It's Official: The Horse-Girl Boot Style Will Be Popular This Fall

      When I arrived in Copenhagen last weekend, just before the city's fashion week commenced, a friend suggested we check out the royal horse stables. After enjoying a breakfast platter, we noticed that most stores were closed on Sunday. Only in Copenhagen, a city I often describe as delightfully whimsical and incredibly charming, would interacting with a title-holding horse be considered an alternative to shopping. Unfortunately, the horses were also on a break, as we learned they were on holiday and would return shortly. It wasn't until I attended The Garment's Spring/Summer 26 show, hosted right outside the royal stables, that I finally saw them frolicking on the grass. The show notes mentioned, "A serene path behind my garden in Charlottenlund leads to the horses. From my terrace, I view them in the early light, symbols of spring, space, and a slower pace of life. In the city, near my office, I’ve long been enchanted by the royal stables. It required patience to secure this venue for the show, but it felt appropriate, quietly significant." The runway showcased looks that were a dream for any horse enthusiast: riding boots paired with snug pants, dainty white dresses adorned with ruffles, and combinations of riding boots with bandanas, blazers, and crochet bags.

      Later in the week, horses were a theme once again, this time at Baum und Pferdgarten's show, which was also held in horse stables, though a bit removed from the city center. Creative directors Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave expressed, "We were inspired by the striking color-blocking and purposeful silhouettes of jockey attire—so bold, so functional, and instantly recognizable. Equally captivating were the guests, styled to be noticed from all angles. That interplay between performance and spectacle provided a rich basis to delve into character, contrast, and everything in-between." Their collection prominently featured riding boots, many noticeably tucked into oversized, billowy trousers. The look was very jockey-inspired yet also reflected contemporary trends, as oversized silhouettes are currently making a comeback thanks to the resurgence of boho chic.

      I also observed a model at OpéraSport who sported tall riding boots tucked into large cargo pants earlier in the week. While many claim that flip-flops dominate footwear in Copenhagen, and they were indeed spotted countless times on the runway and streets among attendees, it was the riding boots that struck me as the prominent footwear of the moment.

      The flip-flop summer has indeed been enjoyable, and I've appreciated wearing my Old Navy pairs regularly, but they aren't the most practical for fall and winter. This is where riding boots come into play. I believe we are on the verge of seeing the same crowd that revitalized flip-flops embrace a horse girl aesthetic as the temperatures drop. The two styles of shoes are quite different—except that they both signify a particular lifestyle. Each is associated with a distinct type of person engaged in specific hobbies and activities. Flip-flops are for beachgoers seeking something that can withstand the sand and surf. In contrast, riding boots are for equestrians needing durable footwear that can endure the outdoors. When worn outside their usual context, both can inject a hint of whimsy into an outfit, as the styling often suggests the wearer isn't a surfer or an equestrian. But that's part of their charm! They bring contrast to an ensemble. Will this fall belong to the horse girl? I believe so! All you need is a good pair of riding boots and some wide trousers to tuck them into, although they will also look great on their own. You won't find yourself missing your flip-flops, I assure you.

      Shop riding boots below.

      Reformation

      Nancy Knee Boot

      Larroudé

      Anne Boot in Black Leather

      Jil Sander

      Burgundy Riding Tall Boots

      Sézane

      Bridget Knee Boots

      Massimo Dutti

      Leather Riding Boots

      Anonymous Copenhagen

      Semih Vegetable Tanned Calf Black

      TOTEME

      The Riding Leather Knee Boots

      Madewell

      The Adalai Knee-High Boot

      Reformation

      Nancy Knee Boot

      Staud

      Harlow Leather Knee-High Boots

      MANGO

      Knee-High Leather Boots

      Polo Ralph Lauren

      Calfskin Tall Riding Boot