What do you think about the breeches-as-fashion trend?
On one hand it’s like “Yay! I can go from the barn to the grocery story and everyone will think I’m trendy.” On the other, it’s like, “No, they won’t, because I’ll still be covered in horsehair and mud.”
Here’s an ad from American Apparel (which we had to censor because apparently shirts aren’t “in” this year).
Here’s another shot of them, this time paired with a sensible crop top.
What about these from Alice + Olivia? Are they trying to go for a “full-seat breeches worn backwards” look?
These from DSquared2 are clearly modeled after old-school, thunder-thigh breeches, which went out of style many years ago for a very good reason.
These, from Dolce & Gabbana, aren’t too terrible–but the boots are.
Another pants-footwear pairing your probably not going to find in a SmartPak catalog, EVER.
I don’t know, Horse Nation. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!
- Send an email to wylie, the author of this post at wylie@horsenation.com
GAG!!! I am offended when fashion designers try to tweak the look of riding apparel, both breeches AND boots. I want to be noticed when I wear my breeches to the grocery store, but by other riders not by fashionistas. That means wear REAL breeches and boots, not those wannabe knock-offs. I certainly am not going to pair my breeches with stiletto heels, and you couldn’t pay me enough money to wear those thunder-thigh breeches even if they were the real thing.
I wore my field boots to the opera not long ago. Equestrian fashion is a win!
I’m a little disturbed by the half naked picture of the girl that clearly looks like a minor. Is that suppose to be edgy? People can tell that my equestrian fashions are the real deal by the trail hay and bits of manure I leave in my wake
Yes, the latest American Apparel catalog is particularly disturbing (they always disturb me a little). Half the girls are topless, and they all look like they’re about 13.
I thought the same thing!! Like…half nude photos are kind of inspiring if the person is of age. This looks like child pornography. Disgusting.
If I saw a girl wearing any of these, I’d think…”poser!”
Do carhartts and muck boots count as equestrian fashion? If so, I’m looking quite glamorous this morning. . .
Yes they do. The fashion of real horse women.
HELL YEAH!
Even though the breeches look seems to be “fashionable” now, I still get funny looks in public. The mud and slobber stains probably don’t help matters but to me they add character! Personally, I agree with others in that it really bothers me when designers try to tweak equestrian apparel to make it a fashion statement. Get your @$$ on a horse or out of those pants!!
Would they walk around in a football or soccer uniform and call that fashion? Riding is a sport, a very serious sport for some, get on a horse or change your pants.
Hmmmmm maybe I should start wearing my full breeches backward.
I spent three years in grad school in NYC when this trend first started. I have always appreciated a good fitting pair of tall boots, even if it takes 10 min for my own to warm/stretch to fit perfectly. I especially couldn’t handle the ill-fitting styles of boots seen in the city along with the misplaced knee patches…? They do have a purpose!
I am weirded out but the model that looks like a 12 to 14 year old half naked. I cannot imagine what this useless rags cost. I know that they surely would not stand up to snot, slobber, mud and horse exhaust. Maybe these are for urbanites, not for any of the real horsewomen like my wife that get down and dirty everyday.
Wow… I’m not going to sign up to receive that AA catalog, that’s for sure! (Although my 17-year-old son might enjoy it) What revolting photography. Sure not going to make ME buy their stupid wannabee pants.
I am entertained by the physiques of the models in the “breeches.” While they might do well in Big Eq, I’m afraid that about 98@ of the horse-riding public looks nothing like that in real riding attire. And not even if we put on stilettos! Wonder what the folks at Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren and AA would make of Fuller Fillies???
I feel compelled to add that while I haven’t researched prices, I betcha that the fake pants cost just as much if not MORE than a nice pair of Trophy Hunters… if fashionistas have a brain cell working, they’ll hie on over to the SmartPak catalog and order their equestrian items there!
I am not mad at this trend at all, I love coming from a show in my european horse gear and when I am stopped and asked “OMG where did you get those boots?” I reply “custom from Italy, $800.” It is the only time I wear expensive designers and my $300 breeches and $800 couture dressage coat. I suppose it is how fashon snobbs feel all the time in their over priced clothes. I may only own one outfit like this but I do love that non horse people are starting to see how cool it is.