Blog- How to Find the Perfect Show Outfit- A Guide For Beginners

Silvia Panza is a competitor from Italy who loves everything having to do with horse show fashion, which she writes about on her blog, Fancy In The Sand. If you’d like to have your blog post shared on EquineChronicle.com like Silvia, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com. 

EC Guest Blog By: Silvia Panza, Fancy In The Sand

It’s happened to every one of us. That special moment when you need to buy your first show outfit. You’ve seen all those beautiful creations on the Internet or on stands at the shows and dreamed of wearing one of them in the arena. Now, the time is up and you may feel a little bit panicked. But don’t worry, that’s normal. With just a few tips, you can find the perfect outfit for you.

What do you need?

First of all, you should decide what you really need. If you show in Horsemanship, you don’t want to wear a jacket with fringe, and you probably won’t choose a vest if you need something for Showmanship. If you need multiple pieces, and you want to save money, you can think about using a combination. For example, you could choose a bolero or a vest with a plain fitted shirt. You will be able to use the vest/bolero for the rail classes and the shirt for Horsemanship.

Set your budget.

Setting a budget is fundamental. When you start shopping, you will have in mind how much you want to spend. It doesn’t make sense to try a jacket that’s too expensive. Moreover, you can ask a designer to create a garment that fits your budget, in order to have your dream outfit without breaking the bank.

Have realistic expectations.

Once you’ve set your budget, you must set your expectations too. As I wrote above, many designers can create a jacket that will fit your budget. Another solution is to check for a used outfit. There are many groups on social media that are dedicated to selling and buying used show clothes. That could be a nice idea if you want to wear a world quality top without spending too much.

Take your time.

If you want to buy an outfit, no matter if it’s new or used, you should take into consideration that it will take weeks or months. You should organize your time. If you need an outfit for the upcoming season, you should start to contact a designer a few months before. If you’re in a hurry, you can look for ready-to-wear pieces. Normally, you can find several of them at show clothing stands directly at the shows.

Set your goals.

Being “overdressed” is not a problem for me. I think a rider should wear what he/she wants, when he/she wants. If you want to wear a jacket loaded in stones at a regional or local show, it’s fine! But, some people may feel uncomfortable if they think they’re overdressed. If you feel so, choose something “sober” for smaller shows. Maybe you could wear a plain fitted shirt with decorated cuffs and collars.

Don’t be afraid to ask.

It’s normal to be confused if you’re a beginner. Don’t be afraid to ask! If you don’t know which style might fit you, you can ask a designer or you can get some help from social media. Just post your questions and somebody will help you. Don’t be embarrassed; we’ve all been there.

If you’re a beginner, it’s not easy to survive the horse-show-clothing-jungle. There is nothing to worry about. Time will pass and you will become a show apparel expert. Happy shopping!