The Rise of The Horse Girl Aesthetic

By Lucy Fries, Staff Writer Edited by Savannah Stewart

With the arrival of a new season comes the revival of classic wardrobe pieces. There have been an abundance of fashion trends that have resurfaced, such as Boho-Chic and denim styles, but the most recent look receiving attention this fall is the horse girl aesthetic. Vogue’s recent October issue features models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner on a western-inspired cover. More attention is brought to the fluidity and composure of horseback riding as the trend is being embraced by the fashion industry, allowing the sport to be used in photo shoots and the style to be showcased. Because of this, many Western Boho-Chic looks are emerging as major fashion trends, even making their way to New York Fashion Week. 

Vogue’s Western-style shoot hones in on nature, bringing in flowy gowns and models galloping in photo sessions. Not only was the style used to showcase the outfits, Vogue made it apparent that while modeling and horseback riding are different hobbies, they share many similar attributes, both demanding control and resilience. With the sport being used in the fashion industry, many models have even taken it upon themselves to become self-proclaimed riders. Kendall Jenner shared that the stables act as a sanctuary to clear her mind, while others may favor the more competitive nature that is associated with it. Both Bella and Gigi Hadid took after their mother, Yolanda, and share a love for the sport, with Bella even competing in rodeos.

Prior to its sudden rise in mainstream media, the horse girl aesthetic hadn’t always had a positive connotation. The phrase, often used on social media, has been used to describe overly-obsessed horseback riding competitors in a negative light. Traditional horse-wear attire usually consists of riding shoes, breeches, button-down tops, sleek tops, and blazers, along with a helmet and other protective gear. However, the horse-girl wear that is making headlines veers more towards Boho-Chic, focusing on flowy western pieces rather than structured and tailored equestrian wear. 

Syracuse University sophomore and lifestyle content creator Teagan Setty said she grew up in a small town in Ohio where she was often surrounded by the cowgirl style. “Growing up in a very rural area, [Western clothing] was all around me,” Setty said. “Everyone around me was in cowgirl boots, bootcut jeans, and show belts every day.” With the traditional equestrian gear leaving little room for individual style, the current aesthetic may be slightly surprising. However, as the style becomes more prominent in fashion, major brands are contributing to reinventing the “horse-girl” label, rebranding it as a free-spirited, textured look, rather than refined and sophisticated. “The horse girl aesthetic has been on the rise for some time now, and being able to take a moment that was once a funny joke and make it into something creative is what fashion is all about,” Setty said.

Western Boho-Chic looks are taking over the runways at major events such as New York Fashion Week. Brandon Maxwell’s 10th anniversary runway show featured cow print jackets, bolo ties and button-downs. His spring 2026 collection brings the West into fashion, where he features fringe, western plaids, florals and more. Michael Kors joined in, showcasing fridge-covered bags and earrings with a rich brown and olive palette. Ashlyn’s runway showed off a more traditional equestrian style with nipped waist blazers. Even LoveShackFancy has incorporated Boho-Western pieces into its designs, such as long white skirts, fringed gowns, and appliquéd jeans. 

Not only is this trend making its way to major U.S. cities like New York, but it has also been seen resurfacing internationally in Copenhagen's biannual fashion week. This year’s runway featured riding-inspired apparel, including riding boots tucked into tight pants, white dresses covered in frills, bandanas, blazers, and crochet bags. Later in the week, Baum und Pferdgarten’s show was staged at horse stables with oversized clothing being showcased, imitating a jockey style. SU sophomore and Vogue subscriber with a deep passion for all things fashion, Sophia Burton, shared that this look is something she's admired and been able to point out across many designers. “Burberry's recent fashion show was very elegant and classic,” Burton said. “Burberry has always kind of been that horse girl chic aesthetic. They paved the way for the horse girl brand.”

Aside from major brands, the aesthetic is resurfacing beyond the runway. With the influence of social media and major fashion events, the style is making its way into everyday wear, bringing staple pieces across all lifestyles. “I see [the aesthetic] becoming more and more prominent, especially with the Frye boots craze, tweed jackets, blazers, and the riding pants look,” Burton said. “High-rise boot cut jeans are the look for fall,” Setty stated. There are even some unexpected resurfacings. “The skinny jeans coming back is definitely a shock to society, a bit,” Setty commented in reference to the style's initial neglect. Regardless of your vibe, the aesthetic can make its way into your closet, and its versatility allows it to tailor to any individual style, whether that's workwear, booties or barn coats.  

The apparel seems to have a positive reaction from the fashion community. The looks being created are timeless, illuminating class. Beyond the incorporated clothing items, the style altogether demonstrates the interchangeability of fashion, regardless of your style. “Fashion is constantly evolving and things are constantly coming back,” Setty said. “It brings together the modest aspects of fashion with the creative aspect that helps it fit many types of people,” Setty said. “It makes fashion more interesting and approachable to people who are apprehensive about going for high fashion,” Burton said. 

The predetermined view of the “horse girl” is now a thing of the past. Love it or hate it, it's the latest fashion trend that’s made its way across various platforms, sparking both praise and criticism. With many featured forms of the aesthetic, the trend is here to stay. Even if it isn’t something some people can’t see themselves getting behind, its success in drawing elegance and class through the sport cannot be denied. Its resurfacing reflects the fluidity of fashion and the ability to connect pieces to different sports, hobbies, attributes and skills across all aspects and natures. 

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