I’m Ringing in the Year of the Horse in These Timeless Equestrian-Inspired Outfits

I rode horses for a couple of years as a pre-teen, but much like my interest in the equestrian lifestyle now, I was more drawn in by the outfits than anything having to do with cantoring. I really wanted that shiny black velvet hat, and once I got it, I soon departed my horse-girl phase in practice, but never in spirit. And lately, given all the talk on my social media feeds about 2026 being the Year of the Horse, I'm considering getting back in the saddle—style-wise, that is.

I won’t pretend to be super well-versed in the Chinese New Year, though it sounds like a beautiful tradition I’d like to put more energy into. But the idea of leaving the icky-sounding year of the snake behind—a slithering beast most associated with evil, temptation, and the often difficult process of shedding—is appealing. Especially in favor of something as beautiful, majestic, intuitive, and powerful as the horse.

Plus, equestrian style is gearing up (pun intended!) for a moment as a 2026 fashion trend. A reignited interest in classic prep style and tailoring at places like Ralph Lauren and Michael Rider’s Celine, as well as the emergence of the barn jacket and stirrup leggings, all point to a perfect opening for equestrian style to ride through.

We’ve also been through years of oversized silhouettes, making the desire for the more slim silhouettes that equestrian ladies like the fictional Betty Draper on Mad Men and the royal beauty Charlotte Casiraghi (who once rode a horse on the Chanel runway) perfectly on time.

The formula for achieving equestrian vibes without feeling like you’re playing dress up comes from melding the elegant with the sporty. Think: a knee-high boot, some sort of jacket, and pants that are either fitted or a straight-up pair of jodhpurs, the barrel-leg, specialized trousers for horse riding. A nice styling trick I’ve discovered is that slightly baggy trousers look like a jodhpur when tucked into boots. Do I personally own jodhpurs? As a horse girl exclusively in spirit, of course I do.

Ahead, I’ve put together six equestrian-esque looks, inspired by 2026 being the Year of the Horse. See—and shop—the outfits that are reviving my inner horse girl.

Look 1

I love taking the idea black and white with a wider trouser and a more fitted jacket. A burgundy leather glove lends a nice bit of color and veritas.

Look 2

I find a high-neck white button-down to be so elegant, especially under a black jacket tied at the waist and fitted trousers. I feel like a true lady in this look.

Look 3

I’m going full Jane Austen equestrian in this sweeping black velvet coat by Sanoe, which feels modern with light colored boots. I also think having your hair down is a nice horse-girl element.

Look 4

Switching it up to be a bit more of a “weekend at Balmoral” vibe, but no less equestrian, I love a weekend barn jacket and denim moment, paired with knee-high boots.

Look 5

This is my Ralph Lauren moment in a vintage tweed jacket and jodhpurs from a brand called Arje. The French twist also lends the whole idea more elegance. I feel smart and ready for brunch.

Look 6

This is my sportiest look, and I still think it completes the assignment, melding an overall elegant vibe with a nice dash of sport from the anorak. Sometimes a girl needs to fake ride horses in the rain, non?