Jumping from Steeplechase to Street, Olympic Fashion trotting on over into Fall

By Laura Medina

We have seen trendy "of the moment" track suits and leopards and the navy blazer in every permutation. 

Here's one trend from the London Olympic that has been on the fashion landscape for awhile...and it is not riding off the horizon any time soon.

More than anything, it is here to stay...Equestrian Gear as fashion.

Beezie Madden of the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team, competing in show jumping, models the dashing riding coat or jacket.  The red jacket is only worn by individuals who have represented their country in either the Olympics or the FEI World Equestrian Games. ARIAT will be providing the 2012 Olympic show jumping team with their red jackets.

The riding coat or jacket provided the foundation of bespoken English tailoring that originated from the landed gentry needing something stylish yet functional while galloping about on the field.

The sharp attention to detail in English tailoring for riding coats in top-notch fabric...in dashing red no less...has crossed over in fashion-forward "Town & Country" style where an American woman can pair it with her jeans and dress shirt, or an English man wears it as tuxedo alternative with a dandy knot, instead of a tie.

The equestrian gear of tailored Show Jacket, Show Shirt, skin-tight breeches, and tall riding boots have already galloped into our wardrobe.

The nipped-in Show Jacket gives more shape than the boxy navy blazer.  The skin-tight breeches morphed into dark, skinny jeans, easier to slide into those tall riding boots that slims down bulky calves then stretches short legs into tall.

Put these 3 elements together, the red riding coat for punch and skinny trousers/denim with tall riding boots, you pretty much attain an illusion of losing 5 pounds while growing 5 inches taller, even if you did nor did not exercise, diet, or ride.

Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots, featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort.  In other words, stylish boots you can live in.

Alright, if the thought of squeezing into riding breeches and tall riding boots or living the "Town & Country" set is beyond you, here are classics that fit all physiques, Ariat's Italian calfskin leather bag collection with an Italian calf-suede interior lining and the strapping details, debuting September 3rd, are items you can jaunt around from dock to sidewalk in no time.

Inspired by turn of the century horse bridles, the collection consists of six styles (Bexley Tote, Lexington Magazine Tote, Del Mar Bucket bag, Georgina Large Convertible Satchel, Pelham Crossbody and Santa Fe Fringe Hobo) ranging in price from $400 to $1300.

These equestrian gear will leap seamlessly into Fall, consider them the new closet classics that actually work both off and on the field.