Hello my darlings! Welcome back to the blog! It’s a very special time of year, as we enter September, we enter another month jam packed with horse trials, which can only mean one thing- outfit styling advice!

First up… Burghley Horse Trials! It’s one of the most prestigious equestrian events of the year. Taking place in Stamford, Lincolnshire, it’s a showcase of world-class eventing, it’s the one the eventers would give anything to win. The most determined and elite athletes endure the challenging dressage, cross country, and showjumping phases, whilst spectators hold their breath and look on to who the next champion will be!

Heading to Burghley HT this year? Your outfit should balance country elegance, practicality, and timeless chic – with an eye on the unpredictable British weather.

How to style an outfit for Burghley HT

1. The Style Principles of Burghley HT

Country Heritage: Burghley style really leans into tradition. Think tweeds, tailored pieces, wax jackets, and country boots.
Practical Elegance: You’ll be walking across grass, and gravel, so don’t forget practicality! Function is just as important as fashion, and you don’t want to get caught out!
Luxury, but understated: Statement pieces are such fun to style, but horse trials style usually leans more towards ‘understated chic’.
Weather ready: Sunshine, showers, mud, it’s all part of the experience, and we could quite literally have all in one day. Prepare for the day – layers are essential.

2. Wardrobe Staples

✔️ Outerwear – Tweed/wax jackets/Blazers are a great layering option for the day, and perfect for those chilly morning, or cooler days. Capes offer a chic alternative to a coat, especially in transitional weather. Gilets gilets gilets! Such a favourite of mine! They really are the perfect layering piece. Opt for a classic fleece or tweed option to keep in country styling. Chunky knit jumpers lean into Autumn, and look great thrown over your shoulders.

✔️ Tops – September is a funny month, it can still feel very summery, or it can have really quickly switched to Autumn mode. Look to wear fine knit jumpers in muted tones. A shirt in a country check or crisp white colour. Use layering to create a practical look, whatever the weather.

✔️ Bottoms – Skinny jeans/slim trousers are a great option for September horse trials style. I try to avoid blue denim, and reach for block colours such as black, navy, chocolate or white. Tweed skirts are timeless leaning into Autumn. They are rich in texture, you’ll see plenty of these around the event, a personal favourite of mine!

✔️ Footwear – Practicality has to be at the forefront when thinking of footwear. Now isn’t the time to be breaking in your new pair of shoes. I’d stick to suede or leather tall boots (knee high- such as the Regina boot from Fairfax & Favor). You can protect these with the likes of ‘Liquiproof’ to ensure they are prepped for any rain! It is also absolutely acceptable to wear wellies, and you might need to. Weather dependant- if it’s a wet one, I’d always reach for my trusty Le Chameau! Other options – ankle boots, loafers, cowboy boots – just be sure to check the weather!

3. Accessories that Elevate

Fedoras – Beautiful, elegant, and protecting you from the elements. I absolutely love finishing off my outfit with one of these for that signature country look.
Silk Scarves – a really easy way to add a pop of colour to your outfit, but they can also be tied in so many different ways, offering endless looks to your outfit.
Belts – not only practical, but they can be used to add elegance to your outfit, cinching in your waist, or adding an extra talking point! Opt for classic leather or suede for a timeless look.
Handbags – crossbody bags offer a hands free option, great for XC day. I try and opt for a medium size, so I can carry plenty round, usually thrown over my shoulder!

4. Colour Palette Inspiration

Classic Country: Olive, tan, camel, navy and burgundy.
Autumnal Chic: Forest green, rust, deep plum, mustard.
Neutral Elegance: Creams, and muted pastels, for a lighter look.

5. Day-by-Day Dressing

🐎 Dressage Day (Thursday/Friday)
Polished and classic: tweed blazer, crisp white shirt, slim trousers, and boots. Perfect chance to wear lighter tones and subtle accessories.

🌿 Cross-Country Day (Saturday)
The most practical day, expect walking and maybe mud! Opt for wax jacket, fleece gilet, tweed skirt and tall boots. Finish with a fedora hat and crossbody bag.

🏆 Show Jumping Day (Sunday)
Dressier finish: tailored coat or cape, skirt/trousers, loafers. Accessories like a silk scarf will elevate your look.

6. Weather-Proofing

Rain: Wax jacket, waterproof boots, fedora and an umbrella! Don’t forget to have protected your pieces beforehand with a waterproof spray!
Cold: Layering up is essential – base shirt or jumper, then use gilets and jackets.
Sunshine: Sunglasses, lightweight jackets, shirts to create a perfect September sunshine look.