really is much more a portrait of the times and reminder of how far we’ve come. January Jones is definitely the best dressed woman on the air (at least in the early seasons).
p.s. I need to see Too Beautiful For You too–it’s been so long I can’t remember it.
xo Mary Jo
Loved what you had to say! Such an interesting part of fashion. I always love how catwalk trends are interpreted in an editorial.
xxx
I am crazy about those Hermes boots, the color, the form, everything. I did not watch Mad Men, but I heard that the ladies acting in it wear amazing clothes. I do not think I have to say that I would wear every outfit that you chose here, everything is fabulous, even that TH hat 😉 Kisses
PS1: Did not find the oxblood/burgundy bag at Musette, Ada.
PS2: I know that you recommended the movie “In the mood for love” and I wanted to tell you that I love Shigeru Umebayashi-Yumeji’s Theme, I could listen to it all day long!
What a gorgeous post- I am in love with Equestrian too- lately it’s been Racing season here in Melbourne
x
Dear Ada, I love this post and the beautiful selection of images and pieces! I agree with you about the charm of this style and the fact that you can easily channel it with the right accessories. Riding boots remain one of my musts for the FW seasons and like wearing them for both casual and dressy outfits!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride but, I’m so afraid of horses. Now the equestrian style may help me get some courage.
I think the equestrian style is so fitting with the Autumn season.
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