Inspired by Betty Draper’s picture-perfect riding habit from the preview of next week’s Mad Men (last few seconds of video), I’ve gone in search of equestrian themed clothes and accessories.
The jacket, of course, is paramount. It should be simple and fitted, three or four buttons.
Not too literal, but still captures the feel. Banana Republic, $150
Usually, nobody does “equestrian” like Ralph Lauren. But he seems to be off his game with the new fall offerings. Way over the top.
A bit too Trophy-Wife-At-Her-First-Riding-Lesson for my taste.
This is better, but you can probably find something similar for less than $159.
Mini-bit links necklace from Talbot’s, $58.
The good news is that riding boots are still hot and decent ones are easy to find.
Geox “Ascot” boot, $259.
Franco Sarto, $198.95.
A slim riding pant is a nice touch, this one from Lauren by Ralph Lauren is $89.50.
But as with any “inspired” look, it’s best not to get too literal.
The Pony Club girls will giggle when they see you wearing these to the supermarket.
Pickings are still a bit slim; I’ll revisit the stables again once more of the fall styles are available online.
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Funny, I was just looking at riding boots yesterday. Great minds and all……thanks for bringing me down to earth on the jodphers, though. I was seriously considering a too literal version. LOL
I loved Betty Draper’s flawless riding ensemble. However, the actress sort of bugs me. Maybe it is how perfect she always looks. Actually, if I was going to emulate a look from MadMen it would be the red hot secretary, Joan. But, I do love the horsey goodies you found. And, I am definitely in the market for some riding boots.
LBR – I think the idea of the character of Betty Draper is that she works hard to live up to the image of the “perfect” Executive’s Wife. But yeah, no one would want to look that laquered for real. Joan I could’ve done twenty years ago, but at my age that overtly va-va-voom just comes across as pathetic. 😉 Hold off on those riding boots if you can; I’ve seen a few pair that are even better but aren’t online yet.
cindy – yeah, the knee patches actually serve a specific purpose when you ride (cushioning and to help grip the saddle). It seems kind of superfluous to me on pants that will never see a saddle. But then I’m not a hardcore fashionista, nor do I play one on TV. YMMV.
I’ve never been able to pull off this look but I love it on other people. I was very obsessed with riding pants and shiny, shiny boots this summer, oddly, after seeing a horseback-riding NYC cop looking awesome in them. Very sexy!
As an ex-equestrienne I love the look…but prefer it around the paddock, not on the street…unless you actually just came from the stable.
Predict a huge influx of Mad Men styles, doing same thing for early 60s that Annie Hall did for baggy mens wear (appeals, then jumps shark). Last evening at the train station I saw a 25 year old woman in tight kick-pleat skirt, sweater and pocket-square neck scarf, with a train case! The only thng that interfered with the MM look was her lank, sliced over-highlighted hair, way too current.
Really like the pants on bottom but not with peer-toe pump, yeccch.
I think you should sign up for this! http://www.kpequestrian.com
Pure class.
Seriously I love this look, it is suprisingly flattering but without a horse I would look a bit sad.
Re: Mad Men 8/10
Getting into cars.
Saw the talent’s wife get into the car with Don Draper headfirst. Were not women taught to get into cars bottom first, and then swing legs around? This made me nuts. But then of course the rest of the episode was more disturbing.
But can someone confirm for me that this is what women did? I know I was taught in the 60’s to sit first then swing around, so as not to have your behind up in the air so much. Or was it a choice to show that she was of a certain class?
Love the blog and am inspired by it. Biscuitx