Hello my Darlings, and welcome back to the blog.
Now in just a few days, the tranquil location of Badminton House and its beautiful estate will become a hive of excitement, thrills and spills, as it hosts it’s 76th year!

The Badminton Horse Trials was founded in 1949, by the 10th Duke of Beaufort, and has grown to become one of the main equestrian events of the year. Badminton Horse Trials has a CCI 5* rating, and is one of only severn competitions in the world to have this status. It is world class competition, and winning is at the top of every eventers wish list!

Alongside incredible sporting action, there is ever becoming more of a focus on style and fashion for spectators at these types of events. Now whether you want to go all out and dress to impress, or just want some tips and tricks on what to wear, what to remember, and how to be comfortable, this blog is for you!

Badminton Horse Trials
Wednesday 7th – Sunday 11th May 2025

Four outfit ideas for Badminton Horse Trials:

Let’s start with a little outfit inspiration! The forecast for Badminton this year is currently looking good, with potentially high teens or early 20’s for temperature, therefore I have put together some outfit ideas appropriate for this weather!

Outfit One – Colour of the Season?

I think it is safe to say this pale green has become the colour of the S/S season. Launched by multiple brands, this subtle colour is really easy to style, and find matching pieces for. A classic horse trials look would be a good pair of white jeans, teamed with a fitted shirt – I love how this one came together.

Steal this style: Shirt – Schoffel Country, Sunglasses – Joules, Jeans – Holland Cooper, Loafers/Belt/Bag – Fairfax & Favor, Scarf/Earrings – Fable England.

Outfit Two – Classic Country

For those wanting to channel classic country style, this one is for you. Combining multiple neutrals, this remains timeless and elegant, whilst still leaning into fresh, more modern styling. This beautiful shirt teamed with classic accessories, makes for a really flawless look.

Steal this style: Shirt/Scarf/Sunglasses/Jeans – Holland Cooper, Earrings – Amazon, Belt/Bag/Loafers – Fairfax & Favor.

Outfit Three – Feeling Blue?

Looking to add a bit of colour into your Badminton outfit? Blue is such a beautiful shade for this time of year, it’ll pair beautifully with lots of other shades too. I have teamed with a really fresh cream/stone, and a denim shirt, for really easy styling. Want to finish off the look, throw a knit over your shoulders.

Steal this style: Shirt/Headband/Sunglasses – Joules, Belt/Shoes/Bag – Fairfax & Favor, Earrings/Bracelet – HiHo Silver, Skirt – Next.

Outfit Four – Pretty in Pink

Nothing says S/S styling quite like a pastel pink outfit. Feminine and beautiful, this outfit is not only practical and comfortable, but it really leans into the playful styling we should be thinking about through our Spring and Summer outfits.

Steal this style: Shirt/Hair Tie/Sunglasses/Trousers/Bag – Joules, Ring/Earrings – Monicar Vinader, Loafers – House of Bruar, Gilet – Schoffel Country.

Top tips, what to wear, and how to achieve top class horse trials style!

Outwear

It is always best to pack across the weathers for Badminton, even if you leave things in the car once you get there. Unless it is a really warm day, I’d advise some sort of jacket or layers. I’d also recommend being prepared, and taking a raincoat in the car.

Remember things can always be unpredictable, it is better to take a little extra, especially if you are driving, and can just leave whatever isn’t needed in the car.

Outfit

When it comes to your outfit, my top tip is comfort and practicality. I know the events are changing, and style is becoming more and more at the forefront of minds, I also know it is easy to look at influencers who have been totally kitted out by a brand, and think that outfit might be ideal. But remember these Horse Trial days can often be long, and if you are heading there on Cross Country day, there is a lot of walking, therefore I really recommend dressing for the weather and what you will feel comfortable in.

I often like to wear a dress, I find these comfortable, easy to style, and that they look great. I am a huge fan of white, but I understand not everyone feels it is practical. If this isn’t for you, lean into earthy colours, greens and browns, as well as navy can work really well at this time of year.

Don’t be afraid to try adding in some colour. Whether that be a pop through a scarf, or co-ordindated through your hat, bag and belt.

Dressing for the weather is the best tip I can give, and be flexible on the day. Don’t have your heart to firmly set on an outfit, unless it has the ability to be flexible should you need to add layers, raincoats, wellies etc.

I like to keep things simple, think classic fit shirts, white/black/navy jeans, denim shorts or skirts, or simple jumpers. From there, you can accessorise to dress up your outfit as much as you’d like.

Footwear

Comfort is key. I say this over and over again when it comes to events, but this is not the time to try out or break in a new pair of shoes, or wear your most painful pair, just because you love them, or they’d match the outfit perfectly.

Loafers, deck shoes, boots or wellies would be my recommendation. Badminton weather tends to be at the extremes. I have been in scorching heat, as well as knee deep mud. My suggestion is don’t plan your footwear too far ahead, see what the weather is like on the day, and take appropriate footwear from there. Another top tip – take plasters! If you don’t need them, someone else might!

Accessories

These are often the things we put last, but they can make such a huge impact to your outfit. When it comes to Badminton, I’d recommend packing both sunglasses and a small umbrella, so that you don’t get caught out. I also often like wearing a fedora to a Horse Trials, it’s another way to keep the sun or rain off your eyes and face, as well as adding a classic finish to your outfit. When it comes to bags – I recommend something cross body or over your shoulder, it’s a long day and you want to be able to go hands free! A slightly larger bag would be my preference – the car park is often a bit of a walk away, so you’ll likely need to take everything for the day with you! I’d also recommend taking some water.

Accessories are also a great way to add colour into your outfit. I like adding colour using the rule of three. Opt for three pieces in the same colour, if you can split these across each third of your body, even better.

I’ll be at Badminton Horse Trials both Saturday and Sunday, if you’d like to keep up with what I’m wearing, and action on the day, be sure to follow my social accounts below:

My next blog will be reflecting on my April and May Cheltenham races outfits, be sure not to miss it, I’ll be sharing all my tips and tricks for summer racing, as well as all of my outfit details linked!

See you then!

Lots of love, Lucinda xo