Blog,  Shows & Country Lifestyle

Outfit ideas for Burghley Horse Trials – what to wear, outfit inspo and style guide!

Burghley is so close now, we can almost see it. Whether you’re a horse fanatic, love shopping, or just fancy a nice day out, Burghley Horse Trials is a great occasion to get out and enjoy everything this 5* equestrian event has to offer!

For those unfamilIar with the event, Burghley is considered one of the ultimate goals for Event riders, who set their sights on competing here as a pinnacle of their careers.

Like with so many of these events now, Country Fashion is at the forefront of more and more minds, and dressing for the occasion not only leaves you looking good, but feeling good too!

The most important thing with any Equestrian or Country event, is of course, practicality. And there are many do’s and don’ts for dressing like a pro.

Luckily, your girl is on hand to offer up some advice, and of course, show you some of my own inspiration for the event. I think you’ll love these outfits that I’ve put together, they certainly nod towards classic equestrian styling whilst offering some more unique pieces you may not have previously considered.

So grab a glass of your favourite drink… and let’s get into it!

Top tips for Horse Trials style:

– Use light layers! The easiest way to ensure your outfit is practical is to use light layers which could be easily removed & packed on the day. My advice for this time of year, pack either a jumper you can throw over your shoulders, or a lightweight gilet.
– If you’re worried about the weather, rain or shine, take a fedora! This will help to keep your hair in tact, and offer some cover for your face!
– Utilise an over the shoulder bag. This will ensure more comfort and practicality throughout the day- especially on XC day.
– I would also advise taking a bag large enough for the essentials, an umbrella and bottle of water is a must!
– COMFORTABLE shoes! I can’t stress it enough but this is vital, especially on XC day. Take spare plasters too, even if you don’t need them, someone you’re with might!


🐴 Outfit Inspiration 🐴

~ Outfit One ~

Perfect for a warm weather day!

It’s looking like the weather at Burghley could be a warm one, and this outfit is the perfect starting point if that’s the case!

First of all, I don’t care what anyone says, white jeans are perfectly fine for a Horse Trials. Life is for living. Throw all the preconceptions out the window about practicality, and wear what you want – we could spill on any colour jeans after all. Don’t be afraid of white!! They look great and with a stain remover at home, and unexpected spills can easily be removed!

This Dahlia shirt has fast become a favourite piece in my wardrobe, and if you follow my socials you’ll have seen it popping up multiple times now – I just love it. The material is so airy and lightweight, so it’s perfect for any warmer days. I wore it to Hartpury Horse Trials a couple of weeks ago and it really did me proud. Another gorgeous thing about this shirt is how easily you can pull so many different colours out of it for your outfit styling. I’m loving teaming it with classic navy at the moment, but if you’re feeling more daring, choose another colour to tie in with the floral print.

You can’t go wrong with matching accessories to finish off your outfit, and a timeless loafer.

I adore this outfit and think it’s an absolute must for a Horse Trials day trip!

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Shirt | Joules | Dahlia Lace Insert Blouse Cream Floral
Belt | Fairfax & Favor | Regina Woman’s Belt Navy Blue Suede
Bag | Salthouse England | Natalia Tote Bag Navy
Loafers | Salthouse England | Rosa Driving Loafer Navy


~ Outfit Two ~

One for a skirt lover!

Another perfect outfit for warmer weather! This denim skirt is a staple that you may have seen me styling over and over again. I wore it to Badminton Horse Trials back in May, and it just had to make an appearance for my Burghley outfits. It is so easy to wear, and is a really great length, so you don’t have to worry about it. With it being cream, it will match EVERYTHING, so outfit prep takes very little time. You can use this as a starting point for your outfit knowing it will match anything you pick out, making it an essential in any wardrobe.

I’ve paired the skirt with one of the new Joules Melanie Blouses. This pink blouse is really lightweight and adds a feminine touch to the outfit with the subtle but noticeable frill detailing. Adding a playful element to a casual skirt, this outfit works so well for a day out. I think the pink pairs beautifully with tan accessories for an every day look, keep it casual but well put together with a matching belt, loafers and bag.

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Shirt | Joules | Melanie Cotton Voile Frill Blouse
Belt | Fairfax & Favor | Hampton Woman’s Belt – Limited Edition
Skirt | Joules | Greta Denim Mini Skirt Marshmallow
Bag | Salthouse England | Floriana Grande Saddle Bag Tan
Loafers | Fairfax & Favor | Newmarket Woman’s Loafer Tan Suede


~ Outfit Three ~

This has to be one of my favourite outfits!

Perfect if it looks to be that odd in between weather, where you just need something a little more than just a tee! This flattering Portmore 1/4 zip has been a firm favourite amongst my friends already, and it isn’t hard to see why. The bold stripes in classic navy and cream offer the timeless nautical styling loved by so many. With the ability to be paired with just about anything, this jumper has to be a go-to piece as we transition into A/W style.

I have let the jumper do the talking, and teamed with a very simple, easy outfit. Black jeans are practical, easy to wear, and don’t take anything away from the rest of your outfit, whilst chocolate suede boots offer the ultimate finale to any Country outfit. Don’t forget to spray any suede footwear with a suede protecter before heading out for the day – this will help keep them in tact should there be any showers!

Top tip: wear a nice light layer under your 1/4 zip, and tie the 1/4 zip casually around your shoulders as the day starts to warm up!

STEAL THIS STYLE:

1/4 zip | Joules | Portmore Quarter-Zip Jumper Cream Stripe
Jeans | Love Leggings | Ankle Grazer Jeggins Black
Bag | Joules | Dudley Leather Cross Body Bag Green
Boots | Fairfax & Favor | The Regina Woman’s Tall Boot Chocolate Suede


~ Outfit Four ~

It will all be all stripe!

I’m going crazy for stripes right now! They are such an essential for any wardrobe – easy to style, flattering, and they have a unique ability to add an edge to your outfit. This jumper in its gorgeous pastel khaki shade offers an easy transitional piece to add into your wardrobe, whilst being an easy to wear colour. I am all for wardrobe simplicity, so any earthy tones which will tie in to a multitude of tweeds and neutrals are a yes from me! I love the pink contrast sleeve detailing on this jumper – you could easily tie in pink accessories to this outfit to make more of a statement.

Teamed with a classic white jean, this really is the easiest outfit I could have put together. You could also style with tan footwear and accessories for a more casual dressed down look, however, I opted for a similar shade of loafer, which ties into the outfit beautifully, and draws attention to the green theme throughout. To change up this look for cooler weather, switch out the loafers for a pair of suede boots.

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Jumper | Joules | Alyssa Collared Jumper Khaki Stripe
Jeans | Holland Cooper | Jodhpur Jeans White
Loafers | Salthouse England | Rosa Driving Loafer Khaki


~ Outfit Five ~

This outfit is ‘bee’illiant 🐝

The attention to detailing on the beautiful Naomi blouse is the talking point of this outfit for me. The beautifully embroidered bees set into the lightweight shirt makes for the perfect day out piece, so easy to wear and style, but gives your outfit a focus. A white shirt is a staple, and this twist on the classic style is a great addition for any Country fashion lovers.

The suble tone of the Whitlow gilet ties in to create an earthy colour palette, perfect for a day out in the Country. This light layer gilet is also a great accompaniment to your outfit as it will fold up so small, making it easy to take off and tuck away in to your bag if you don’t need it.

I have continued the earthy theme through the accessories and footwear, tying the whole outfit together. I also love the length of these jeans against the top of the ankle boots, creating a slight separation of the outfit, drawing attention to the footwear, and offering a slightly more playful and casual take on a classic outfit style.

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Shirt | Joules | Naomi Button Through Blouse White Bee
Gilet | Joules | Whitlow Gilet Wild Mushroom
Belt | Fairfax & Favor | Sennowe Woman’s Belt Oxblood Suede
Jeans | | Love Leggings | Ankle Grazer Jeggins Black
Boots | Fairfax & Favor | The Ankle Rockingham Woman’s Boot Chocolate Suede
Bag | Joules | Dudley Leather Cross Body Bag Green


~ Outfit Six ~

Mad about mushroom. Earthy tones!

Now, if the weather is on the turn, this outfit is a great go to. Roll neck jumpers don’t have to be big and chunky, if you opt for a finer knit, these are a great piece as we head into September and these more Autumnal months. Our weather can be so unpredictable here in the UK, so it is always good to have something a little more transitional on hand. The delicate stripes of this outfit completely sold it to me.

The addition of the Whitlock gilet again adds some practicality to the outfit should you need that extra layer. It is great for a trip out as it’s super lightweight and you can fold it up into a tiny bundle to then carry round with you.

The stripes of the roll neck, alongside the padded gilet, offer a timeless country style, one of which is instantly recognisable and nods towards the classic equestrian look.

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Roll neck | Joules | Clarissa Stripe Roll Neck Jersey Top Cream Navy Stripe
Gilet | Joules | Whitlow Gilet Wild Mushroom
Jeans | Holland Cooper | Jodhpur Jeans White
Loafers | Salthouse England | Rosa Driving Loafer Chocolate


~ Outfit Seven ~

Timeless, Equestrian style!

I’m obsessed with this gilet! It’s something a little different and it looks so great on! I’m all for bringing you styles which you may not have considered yourself, and I personally would have never thought about a longline gilet before this, but I LOVE it!! For a Horse Trials, its perfect as its a really lightweight feel on, whilst offering showerproof protection, and hood! The pockets are deep and easy access, perfect for your phone (and snacks 😉).

I think this outfit came together perfectly, I love the deep, rich heritage colours of white, black and green all coming together, and the chocolate boots finish this off perfectly for that classic country look we sought after. Adorned with green tassels, the suede boots perfectly compliment the rest of the look.

This outfit compasses such classic equestrian styling, and if the weather is a little cooler, this will definitely be my go to for Burghley.

STEAL THIS STYLE:

Shirt | Joules | Naomi Button Through Blouse White Bee
Gilet | Joules | Chatham Gilet Heritage Green
Jeans | Love Leggings | Ankle Grazer Jeggins Black
Bag | Joules | Dudley Leather Cross Body Bag Green
Boots | Fairfax & Favor | The Regina Woman’s Tall Boot Chocolate Suede


Much of this blog was in collaboration with Joules, a huge thank you to their team for allowing me to style some of their new in collection, which is available on their website:

www.joules.co.uk


That’s all for now my Darlings. If you are off to Burghley, I hope you have the most fabulous time, it’s sure to be a great one!

See you next time 🤍

Lots of love, Lucinda xo


For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins. 

~Melissa James

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