For equestrians style is more than just a matter of appearance–it’s a way to boost confidence and show professionalism, both in and out of the ring. But achieving an elevated look doesn’t require a closet overflowing with options. An equestrian capsule wardrobe offers a blend of functionality and fashion: a carefully curated collection of high-quality pieces that look great and meet the demands of an active lifestyle. Ready for a style refresh? Here’s everything you need to create an equestrian wardrobe you’ll love wearing every day.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a simplified, intentional collection of clothing that includes only pieces that coordinate well together, allowing for endless outfit combinations. Typically made up of timeless, versatile garments in neutral hues, a capsule wardrobe enables you to create an effortlessly put-together look, no matter which items you choose.
This approach is ideal for equestrians who want to pare down their closets while still having reliable, stylish options on hand. If you often feel like you have too much clothing but nothing to wear, a capsule wardrobe might be the perfect solution for you.
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe for equestrians
Because equestrian fashion is so timeless, capsule wardrobes can work for any rider. It’s a simple way to get the most wear out of your show and schooling apparel while feeling confident and put-together in each look. Here are a few reasons to consider a capsule wardrobe:
- Trend-transcendent style: With classic pieces that are stylish without being trendy, you can wear your riding clothes through years of fashion trends.
- Less decision fatigue: When everything coordinates, it’s easy to pull together a polished look, saving time on outfit choices.
- Minimized clutter: A capsule wardrobe features a limited number of pieces for a clutter-free closet, helping you stay organized.
- Lasting quality: When you’re buying fewer pieces, you can invest in high-quality, durable apparel that lasts longer.
- Lower cost: By only adding pieces to your wardrobe that you’ll wear often, you avoid impulse buys and save money in the long run.
- Sustainability: Investing in durable, timeless clothing reduces clothing waste created by fast fashion purchases.
How to build an equestrian capsule wardrobe
If the idea of a capsule wardrobe sounds great but feels overwhelming, don’t worry–we’ve got you covered. Building a capsule wardrobe is all about picking high-quality, classic pieces that coordinate effortlessly and make you feel comfortable and confident while riding.
Choose quality over quantity
Prioritize quality over quantity by investing in well-made pieces that can withstand the wear and tear of riding while keeping their shape and style over time. High-quality materials and craftsmanship may cost more upfront, but these pieces will last much longer, making them a worthwhile investment in both comfort and appearance.
Pick timeless basics
Build your wardrobe on timeless basics in neutral shades like navy, black, grey, and white that make it easy to mix and match. Select classic styles that honor equestrian traditions and create a polished look, whether you’re at the barn or in the show ring. With these essentials, your equestrian closet will stay stylish for years to come.
Avoid trendy styles
While trends come and go, your capsule wardrobe should stand the test of time. By avoiding overly trendy pieces, you’ll keep your wardrobe cohesive and polished season after season. Instead, choose styles that reflect a timeless equestrian aesthetic, with clean lines and classic cuts, ensuring your wardrobe feels fresh without the need for constant updates.
Flatter your figure
Fit is key to achieving a polished, confidence-boosting look. Choose pieces that flatter your unique shape without sacrificing comfort for long days at the barn or competitions. Each piece should allow freedom of movement and make you feel your best, so don’t hesitate to try different styles to find your perfect fit.
Consider your lifestyle
Your capsule wardrobe should reflect your riding routine. Whether you’re training daily, showing regularly, or riding in different weather conditions, tailor your choices to meet these demands. Select pieces that are not only stylish but also practical, ensuring they perform well and keep you comfortable throughout the year.
Must-have pieces for your equestrian capsule wardrobe
While the pieces you choose should align with your discipline and lifestyle, every equestrian capsule wardrobe needs a few core essentials. Your collection should cover both competitions and schooling, with versatile layers to keep you comfortable year-round. Here’s what you’ll need to build a functional, stylish foundation:
Depending on how often you ride and show, you may want a few options for each. Below, we’ve curated a list of timeless basics with modern performance technology to help you create an equestrian capsule wardrobe that’s as fashionable as it is practical.
Show coat
If you compete, you need a reliable show coat that will wow the judges while allowing you the flexibility you need to perform at your best. Stick with traditional colors like black or navy, avoid trendy details, and ensure a proper fit to find a show coat that will never go out of style.
High performance show coats
Women's Monterey Show Coat ($569)
This traditional 3-button show coat comes in Black and Navy. With an unconstructed design and premium cooling fabric, you won’t want to take it off.
Girls' Shore Show Coat ($419)
With 3-button styling, flap pockets, and wrinkle-free fabric, this adorable show coat keeps young competitors looking professional without restricting their movement.
Show coats for casual competitions
Women's Skylar Show Coat ($279)
Traditional yet elevated, Skylar is the perfect coat for any show. It offers structure and stretch and regulates your body temperature, keeping you comfortable as you perform.
Girls' Skylar Jr. Show Coat ($239)
Striking a perfect balance between structure and stretch, this classic style is elegant with modern thermoregulation technology to keep young riders comfortable.
Show shirt
A crisp, white show shirt is an essential for any rider. For capsule wardrobes, we recommend a long sleeve style to add protection from the sun and maintain a professional look under your show coat. Choose a show shirt with a patterned lining to subtly add some flair to an otherwise neutral wardrobe.
Women's Tori Show Shirt ($99.50)
The Tori is a modern take on a traditional style, with an athletic fit and silky, cooling fabric to keep you comfortable while maintaining a clean-cut look.
Girls' Tori Jr. Show Shirt ($89.50)
This classic show shirt protects young riders from the sun, keeps them cool with ventilated, wicking fabric, and elevates style and performance in the ring.
Learn how to buy an equestrian show shirt →
Show breeches
The perfect pair of show breeches has an athletic design that moves with you and wicks sweat to keep you cool. Hunter jumper competitions usually require riders to wear tan breeches, while dressage riders are expected to wear white breeches.
Best breeches for hunter jumpers
Women's Hayden Silicone Breech ($215)
With sporty styling and silicone knee patches, Hayden in Sand or White gives jumpers the comfort and stability they need over jumps and around turns.
Women's Gracie Knee Patch Breech ($185)
The traditional styling and Clarino knee patches make Gracie breeches perfect for hunter riders or those who compete in hunters and jumpers. Get these in Sand.
Best breeches for dressage riders
Women's Kaia Full Seat Breech ($225)
The Kaia breech was designed with dressage riders in mind, offering a silicone full seat and modern mid-rise fit in a clean White that’s perfect for competitions.
Best show breeches for girls
Girls' Avery Breech ($145)
With an amazing fit, quick-dry and stretch fabric, and elegant knee patches, this euro seat breech offers maximum comfort. In Sand, it’s the perfect show breech for young riders.
Girls' Collette Jodhpur ($154)
Collette jodhpurs are designed with quick-dry fabric and breathable Clarino knee patches for a comfortable, cooling riding pant that pairs perfectly with paddock boots.
Learn more: Breeches vs. Jodhpurs: What's the Difference?
Schooling breeches
While bright schooling breeches can be a fun way to show some personality, capsule wardrobes are all about maximizing wearability. Opt for neutral breeches that are each to mix and match for a variety of outfit combinations. Darker colors like navy, black, and grey don’t show dirt and add sophistication for a stylish look that lasts for many wears.
Blue schooling breeches
Women's Hayden Silicone Breech ($215)
Modern with a mid-rise fit, Hayden keeps you feeling and performing your best. Comes in Evening Blue, Black Olive, or Cloud Grey.
Girls' Avery Breech ($145)
Constructed with soft, flexible fabric and mesh lower leg panels, the Avery breech is comfortable and breathable and comes in Navy for schooling.
Girls' Collette Jodhpur ($154)
Durable, breathable, and comfortable with a natural rise waistband, the Collette jodhpurs in Navy are the perfect schooling pants for young riders.
Black schooling breeches
Women's Gracie Knee Patch Breech ($185)
With a Comfort Stretch waistband, the Gracie breech makes you feel comfortable and secure. Comes in Black Olive, Evening Blue, or Cloud Grey.
Grey schooling breeches
Women's Gulf Front Zip Breech ($185)
Gulf is a euro seat breech with ideal fit and comfort, featuring soft, sculpting, and quick-dry fabric and a natural rise design. Comes in Graphite, Navy, or Black.
Women's Kaia Full Seat Breech ($225)
With the perfect balance of comfort and structure and quick-dry, stretch fabric, Kaia in Excalibur is the perfect schooling breech for dressage riders.
Schooling shirts
Schooling shirts give you an opportunity to add a pop of color to your capsule wardrobe. With neutral schooling breech options, almost any color will make the perfect ensemble. To maximize wear for each piece year-round, choose schooling shirts in a variety of styles and materials.
Schooling shirts for Fall and Winter
Women's Logan 1/4 Zip Shirt ($89.50)
Made with super soft and cozy material, this long sleeve schooling shirt features a classic 1/4 zip style with thumbholes for easy layering.
Girls' Logan Jr. 1/4 Zip Shirt ($75)
With soft heathered fabric and thumbhole sleeves, this 1/4 zip keeps young riders cozy and comfortable in the fall and winter.
Schooling shirts for Spring and Summer
Women's Lucy 1/4 Zip Shirt ($79.50)
The Lucy 1/4 Zip is the ultimate summer riding shirt. With wicking and quick-dry fabric, it keeps you cool, dry, and looking good all day long.
Girls' Lucy Jr. 1/4 Zip Shirt ($69.50)
With ultra-lightweight fabric, UPF 50 material, and a short sleeve design, this schooling shirt keeps young riders cool and protected from the sun.
Schooling shirts for all seasons
Women's Jordyn Crew Neck Shirt ($75)
This long sleeve crew neck is perfect as a baselayer or on its own. With UPF 50 and wicking material, you’ll stay comfortable and protected on every ride.
Girls' Jordyn Jr. Crew Neck Shirt ($59.50)
This sporty, modern style is made from cooling, luxurious nylon fabric that protects from the sun, making it the perfect baselayer or summer schooling shirt.
Women's Libby 1/4 Zip Shirt ($89.50)
Perfect for layering with a sweater or wearing on its own, this long sleeve 1/4 zip is lightweight with mesh underarm panels to keep you cool and dry.
Girls' Libby Jr. 1/4 Zip Shirt ($79.50)
This breathable, wicking 1/4 zip shirt provides a classic look with a touch of color and dimension from a subtle microprint, while providing sun protection for rider’s arms and neck.
Learn how to buy an equestrian show shirt →
Layers
When there’s a chill in the air, warm layers like vests and sweaters keep you comfortable and ready to ride. But most layers aren’t built to endure the rigors of the equestrian lifestyle. Choose durable, lightweight sweaters and outerwear that are made for performance and layer well with your other pieces.
Best layer for Fall
Women's Harlie Vest ($149.50)
This chic, wind-resistant vest is lightweight with stretch panels: the perfect Fall layer. Get it in Smoked Paprika, a rust color that coordinates with any of your pieces.
Best layer for all seasons
Women's Mollie Sweater ($125)
This lightweight crewneck sweater offers timeless style with beautiful details making it a must-have layering piece for any equestrian capsule wardrobe.
Timeless pieces from R.J. Classics
Capsule pieces are made to last, transcending fads and trends so that you can ride in style season after season. The best candidates are well-constructed with attention to detail, and with proper care, they hold up for years to come. To keep your riding wardrobe clean and good as new, check out our guide to washing and caring for equestrian apparel.
R.J. Classics equestrian apparel is designed to withstand the demands of life in the saddle, expertly constructed with care down to every stitch. Blending classic, elegant styles with modern fabric technology, each piece is easy to style and keeps you comfortable whether you’re going for a chilly morning ride, competing in the ring, or working around the barn. Flattering breeches, riding shirts, and show coats from R.J. Classics help you simplify your closet and approach each lesson and show with confidence. Discover our latest styles in versatile neutrals to add durable, timeless pieces to your equestrian capsule wardrobe.
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