It seems every year we have more enthusiasm for the best dressed campaign, and this year's fashionistas did not disappoint. We're always excited to see the popular trends and highlight riders who rocked their style. We received over 600 entries (thank you for your patience while we compiled them all) and we're proud to present to you your top ten! Drum roll please... your best dress hunt riders of 2021!
10. Olivia Stenseth & Violent Femme
Just like the punk band, Olivia Stenseth and Violent Femme absolutely rocked it, both in the ring and in their fashion choices- and our voters LOVED them! Wearing a small print purple brocade with high sheen and a monochromatic black shirt, breeches, cap, boots, and gloves- these two were over the top. The small woven dots on the fabric make the jacket appear to sparkle in movement, and sparkle they did!
These two are a beautiful picture together, and the small print brocade allows the horse to be the center of focus. The shirt is trimmed with a rhinestone choker and buttons for an added dramatic touch of sparkle, and as they say- diamonds are a girls best friend (after her horse, of course)!
Olivia's look is pretty bold from head to toe, but with a horse as flashy and unparalleled as hers, it's a look she can pull off- especially for a reserve world championship ride! Purple is often associated with royalty and this pair sure presented and competed like the royalty they are.
Get this look! These bold fabrics will get you seen, and make a statement.
9. Eleanor Zobell & RWJ Bravissimo
There is a WHOLE lot to love about this adorable team! Eleanor Zobell & RWJ Bravissimo topped a field of 14 to be named UNANIMOUS World Champions! As their trainer Kristen Tramposh wrote, "Gerard [RWJ Bravissimo] was bred by Eleanor’s family and started his training with me at Cobalt. Eleanor and Gerard are the same age and have truly grown up together, so this is an extremely proud moment for all!" Somehow, this makes them even more adorable and impressive!
We love an age-appropriate dressed rider, and while a pink plaid hunt coat may not work for older age divisions, it is perfectly suitable and frankly just too cute on this young rider. The gingham plaid is both a flattering pattern for her size, as well as a youthful choice for a walk/trot division! Expertly matched to a pale pink ratcatcher shirt, this team is cute as a button!
One thing you may not have noticed is that Eleanor's jacket features a square panel front. This allows for additional let out as she grows taller, whereas a jacket with a curved panel is not able to be lengthened. We are also able to do "false fronts" with snap closures instead of button holes which allow for the jacket to be let out for length and for growth across the torso. Length and width! The best part though? You'd never be able to tell they aren't standard buttons! These features are rarely found in off-rack jackets, which are likely to be outgrown far quicker.
Get this look! We love these youthful shades of pink plaid!
What we'd pair it with? You could really have some fun with these suede options around the top collar, full pockets, or under the wrist buttons for some added flare! #21, #22 and #18 could all work! Or, in Eleanor's case, leaving it plain is always a safe bet!
8. Diana Harding & Epona's Mo'o Lio GCH
Epona's Mo'o Lio GCH has carried some of THE most fashion forward equestrians into the winners circle year after year, and this impeccable horse has another stylish rider. We adore this look!
This creme windowpane ensemble was another popular shade this season, and the rare accent of red piping on the ratcatcher shirt and top collar really take it over the top. Paired with traditional fawn breeches and black boots, cap and gloves, the balance of modern and traditional is hard to miss. The cherry on top is the bold red lip, which Diana is absolutely rocking! We love this team, and their flawless, quiet rides, prove why they're both on top in the show ring, and on top in our best dressed vote!
Get this look! These white and ivory windowpane fabrics are sure to get you seen! An added bonus: the fabric on the far right is stain resistant, which is always a relief when wearing white around horses!
What we'd pair it with? We LOVE Diana's bold choice of red for a pop of color, so #3 would be a great choice, but with a black and white windowpane, you could chose any color to help your outfit pop!
7. Alyssa Wick & Valley Acres Eye To Eye
Alyssa Wick is no stranger to the winners' circle, and continually impresses onlookers with her clean and quiet rides as well as her elegant and timeless fashion. I'm not ashamed in the slightest to admit I have dreamed of raiding Alyssa's closet, and her outfit choices in the show ring are no exception to her flawless style. Simply put, Alyssa is a style icon. I can only dream to be as cool as her. Periodt.
This outfit made an impression on her voters as both a classic and traditional look, while staying elegant and modern with a pop of sheen and non-traditional dark breeches! In keeping a balance, Alyssa chose to be bolder in her choice of black breeches and was incredibly wise in balancing the remainder of her look with a traditional hunting colored golden brown, which compliments the seal bay coat of her mount. The classic snaffle stock pin, and ivory shirt all pay homage to fox hunting culture.
We're always excited to see what Alyssa will wear next, in and out of the show ring. We'll also be excited to watch the future with this young horse as he continues with his young rider featured in the above photo, Madison Palen. We know the talented young rider will only have success with this horse, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them!
Get this look! These silk and wool blended suiting fabrics are as traditional as they come, while featuring lovely sheen and subtle but classic patterns.
6. Kara Brooke Hose & Merriehill Isa Diva
Kara Brooke Hose started the week strong in her STUNNING seafoam hunt coat with her beautiful mare Merriehill Isa Diva. These two navigated the ring like a seasoned team, and charmed the judges and the voters with exceptionally clean goes and an equally refreshing hunt look!
Seafoam has definitely been a popular color this season, as we had a handful of nominees submitted wearing these pale and youthful tones. However, Kara's look is particularly unique with the brocade collar accent, tying in both her minty jacket fabric as well as the crack up choice of chocolate boots, cap, and gloves!
The timeless monogram on her shirt collar complements both the brown tones in the brocade and the white on her shirting. It was smart to pair a pop of texture with a solid hunt coat fabric like this, and again a wonderful example of a rider who was able to limit the color pallet of her entire outfit to 4 main colors.
We made a similar shade outfit for Terra Zimmerman this season, and we're big fans of this modern take!
Get this look! These seafoam, mint, and sage toned fabrics feature varying degrees of sheen and texture, and we paired a brocade fabric that could accent the top collar below for inspiration!
5. Ella Kate Payne & RWF Paganini GCH
Ella Kate Payne is a rider who has impressed the voters not once, but TWICE, as well as the respect of the judges with a grand national win! This young rider was THE best dressed winner in our 2019 vote, and she clearly has a strong fashion foundation. I would love to meet this tiny trotter's parents because I just know they must be as equally stylish!
This rider is another prime example of a rider rocking the heck out of a wool suiting in a traditional fox hunting color. Every minute detail of her outfit has been planned and executed to a T. The deep chocolatey brown velvet of her helmet matches her breeches, the piping on her dickie, and even her gloves and garter straps!
The straps on her helmet have been brilliant paired with the pale sandy houndstooth pattern of her jacket fabric, which is is exquisitely accented with olive notes to tie this whole look together. We simply cannot wait to see this young rider grow into the equestrian fashionista she's destined to be. Not to mention- a rider with this much skill at such a young age will be a thrill to watch continue to excel! We're big fans, Ella!
Get this look! These sandy beige fabrics with varying levels of sheen and texture would all pair beautifully with chocolate brown and olive accents!
4. Abigail Marry & CBMF Sinatra CH
Two years in a row, Abigail Marry has impressed the voters (and judges) in her stunning sapphire blue hunt coats. This brilliant selection highlights her horse's unique blue eye, further uniting this strong pair as the complete and total package! The simplicity of her ratcatcher shirt in a contrasting white with subtle rolled piping on the collar and traditional monogram embroidery tie together the look, all while remaining traditional!
While the trend of black breeches has been increasing popular in the Morgan circuit, Abigail understood that it is still considered a bold and modern touch- keeping the rest of her outfit on the more traditional side. Which was a wise counter-balance and shows restraint! We applaud you, Abigail... both for your clean rides and the fashion choices that have awarded you the admiration of your fans and us!
Get this look! These stunning sapphire blue fabrics feature small print and high sheen!
3. Lauren Grace Rekis & Mendon Twist Of Fate 💛🏆 WINNER!
Lauren Grace Rekis impressed the crowed with both her impeccable rides and timeless fashion choices. In following the rule of 4's, Lauren has jazzed up her traditional plum jacket fabric with a distinct fawn-colored top collar and pocket piping, which skillfully matches her breeches to tie together the entire outfit.
For the last few years, we have watched the trend start to lean towards more traditional hunting fabrics (such a wool and wool blends) with accent details that are both eye-catching and modern. And, if we're being completely honest, we're REALLY relieved! In fashion, the "pendulum swing" refers to the periodic movement of fashion between extremes. For example, fluctuations between long and short hemlines, fitted and oversized silhouettes, and dressed-up and casual looks, and equestrian fashion is no exception. The last few seasons, we've seen the swing go so far towards bold and eye catching that, at times, it's gotten a bit much. Seeing these traditional suitings come back is a positive indicator of where we're headed.
Not only did Lauren choose impeccable pairing choices, she also chose to showcase her incredibly quiet legs and seat with a shorter length hunt coat. With a shorter length, you won't be left sitting on your vents, or have bunching in your upper thigh and groin area. This trend was originally made popular by horseman extraordinaire George Morris, and can greatly benefit a rider in both the equitation ring and in pleasure classes.
While we may usually think of pleasure classes as solely being judged on the horse's performance, it's important to remember that a "pleasurable ride" can mean many things: a horse and rider who are of suitable height pairings, a quiet youth rider on a mannerable horse with a lot of drive and impulsion, or a well turned out team. This makes this shorter length a skillful choice on her team's part, and is also why we include our Trainer Questionnaire when working with clients- your trainer may have some additional insight to further help us dress you!
Lauren also highlighted her natural waist with the belt piping, as seen below! This is another way to be trendy without being ostentatious. While we wouldn't recommend doing belt piping on every look, this was a brilliant choice in adding a pop of chic to a traditional windowpane fabric!
Get this look! These deep plum wool fabrics with plaid patterns are drool-worthy! You could accent any of the colors within the plaid to add a pop of striking color!
2. Carlee Veinotte & CBMF Aspirational GCH ❤️🏆 WINNER!
Carlee Veinotte is another rider that wowed the crowed with her high sheen, copper paisley fabric, all while showing restraint in the rest of her outfit. When choosing a jacketing fabric as bold and eye catching as hers it is always wise to leave the rest of your outfit as traditional as possible, and she has done this to an expert level. This golden brown tone beautifully accents the seal bay points of her horse's coat, showing that she has intentionally thought to compliment her horse's coloring instead of working against it. Far too often, we see rider's choose their personal favorite color that fails to do the overall picture of horse and rider together any favors.
Carlee also wears a fawn colored dickie that ties in the same light tone of her traditional breeches. Expertly paired with black boots, gloves and helmet, we couldn't be more excited that so many of our 2021nominees are sporting protective headwear, and doing it SO stylishly to boot! The Charles Owen hunt caps are one of my personal favorites because of their sleek head shape and subtle strap systems but safety is of the utmost importance. Helmets are cool, and the riders voted most stylish certainly get it!
One of the most common things we try to explain to our clients is fabric content. While pure silks are beautiful and have high sheen, they have their limitations. First and foremost, pure silk is one of the most notorious knock-off industries on the globe. You may find beautiful "pure silk" for $8/yard on eBay, but we can pretty much guarantee you that it's an imposter polyester blend.
What does this mean? Well a few things. First it's a very thin, woven fabric- so when looking for a clean, crisp tailored line on the arm, for example, you'll instead get a bunched and wrinkled silhouette. Secondly, should you at any point need alterations (either because you want it a little tighter than the maker provided for wiggle room, or because of growth or weight fluctuations), polyester or other manmade synthetic materials passed off as silk will leave behind creases that are hard to steam out... or worse, stitch marks. After all, polyester is a plastic based fiber, and so the threads themselves are damaged. A true natural fiber like a silk (or even more preferably, a silk/wool blend ) will be much more forgiving, and last you into many show seasons, and even resale.
Now yes, silk and silk/wool blends are going to cost you more per yard, but when weighing all your pros and cons, the cost often outweighs the faults. Carlee has clearly been educated on this and considered the cost/benefit analysis, because this garment is tailored to perfection, flatters her in all the right places, and will certainly carry its resale value when she eventually goes to consign it in the future. We applaud you, Carlee!
Get this look! These gold fabrics all feature a small pattern and high sheen with black undertones
What we'd pair it with? Absolutely nothing! We LOVE that Carlee let the fabric take center stage and speak for itself. However, if you wanted to add a pop of texture, wood buttons would be a great choice opposed to plastic or fabric covered!
1. Emily Enke & Newmont’s Miss Moneypenny GCH 💙🏆 WINNER!
Drumroll, please... We are proud to introduce this year's best dressed hunt rider of the Morgan Grand National & World Championship- Emily Enke. Every SINGLE detail of Emily's outfit has been meticulously thought out and balanced, coming off as both eye catching and modern without being gaudy or overdone. This level of attention to detail, all while remaining restrained, allows her beautiful horse's performance to take center stage- which, after all, is the entire point of a pleasure horse.
We recommend keeping the total colors of your entire outfit, head to toe, under 4 colors. What this means is that cap, boots, gloves, jacket, breeches, and shirt should all be limited to 4 colors total. Emily has done just that, and has done it exceptionally well. Emily's beige ratcatcher shirt, creme hunt coat, and taupe breeches set a beautiful 3 color framework for the rest of her outfit to follow suit. Her two toned brown helmet is matched precisely with both her breeches and with her boots and gloves. And- we can't forget to mention that we STAN a rider in protective headwear. If we had any say in this vote, we would have put her as winner on this fact alone.
All of this has been expertly done to complement her horse's beautiful chestnut coat, speckled with spots. While we've been told this is a new team, their cohesiveness and anything-but-green rides further proved their excellence, winning them a world title AND this year's best dressed title award. The judges and her fashion fans across the U.S. agreed, and for another year the people have truly spoken. We couldn't agree more!
Get this look! These ivory and creme fabrics all feature a small pattern, with varying levels of sheen. Ranging from subtle (left), to glittery high-shine (right).
What we'd pair it with? We actually LOVE that Emily chose to not accent her top collar or pockets with piping or suede, but should you wish to do her look a little differently, #4 or #11 would add a pop of brown into the jacket to further tie everything together.
We have been honored and humbled to host the Morgan Grand National & World Championship Best Dressed Hunt Riders vote for yet another year. If you were a top three winner, please DM or email us to claim your prize! Not only does this help us calibrate this year's trends, it helps us keep what you want in stock, all while honoring the riders who have worked tirelessly all year both in and out of the show ring. There were dozens of riders we wish we could all award and mention- you all looked so incredible!
Huge shout out to The Morgan Horse Magazine as well as The National Horseman and all their incredible, hardworking photographers for these photos! Last but not least, as we mention every year- we are always happy to help, whether you are a client of ours or not. What makes community and fashion great is its collaborative nature. As Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." We hope to always be what is happening, and help you STAY happening.
With love and admiration,
Bethea Alden Phelan
Owner at Alden Customs
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