The essential guide to nailing Burghley style

If you’re wondering what to wear to Burghley Horse Trials this year, I’m sure you want to look fabulous. You want to feel good about your selfies at the Leaf Pit and Cottesmore Leap. But you also have to walk across ridge-and-furrow fields for eight hours in whatever the British weather condescends to throw at you.

Dressing for Defender Burghley Horse Trials is an interplay between style versus survival – let’s break it down and look at some outfit ideas.

Looking the part

It may be a country event, but the splendid Elizabethan centrepiece that is Burghley House calls for a touch of class.

“Burghley has always stayed true to its heritage and that’s exactly what makes it so special,” says Jade Holland Cooper, who launched her eponymous fashion label from a horse trailer at equestrian events in 2008. “It’s a real occasion and people love to make an effort. Events like Burghley have naturally developed their own sense of style and almost their own dress code.

“For me, a beautifully tailored blazer, premium denim jeans, great boots and classic accessories will always be the foundation of a Burghley look.”

Jade tips tweed as being especially suited to the late summer/early autumn vibe and it features heavily in Holland Cooper’s Burghley Edit.

“Our tawny palette perfectly captures the season, bringing warmth, depth and effortless versatility to every wardrobe,” she says. “Tweed remains at the heart of the collection and a tweed blazer is the ultimate forever piece – a true investment in timeless British style.”

LeMieux’s head of product design Sarah Gibson also favours autumnal hues.

“We tend to see a shift towards colours that capture the essence of the season,” she says. “Think warm, earthy tones and sophisticated neutrals that feel like a natural transition away from the brighter shades of summer.”

But Ariat’s product manager Hannah Law says times are a-changing – perhaps as we cling on to the summer heatwaves.

“Burghley has always been associated with effortless country style, but this season there is a real appetite for something bolder and more individual,” she says. “As we move into autumn, brighter colours are helping lift the mood, with people mixing confident shades and statement pieces into their traditional country wardrobes.”

Prepare for all seasons

It’s all well and good being dressed in seasonal hues, but the practical side of England’s weather patterns necessitates a more pragmatic approach that goes beyond colour.

A visit to Lincolnshire in September has the potential for blazing sunshine, light showers and heavy downpours – the weather can be hard to predict so it’s best to prepare for all eventualities.

September mornings and evenings have a definite chill – not to mention a heavy dew. Even without rain, what works at midday may be completely wrong at 7.30am when you arrive to beat the traffic and walk the course.

A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential, even if you hope never to need it – there are plenty of stylish options that won’t wreck your overall look.

“People forget how unpredictable the weather can be,” says Sarah. “They dress for the day but forget that the early mornings and evenings are often much cooler than they expect.”

And don’t think you’ve got your outfit nailed simply by checking your weather app.

“The biggest mistake is dressing for the forecast rather than the reality of spending an entire day outdoors,” warns Hannah. “Even if a September morning starts off cold, all that course-walking – not to mention the endless shopping – can build up an unexpected sweat fairly quickly.

“Be prepared for more than one eventuality. You may experience chilly starts, bursts of sunshine, the odd shower and plenty of walking across grass, gravel and uneven ground.”

But a miserable forecast doesn’t need to wash out your look. As Jade says: “True style is looking effortlessly polished while being ready for whatever the British weather has in store.”

The importance of layering

The simple solution to changeable conditions is layering.

Rydale’s Laura Forsyth advises: “The forecast is never accurate, but if you layer up, you will be ready for any weather. Also, be comfortable from head to toe – there’s a lot of walking to do.”

But layers shouldn’t mean starting out like the Michelin Man. Too many layers not only look scruffy and unflattering, but will mean you overheat and lose mobility. But with Jade’s advice to start your look with a well-cut tweed blazer, you can combine chic with practicality.

“A tweed blazer is the foundation of transitional dressing – effortlessly layered over lighter looks in warmer weather and knitwear as the temperatures drop,” she says.

If you’re going for a more casual layered look, Laura recommends: “Fleece gilets and quarter-zip jumpers in classic navy, country olive green and rich dark burgundy – these look great with a soft blue or soft pink shirt.

“Striped, gingham or patterned ruffle collar cotton shirts are also popular. The sleeveless ones are a treat on a hot, sunny day, but the long-sleeved version is always popular.”

The fruit that this layering brings is flexibility, says Sarah. “Layers are essential, but it’s also worth having a waterproof outer layer and weatherproof footwear as a back-up.”

An unlined, lightweight wax jacket, such as Dubarry’s Delaney and Larkfield jackets are a popular choice for Burghley, being “ideal for this transitional weather”, says the clothing and footwear company’s Elsa Russell.

Suitable footwear

Footwear should never be an afterthought – it’s possibly the most important item of all as regards affecting your enjoyment of your day at Burghley. The saying “no foot, no horse” could equally apply to humans, as anyone who’s tramped round the cross-country course in the wrong shoes can vouch.

Dubarry offers plenty of options, from trainers to country boots, advising that footwear “is one area where it’s worth spending more, if you’re going to be on your feet all day in the countryside”.

“Our waterproof trainers – the Curragh for ladies and Kempton for men – have both been incredibly popular,” says Elsa. “Autumn horse trials can involve a lot of walking, and visitors are often caught out by heavy showers and changeable weather. A good pair of lightweight, waterproof trainers is essential – comfortable enough for plenty of walking, while keeping your feet dry when the ground and weather turn wet.

“If the weather is cool, damp underfoot or raining, the most essential item is a good pair of country boots, our Galway being the standout choice. They’re ideal for a day at Burghley, offering the comfort and protection you need while still looking smart.”

Style needn’t be compromised.

Sarah tips LeMieux’s Bramshaw Chelsea welly as a good option.

“It’s smart, incredibly comfortable and, importantly, functional and will keep your feet dry when the weather or ground isn’t forgiving,” she says. “A great pair of wellies can pull an entire outfit together.”

The finishing touches

Stamping your Burghley outfit with your own style is the final flourish. Whether it’s tweed, pink gingham or a great cowboy hat you bought on holiday in Argentina, choose something that makes you feel special.

Hannah suggests a Western twist to the classic country look.

“Classic staples such as lightweight knits, cotton shirts, jackets and quilted gilets remain key, but they are being refreshed with a distinctly Western flair,” she says.

“Think bold shirts, colourful layering pieces, statement belts and well-cut denim styled alongside familiar country silhouettes. It is about being braver with colour, texture and styling, and breaking away from the usual mould while keeping the look practical, polished and easy to wear from sunrise to sunset.”

A practical accessory can also add a touch of individuality.

“A hat is essential: either a felt fedora for extra warmth or a lightweight, waterproof soft hat if the forecast is looking particularly changeable,” suggests Elsa.

Of course, it’s a horse show in the middle of a field – albeit some of Britain’s parkland – not a fashion show. There is no dress code as such, though you’ll notice that on Sunday for the final showjumping phase, people tend to dress a little smarter. Even the photographers in the main arena will be wearing jackets and ties.

And if you do want a bit of a catwalk vibe, make sure you get down to the first trot-up, where the riders really dress up and show off their style for their moment on the runway.