From Boots to Bling: What to Wear for Horse + Rider Portraits

The lead-up to a portrait session can be nerve-wracking—but it doesn’t have to be! My best advice? Stick with what you already own and love.

The easiest way to look great on camera is to wear clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll feel—and that always shines through in your photos. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style. Don’t be afraid to play with tones, textures, layers, and accessories.

Outfit Options
Choose outfits that fit well, reflect your personal style, and allow you to move comfortably—confidence and ease always shine on camera. Show attire is perfect for highlighting your discipline, while well-fitted jeans with a crisp shirt or stylish top work beautifully for a relaxed, lifestyle feel.

Don’t be afraid to mix textures and layers, or add accessories that show personality—such as a belt, watch, scarf, or subtle statement jewelry.

Avoid anything too tight, too loose, or fussy to adjust, as you’ll be walking, sitting, and moving with your horse. Flattering, functional pieces paired with practical, horse-friendly footwear will keep you looking and feeling your best.

Neutral tones like black, white, grey, and beige are timeless and complement most horses. Earthy shades—such as browns, greens, and muted tones—create a natural look, while carefully chosen complementary colors can add a bold, cohesive pop.

Consider your horse’s coloring when choosing your palette:

• Chestnuts look great in blues, turquoise, deep purple, yellow, or dark green.
• Bays are striking when paired with red, royal blue, pink, deep orange, or purple.
• Blacks and Grays look amazing in most colors! Try red, purple, pink, and blue.
• Red and Blue Roans Red and Blue Roans can be tricky; try to match your horse’s undertone to avoid clashing. Shades of red for red roans, and shades of blue for blue roans.
• Browns and Duns tend to look best with deep blue, purple, blue-green, or black.
• Sorrels pair wonderfully with royal blue, dark green, emerald, and black.
• Buckskins shine with jewel tones, especially emerald, garnet or sapphire.
• Palominos are wonderfully versatile—try sage green, royal blue, chocolate, hot pink, most pastels, and cream tones.

Bold colors can be striking, but try to balance them—perhaps by coordinating your top with your horse’s polo wraps or saddle pad. If you’re unsure, add bright pops of color with small accessories instead of going all-in.

Final Details
Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Check your nails (clean and tidy!), remove band-aids, hair ties from your wrist, and take note of little things—the camera sees everything. If it’s a sunny day, consider wearing sunscreen. Want to feel extra polished? Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup. It can be a lovely way to make the occasion feel extra special.

I’d love to hear your style secrets. Do you have a go-to outfit or favorite look? What tones do you love pairing with your horse’s coat color? Share your tips or ask your questions below!

Featured photo by Ani Rain on Unsplash

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