Three Weeks, Three Horse Trials & A Very Country Wardrobe
What I wore to Burghley, Cornbury & Blenheim
There are few things I love more than September in the English countryside. There is still a little bit of summer lingering in the air, but the mornings are beginning to feel crisp, the evenings are drawing in, and suddenly all those lovely autumnal pieces at the back of the wardrobe start calling.
This September was as planned, visiting at back to back horse trials, over three consecutive weekends: Burghley, Cornbury and Blenheim.
Three very competitive equestrian events, three beautiful settings, and, naturally, three opportunities to put together a glorious country outfit.
Burghley Horse Trials
DRESS to Impress!
First up was Burghley, which is always one of my favourite events of the season. There is something about the event itself that makes you want to dress up just that little bit more. Rich heritage oozes through the Burghley House estate, and that’s certainly reflected in the outfits of spectators too.
I attended Burghley for Cross Country day, and my outfit was styled around one of the beautiful new tweed dresses released by Joules.
I wanted something that felt smart, but still practical enough for a full day outside, including walking the course. I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t matter how beautiful an outfit looks, if it isn’t practical for the day you are going to have – it’s completely wasted! Sturdy boots, layers and practical autumnal colours are always top of my list for Burghley.
What I wore
Hat: Somerset Millinery
Dress: Joules – linked
Top: Holland Cooper
Boots: Holland Cooper – linked
Bag: Grays 1922
Jewellery: Official weekend Jewellery/Hiho Silver
I particularly loved how this outfit came together in the end. The beautiful tweed dress was perfectly me, whilst the brand new release of the Hampton boots from Holland Cooper added that equestrian practicality that I love included at these horse trials.
Cornbury Horse Trials
Straight out of an episode of The Gentleman!
The following weekend it was Cornbury Horse Trials, an even I have come to love over the last couple of years. The event oozes luxury, whilst still having a very down to earth and relaxed feel.
With the success of the Netflix series The Gentleman, who isn’t leaning into their Susie Glass era… and this outfit was no exception. Whilst I kept the colour palette fairly neutral, there was an element of eccentricity, glam and practicality with this outfit.
This look definitely caused a bit of a stir over on the social channels when I shared it, but I personally loved it, and I know so many of you did too!
I built the look around a stunning new cape from Joules, along with quite an OTT baker boy cap. The textures of the outfit really came together and I absolutely LOVED the finished look.
What I wore
Hat: Joules – linked
Knitted Poncho: Joules – linked
Trousers: Holland Cooper – linked
Boots: Fairfax & Favor – similar
Scarf: Holland Cooper – linked
Horse Trials styling can be so individual, and what works for you might not work for the next person. Mixing classic pieces such as hats, tweeds and boots are a great place to start, but the outfits really can be your own!
Blenheim Horse Trials
A little more polished
And finally, it was time for Blenheim.
I went for such a classic heritage look for this event, leaning into a beautiful British brand and their gorgeous pieces!
I wanted something that felt a little more polished, while still keeping that really country feel. I used one of the blazers from Holland Cooper as the centrepiece for the outfit, and everything else worked around this.
There are certain pieces that will just work really hard in your wardrobe, and every element of this outfit was one of those pieces.
What I wore
Jacket: Holland Cooper – linked
Scarf: Holland Cooper – linked
Trousers: Holland Cooper – linked
Boots: Holland Cooper – linked
Bag: Holland Cooper – linked
Hat: Somerset Millinery
Three Horse Trials, One Wardrobe
Looking back at the three outfits together, I think they probably sum up my approach to country dressing quite well.
I don’t follow trends and I always dress for myself. I find coming back to similar pieces that work really hard in my wardrobe style and time again. I stick out classic outfit formulas that I know work. The fun is really in how these outfits are put together.
My country wardrobe staples
A good jacket
Whether it is tweed, wax or something else, a good jacket is probably the hardest-working piece in a country wardrobe. Invest wisely and choose something that will work across your whole wardrobe.
A practical pair of boots
Looking nice is considerably less enjoyable when your feet are in pain! A practical pair of boots for countryside days is an absolute essential.
A classic knit
You’ll be needing one of these all A/W – choose a colour that is neutral and compliments your wardrobe. I’d stick with a cream/black/chocolate/navy.
A useable bag
By useable, I mean big enough for the essentials, something with straps so you can remain hands free, and something timeless, a classic colour and avoiding trends.
A hat
My go-to style is a fedora. A great investment piece come rain or shine – it’s something you just can’t go wrong with.
That’s all for now, but if you’re at HOYS this Sunday, I’ll see you there!
Lots of love, Lucinda xo
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
— Winston Churchill
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