May Fashion: Equestrian Inspired
Saddle up in style
Photography by Lisa Staff + Styled by Bailey Gilliam
This spring the spirit of the Lowcountry rides into town with a bold Western twist. With equestrian-inspired fashion galloping to the forefront, we headed to Moss Creek Equestrian Center to see where rustic meets refined. Think buttery leather, wide-brimmed hats and tailored silhouettes that whisper Southern sophistication with a side of frontier grit. We’ve wrangled up pieces from local boutiques to show you how to infuse your wardrobe with a little horse sense — blending cowboy confidence with Lowcountry style. From floaty, trail-ready ensembles to statement boots made for more than walking, these looks are equal parts runway and ranch. So go ahead, channel your inner cowgirl, and bring a little country swagger to your coastal life.
Haute to trot
Paige Rose keeps it classic and cool in a bold navy-and-white shift from Currents, so chic beside her four-legged friend, Wish. It’s stable style with a twist — easy, breezy and unmistakably polished.
Mane attraction
Shannon McMasters brings breezy elegance to the barn in this flowy, tropical-print maxi dress from S.M. Bradford Co. Paired with her golden companion, Piggy, the look channels Lowcountry glam with just the right touch of equestrian charm. It’s laid-back luxury, straight from the stable runway.
Stylist: Ready to ride
Lasso some style with these three fits, handpicked from local boutiques that know a thing or two about fashion with flair. From embroidered horseshoes to denim classics and pint-sized pony prints, these looks put a fresh spin on equestrian chic. Whether you’re headed to the stables or just channeling your inner cowgirl, these outfits are styled to stirrup some attention.
Ain’t my first rodeo
Rugged, refined and ready to ride. Outside Hilton Head brings the classic cowboy look into the now with an embroidered button-up, timeless denim, beaded earrings and a leather-detailed belt. It’s Western wear with main-character energy.
Giddy up
A little bit lucky, a whole lot stylish. This Island Girl look gallops ahead with a tank top embroidered with a horseshoe, a matching necklace for double the charm, a crisp white denim jacket, an embroidered belt and breezy rustic pants that tie it all together. Equal parts effortless and equestrian.
Horsin’ around
For the littlest rider with the biggest personality, Island Child delivers a colorful dress covered in prancing ponies, topped off with tiny cowboy boots. It’s sweet, spunky, and ready for every barnyard adventure.
Fashion Finds
Whether you’re riding off into the sunset or just heading to brunch, these curated picks from local boutiques will help you build the ultimate equestrian-chic capsule wardrobe. No saddle required — just a little country spirit and a whole lot of style.
1. Saddle up
Every cowgirl needs denim, and these distressed shorts from The Haven Boutique are just the right blend of tough and tailored. Slightly rugged, totally wearable and made for warm-weather wanderings.
2. The Wild West
This isn’t your granddaddy’s plaid. With bold, vibrant hues and a crisp silhouette, this button-down from Spartina 449 brings Western flair into the modern day. Perfect for pairing with jeans or tossing over a sundress.
3. All dressed up
Florals, but make them frontier. This eye-catching dress from Southern Tide draws inspiration from classic cowboy bandanas, blending punchy colors with a flattering, feminine cut. Giddy-up glam at its finest.
4. Corporate cowgirl
Boardroom meets barn in this polished Lovlei Ranch jacket from Maggie & Me. With a subtle print and easy structure, it captures the “coastal cowboy” aesthetic with understated confidence. Yee-haw, but make it executive.
5. Little cowboy
Even the tiniest cowhands need gear.
This T-shirt from Island Girl features horses Charley, Butterbean and Pout — the perfect trio to spark a love of ponies and playtime adventures.
6. Yee-haw
A white striped denim jacket with just enough edge. Think cowgirl classic meets city chic — a wardrobe staple that rides the line between rugged and refined. Available at Palmettoes.
7. A little bit country
Cowboy cool with a summer twist. This button-down from Outside Hilton Head features embroidered motifs and breathable fabric, making it the perfect go-to for sun-soaked days and breezy nights.
Get the look: From head to hoof
Gallop into great style with accessories that channel the spirit of the West — no horse required. From bold cow-print claw clips to wide-brimmed hats and boots made for walkin’, these equestrian-inspired picks blend rugged with polished practicality. Whether you’re wrangling your to-do list or heading out on the town, these pieces add just the right amount of Western edge to any outfit. Giddy-up, fashionistas — the frontier never looked so chic.
Tip your hat
Start at the top with a cow-print claw clip for a wild hair day done right, throw on a pair of leather-accented sunnies that whisper luxe outlaw, and finish it off with a classic cowboy hat worthy of a Western movie poster. Find your flair at Brims on the Bluff (1), Eyeland Optique (2), and Brims on the Bluff (3).
In the bag
Who needs a saddle when you’ve got bags like these? Think fringe, embossed leather and rustic-chic hardware that scream “wanderlust with style.” These carryalls are built for the long haul — and turning heads. Available at Maggie & Me (4) and Brims on the Bluff (5).
In the loop
Buckle up, cowgirl. These Western-style belts are the ultimate waist-whittling wonders, featuring ornate buckles, weathered leather and just the right amount of shine. It’s the detail that ties it all together. Available at Island Girl (6) and
The Haven Boutique (7).
Made for walking
Stomp, strut or saunter — just do it in style. These equestrian-inspired kicks feature buttery leather, strong soles and Western accents that say, “I might ride horses, but I definitely run the show.” Saddle your feet at Outside Hilton Head (8),
Brims on the Bluff (9), and Maggie & Me (10).
