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The 'Horse Girl' Aesthetic Is All the Rage—Here's How to Get the Look, Whether Your Vibe Is More Balmoral or 'Yellowstone'

Yeehaw!

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A design by Dasha Burobina for PureWow featuring styles that nail the horse girl aesthetic.
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

Whether you've been a horse lover all your life or are recently obsessed with equestrian style, I suggest you saddle up! The rise of the so-called 'Horse Girl' aesthetic—one of fall's latest trends—is your perfect excuse to wear riding-inspired looks on repeat this season. Not sure how to pull it off? I'm here to tell you everything you need to know about the fashion trend that includes everything from Yellowstone-inspired Cowboy Core to Scottish Highland heritage.

Horse Girl Aesthetic IMAGE
Getty Images/Raymond Hall/Contributor

What Is the Horse Girl Aesthetic?

Unsurprisingly, the horse girl aesthetic is inspired by horseback riding and its many subcultures; it's all about embracing that equestrian energy, whether you lean more Westehern chic like Bella Hadid and Beyoncé or Balmoral castle countryside à la Kate Middleton and Zara Tindall. And while brands like Ralph Lauren and Barbour have always leaned into this classic style, it's lately been making a major comeback. 

How to Get the Look

To pull off the horse girl aesthetic, you'll need some horseback riding staples like tall leather boots and a cable crew sweater. If you want to take your outfit to the next level, you can top it with a barn jacket from Everlane and PureWow readers' favorite skinny leather belt, or go all in on yeehaw Americana with a printed cardigan and khaki-colored barrel pants. Remember, y'all, the horse girl aesthetic isn't black and white—you can certainly make it your own. So long as your outfit's got some giddy-up flair, you're golden. To help get you started, I've rounded up these and other finds to totally nail the look. 

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Barn jackets are trending for fall, according to PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, and they just so happen to nail the horse girl aesthetic with their cute-but-utilitarian vibe. This style is made from organic cotton, which means it should be lightweight enough for layering but thick enough to keep you warm when it's chilly this fall. While I think that's reason enough to buy it now, you might also be drawn to its contrast corduroy collar, button-front closure and two front pockets that'll definitely make it stand out at the stables, office or wherever you're headed.

What's the easiest way to nod to the horse girl aesthetic? Throw on some plaid and call it a day (at the ranch). The best thing about this particular pick? Not only does it have an easy, laid-back fit, it's also perfectly versatile—you can wear it either as a top or a shacket simply by unbuttoning the front. But here's why one buyer is obsessed with the viscose, polyester and elastane style: "The fabric is perfect; not too thick and warm like flannel. Nice for warm or chilly weather. The fit is amazing. But it runs really big." That said, you might want to size down for a slimmer fit that can. be tied in a knot or tucked into jeans.

Riding boots are the obvious footwear of choice for this aesthetic, and you can't go wrong with this leather pair. Yes, they're on sale right now (a big plus!), but all that really matters is that they're comfortable and work for wide calves. "I wore them to work as a teacher and had them on all day with no discomfort. After work, I went grocery shopping with ease. Totally recommend and they were true to size for me," one reviewer raves. They didn't mention that the heel clocks in at a perfect 1.75 inches, which provides a touch of height without sacrificing comfort.

I'm buying this cozy cardigan as we speak, and you can probably guess why. The Western print isn't too overpowering, so I can really wear it with anything. Even better, it has a slouchy, relaxed fit—featuring a shawl collar, button-front closure and rounded bottom hem—aka all the makings of a perfect fall layer. But you don't have to just take my word for it. One buyer shares, "This sweater is amazing! Comfortable, soft and has the wow factor...If taken care of, you’ll keep this [up] for many years to come. It will never go out of style." P.S. Hand washing is recommended, but it'll be worth it to keep this knit beauty in tip-top shape. 

Barrel pants may be polarizing, but everyone can agree that this ranch-ready pair is chic AF. They're made of a blend of organic cotton and linen, so they're naturally comfortable and breathable. Plus, they have an extra-high rise, so you can pair them with crop tops and fitted sweaters galore. So, really, the cool curved leg, which gives them that signature barrel look, is just the cherry on top. Why else do you think they have more than 200 5-star reviews? 

I recently secured this sweater myself, and let me tell you—it really is as soft and cozy as it looks. But how does it fit in with the trend? Well, its classic heritage vibe—featuring cable-knit twist stitching—takes you straight to the manor house stables. Let's just say it'll make you look *and* feel like royalty, so it's a good thing it's machine-washable (because I, for one, am ready to wear it on repeat).

Want to know a secret? PureWow readers have been buying these skinny leather belts in droves, and I have a feeling it's because they look so similar to this $1,100 Hermes Kelly style. (See the resemblance?) But not only are they posh—they're also perfectly practical, offering easy adjustability to layer over dresses, coats and more. 

There are many things to swoon over when it comes to these faux leather booties, complete with a side-zipper for easy on and off, so I'll just talk about my favorite feature—those dual gold buckle accents that truly drive the yeehaw vibe home. There's no question whether these will take your horse girl fits to new heights (literally, since the heel clocks in at 3 inches). 

PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida has nothing but great things to say about these bootcut jeans, which are perfect for wearing with riding boots. "WOW! I have never felt so snatched and supported in denim before. This is my new favorite brand," she says. Since the 'Ab'Soultion styles are "designed to comfortably shape and hold" your midsection, I have no doubt they'll become your favorites, too. Wondering how the jeans are able to provide top-tier shaping and support? Their unique blend of cotton, rayon, polyester and spandex, which Maida says provides plenty of form-hugging stretch without forgoing structure, can take all the credit. So, I suggest you gallop to checkout now or regret it later.

To look extra polished (and horse girl chic) this season, you can wear a slightly structured blazer like this one from H&M. With all the features of an old-money blazer (from notched lapels to shoulder pads), it will definitely add some sleekness and sophistication to your equestrian-inspired ensemble, no actual horse required.



Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

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