Oh my goodness, how fast has this come around!!

Country fashion over the last few years has grown significantly. More and more now at any Country/Equestrian shows, visitors want to impress with carefully thought out outfits. This is very much personal preference, and your outfit should always, above all else, be comfortable!!

But for those thinking about their horse trials outfits this year, I’m on hand to give a little bit of my own advice on some of the pieces I’d be looking into, and how to style up a stylish, but comfortable and practical outfit!

Badminton weather can be hugely variable, being early on in May. So often we have terrible rain, or an unexpected heatwave, therefore you do have to be prepared for any eventuality!

Below I have put together 5 pieces perfect to add to your Badminton outfit, whether you’re looking for a new budget friendly piece, Country style accessory or something to layer with, below will have something for you!

Recent pieces which have caught my eye, perfect for Badminton!

With so many choices out there, it can be hard to even know where to start when it comes to putting an outfit together. I wanted to bring together 3 pieces which have recently caught my eye as perfect additions to any Badminton outfit.

1. Holland Cooper Adlestrop Gilet in Dark Olive

I had to start with this piece because I have had it in my basket for ages, and even made a trip to the boutique to try it on in person. This style of gilet fits perfectly into that old money, classic country style. I love all of the details, from the longer length, quilted fabric and the faux leather trim.

This easy to wear gilet would look amazing with tan loafers, white jeans and a shirt or jumper. Or, equally paired over a dress or with a skirt.

Available in XS – XL
£129-00

Shop here

2. Clare Haggas Watching Over Me Classic Scarf in Sienna Orange

Clare Haggas is a brand that I have loved for years – remembering back to the days when it was ‘Clare Shaw!’. With their totally unique designs, the creative passion that comes from Clare flows through every single one of her pieces. I am a huge fan of these scarves for country shows/events.

This wish list piece is such a beautiful design, from Clare’s ‘Watching over me’ collection! You cannot beat adding a pop of colour to your outfit, and the pastel blue and orange of this piece just screams spring.

The longer style ‘classic scarf’ design is easy to tie in a number of ways to create endless looks.

£125-00

Shop here

3. Fig & Twig Willow Belt in Navy Blue with Gold

This isn’t the. first time that Fig & Twig has come up in a blog, and it certainly won’t be the last. This country apperal brand is UK based, and launched in January with their Willow Belt, a fully adjustable logo belt with snaffle bit buckle detailing.

The Willow belt is budget friendly, but oozes class and style, instantly upgrading any outfit. The belt is adjustable, and can be worn both as a waist belt with skirts or dresses, and with jeans around your hips.

This belt would effortlessly elevate your badminton outfit, helping your to transform your look and add equestrian elegance to your outfit styling. I would recommend with high waisted jeans, or paired with a dress!

One size
£19-50, £17-55 with my discount code! (Use ‘LUCINDA10’ online).

Shop here

4. Joules Tadley Quarter Zip Sweatshirt in Green + Pink

I couldn’t do a Badminton blog without including a 1/4 zip jumper. These are such an easy to wear piece at this time of year. The trouble with Badminton is that it can be either boiling hot, or really rather chilly or wet! So you really are having to prepare for everything. A 1/4 zip allows you to layer underneath, and still layer on top if required, catering for all weather conditions.

The beautiful pink and green shades of this Tadley 1/4 zip make it the perfect tonal piece for Spring. The pastels tie in for the time of year, and could easily be paired with blue denim or black/white jeans and a wax jacket!

Available in UK size 6 – 26
£59-95

S hop here

5. Hortons England Aspen Sunglasses

Last up is something practical, that you really need to remember! I actually have these sunglasses already, but they are so chic, and so well priced, I couldn’t help but include them, given that sunglasses are such an essential at a Horse Trials.

Hortons England offer. a whole range of sunglasses, so there is something to suit every face shape or preferred style. However, I just love the large, modern lenses on the Aspen style, with the ombre colour, and then light contrast frame, which sits flatteringly on the face.

These glasses come in a gorgeous case with cleaning cloth, perfect for keeping in your bag ready for when you need them!

£59-00

Shop here

Top tips

Headwear

I would always recommend a fedora for Badminton. If the weather is wet, this helps to keep the rain off your head and your hair in tact. If it is sunny, equally a fedora will help to keep the sun out your eyes.

You can find summer fedoras which are straw instead of wool. These are a lot lighter, and often come with a fun coloured ribbon around the base, as opposed to a feather pin.

Outwear

As I mentioned above, the weather at Badminton can be questionable, and it is a good idea to pack layers, even if you don’t carry them around with you!

Depending on the weather and the day. In more drizzly conditions I would consider a wax type jacket or something waterproof/showerproof. If you are out on the XC course, it isn’t the quickest to get back to your car to just grab something!

On warmer/drier days, it can be helpful to take a gilet as an extra layer – we all know May can still have a chilly start and end to the day, even on those beautiful heatwave days!

My biggest advice is layer layer layer, then you can take off/leave in the car anything you don’t need.

Clothing

Honestly, you really can wear whatever you like. Some people will turn up in their horsey clothes, others will go all out. This is completely personal preference, all I would suggest is that you wear something you feel good in, and something that is really comfortable, especially if you are walking the XC course.

Dresses are a great shout if it’s sunny, you can’t really go wrong in jeans, and if it’s a heatwave, shorts might be your preference!

Footwear

Comfort is key here!! I am not one of those girlies that says suffer for the outfit. IT . IS . NOT . WORTH . IT!

You’ll find most people around Badminton wearing wellies, boots or deck shoes, depending on the weather.

I would always suggest wearing something already worn in, especially for XC day. You do not want to gaining blisters on mile 1 of 4 out on the course.

Accessories

Sunglasses are an absolute must! Do not forgot these. There is nothing worse than being in a stand all day watching the dressage or showjumping, or being out on the XC course and not being able to see anything because you’re squinting!

I would also recommend tying in your accessories to match. So if you have tan footwear, opt for a tan belt and bag too! This streamlines your outfit!

I would always suggest taking a handbag which has a shoulder strap, so that you don’t have to carry it around. This more so important on XC day than the others.