Horse + Rider:
Color and Styling Guide
The outfits you choose play an important role in creating timeless artwork you’ll love displaying in your home for years to come. My goal is not for you to look like someone else, it's for you to feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.
Choosing the right outfit colors and style to complement your horse can make a huge difference in the overall look of your photos. Deep, rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby work beautifully with darker horses, while softer shades like blush, lavender, and cream create a delicate, airy feel for lighter coats. Earthy tones such as olive, tan, and rust pair perfectly with chestnut or buckskin horses, adding warmth and harmony. By thoughtfully coordinating your outfit with your horse’s natural colors, you’ll create images that feel balanced, elegant, and visually striking.
Bay Horses (reddish-brown body, black mane/tail)
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Hunter green, navy, burgundy, cream, tan
- For a Pop: Teal, mustard, royal blue
- Avoid: Reds that clash with the coat
Black Horses
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Emerald, crimson, sapphire, lavender, white, silver
- For a Pop: Bright jewel tones, metallic accents
- Avoid: Solid black (horse + rider blend together unless adding texture/accessories)
Chestnut Horses (reddish coat, mane/tail same shade)
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Olive green, navy, cream, beige
- For a Pop: Turquoise, teal, cobalt blue
- Avoid: Bright red/orange (they’ll clash with the coat’s warmth)
Gray Horses
Best Rider Outfit Colors: Deep jewel tones (purple, emerald, ruby), navy
For a Soft Look: Blush, lavender, baby blue
For a Rustic Look: Olive, camel, rust
Avoid: Pale grays/whites that blend into the horse
Palomino Horses (golden body, white mane/tail)
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Royal blue, emerald, burgundy, cream
- For a Pop: Coral, hot pink, teal
- Avoid: Yellows that blend with the coat
Buckskin Horses (golden/tan body, black mane/tail)
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Red, turquoise, forest green, mustard, chocolate brown
- For a Pop: Black + gold combo
- Avoid: Beige/tan close to coat color
Pinto/Paint Horses
- Best Rider Outfit Colors: Choose colors that match one of the coat’s base shades (like navy with bay spots, or emerald with black spots)
- For a Pop: Teal, burgundy, mustard
- Avoid: Busy patterns (horse’s coat is already patterned)
White, Cremello, Perlino Horses
Best Rider Outfit Colors: Bold jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby)
For Soft Look: Blush, lavender, pale blue
Avoid: All-white (you’ll blend into the horse)
Finding an Outfit That Makes You Feel Beautiful
Dressing for your body and helping you feel confident!
Every rider’s body is unique, and that’s something to celebrate!
Your “body type” is less about size and more about where your visual balance naturally falls:
- Shoulders
- Bust/chest
- Waist definition
- Hips
- Legs
- Torso length
The goal is not to “fix” your body, it’s to create balance, comfort, and confidence.
Choosing Pieces That Make You Feel Beautiful
The best outfit is the one that allows you to feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself. These tips are simply suggestions to help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully.
If You Love Defining Your Waist:
Suggestions:
- Wrap tops
- Wrap dresses
- Belts
- High-rise jeans
- Tucked shirts
- Tailored jackets
Why:
- Creates shape
- Looks polished
- Photographs beautifully
If You Prefer More Coverage:
Suggestions:
- Long cardigans
- Open jackets
- Vests
- Layered outfits
- Flowing fabrics
Why:
- Adds dimension
- Creates movement
- Feels comfortable
If You Want to Add Shape:
Suggestions:
- Structured jackets
- Belts
- Fitted sweaters
- Clothing that skims your body
Avoid:
- Extremely oversized clothing that hides your natural shape
If You Love a Romantic Look:
Suggestions:
- Flowing dresses
- Lace details
- Soft fabrics
- Movement in sleeves or skirts
Choosing the Right Fit
The best outfits for portraits are often those that create a beautiful balance between comfort, movement, and timeless style.
Choose Clothing That Fits You Well
The most flattering pieces are typically those that gently follow your natural shape without feeling restrictive.
Look for:
Clothing that skims your body
Pieces that have some shape while still allowing you to move will photograph beautifully. Clothing that is too tight can limit your movement and make you feel uncomfortable, while clothing that is extremely oversized can sometimes hide the beautiful details of your outfit.
Structured pieces
Jackets, vests, tailored button-downs, and fitted sweaters can add polish and create a timeless equestrian look.
Layers that add dimension
Adding a jacket, cardigan, scarf, or vest can create visual interest and give you variety throughout your session.
Pieces you can move in
Your session may include walking, sitting, interacting with your horse, and moving naturally together. Choose clothing that allows you to relax and enjoy the experience.
Create Shape & Balance
If you love highlighting your waist:
- Try a tucked-in shirt, wrap style, belt, or high-rise jeans.
- Look for pieces that create a natural shape without feeling overly fitted.
If you prefer a more relaxed silhouette:
- Consider flowing layers, longer cardigans, vests, or dresses with movement.
- Soft fabrics can create beautiful, romantic images.
If you love a classic equestrian style:
- A fitted jacket, button-down shirt, tall boots, and timeless denim create an elegant look that never goes out of style.
Avoid Pieces That Distract
Your relationship with your horse is the focus of your images, so we want your clothing to complement that rather than compete with it.
Consider avoiding:
❌ Large logos or graphics (unless this is a branding shoot)
❌ Neon colors
❌ Very busy patterns
❌ Clothing that requires constant adjusting
❌ Extremely trendy pieces that may feel dated over time
Most Importantly...
Choose something that feels like you.
The best photographs happen when you are comfortable, confident, and present in the moment with your horse. Whether you choose a flowing dress, your favorite jeans and boots, or a classic equestrian look, the most important thing is that your outfit allows your personality and your connection to shine.
My goal is not to make you look like someone else!
Rider Styling Options
Shirts / Tops
Fitted Button-Downs / Blouses:
Elegant and classic. Works well tucked in for a polished look.
Great for all body types; creates clean lines.
Fabrics: cotton, silk, or lightweight linen for airy photos.
Fitted Sweaters / Knit Tops:
Soft textures photograph beautifully; perfect for autumn/winter sessions.
Slim-fitting styles elongate the torso; slightly oversized styles work for relaxed, cozy shots.
Wrap Tops / V-Necks:
Flattering for those with a fuller bust; draws the eye upward.
Creates elegant, flowing lines in motion photos.
Layered Shirts + Jackets:
A well-fitted blazer, vest, or jacket adds sophistication.
Layering works for all body types — gives dimension and depth.
Shirts & Pants / Jeans Coordination
Fitted Dark Jeans + Jewel-Tone Top:
Classic and elegant for fine-art style.
Dark jeans balance bold colors like emerald, sapphire, or ruby.
Neutral Tops + Colorful Bottoms:
Cream, beige, or soft gray tops pair beautifully with patterned or jewel-tone skirts or pants.
Monochromatic Look:
Matching shades (e.g., cream top + tan pants) elongates the body and creates a soft, cohesive image.
Accessory Ideas
Belts: Define the waist, add structure.
Scarves or Neckwear: Adds color without overwhelming the horse or outfit.
Hats / Riding Helmets: Coordinate colors; ensure clean lines in profile shots.
Think About Your Home
When selecting your outfit, think about where your finished artwork will live. Timeless colors and classic styles create pieces that you will love displaying in your home!
Suggestions:
- Neutral colors blend beautifully with home decor.
- Classic styles age well.
- Choose something you will love looking at 10 years from now.
A Final Note
Take a deep breath and enjoy this process.
Come ready to have fun, make memories, and celebrate the incredible relationship you share with your horse.
I’ll take care of the rest. I cannot wait to create beautiful artwork that tells your story.