Building Your Driving Outfit

One of the questions I regularly asked is, "How do you put together your driving outfits?"

I should start by saying that there are many ways to create a beautiful turnout, and everyone develops their own style over time. I certainly don't claim to have all the answers, but I thought I would share the process I use when putting together a carriage driving outfit.

For me, building a driving outfit isn't about buying the most expensive clothing or following the latest trends. It is about creating a harmonious picture where the horse, vehicle and driver all complement one another.

When I begin planning an outfit, I don't start with the jacket or the hat. I start with the vehicle.

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In my opinion, the vehicle is often overlooked when people begin selecting their outfit.

I like to look at the carriage itself and consider its style, colour and upholstery. Is it a formal turnout or something more country and traditional? What colours are already present?

Once I have considered the vehicle, I then look at the horse and harness. Together, these form the foundation of the overall picture I am trying to create.

> My Apron Comes Next

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was that your apron is not simply part of your outfit—it becomes part of the vehicle.

When you are seated in the carriage, the apron visually blends with the upholstery and is viewed as part of the overall turnout.

For this reason, I always consider my apron carefully. I like it to complement the upholstery rather than compete with it. If the carriage has burgundy upholstery, I may look at aprons that incorporate burgundy or complementary tones. If the carriage is more traditional, I may choose a tweed or wool apron that suits the style of the vehicle.

For me, the apron helps tie the whole picture together.

> Then I Choose My Jacket

Once I have selected the apron, I begin looking at jackets.

I tend to favour classic styles and colours that won't date. Tweeds, navy, charcoal and black can all work beautifully depending on the vehicle and horse.

Fit is incredibly important. A jacket needs to sit comfortably when driving and allow plenty of movement through the shoulders and arms.

One thing I always look for is how the jacket sits when I am actually seated. I personally prefer jackets that don't ride up through the body or gape open between the buttons. A jacket may look lovely when standing in front of a mirror, but carriage driving is done sitting down, so that's where I think the fit really matters. I often sit in a chair or, if possible, the carriage itself when trying on a jacket to make sure it maintains a neat, flattering shape.

In my experience, a well-fitted jacket will always look better than an expensive jacket that doesn't fit properly.

> Hats Deserve More Thought Than People Realise

One thing I have learnt over the years is that most of us choose a hat by looking in the mirror from the front.

However, judges rarely see us from that angle.

More often than not, they are viewing us from the side while we are seated in the vehicle. Because of this, I always try to consider the side profile of a hat before making a final decision.

The shape of the brim, the height of the crown and how the hat sits on your head can all influence the overall balance of your turnout.

Whenever possible, I like to take photographs from different angles while sitting in the carriage. It is amazing what you notice when you see yourself as the judge sees you.

> The Finishing Touches

Once the main pieces are chosen, I look at the smaller details.

Gloves are important for both presentation and practicality. They improve grip on the reins and help complete the turnout.

I then consider shirts, scarves, ties and accessories. I prefer accessories that add interest without becoming the focal point. A lapel pin, brooch or subtle detail can add personality while still maintaining a traditional appearance.

Footwear is selected with both safety and presentation in mind. It needs to be comfortable, practical and appropriate for the overall turnout.

> Dress for the Vehicle

Not every outfit suits every vehicle.

A formal vehicle generally calls for a more formal turnout, while a country cart or traditional vehicle often pairs beautifully with tweeds and softer country styling.

The goal is not to draw attention to any one element but to create a turnout where everything appears to belong together.

> Remember the Horse is the Star

One of the principles I always come back to is that the horse should remain the focus.

As much as I enjoy putting together a driving outfit, my goal is never for people to notice my jacket before they notice my horse.

The outfit should enhance the turnout, not dominate it.

> My Final Check

Before entering the ring, I like to step back and look at the turnout as a whole.

I ask myself:

* Do the colours work together?

* Does the apron complement the upholstery?

* Does the hat look balanced from the side?

* Is the outfit appropriate for the vehicle?

* Does everything create a harmonious picture?

If the answer is yes, then I know I am close.

At the end of the day, this is simply the process that works for me. Others may approach it differently, and that is one of the lovely things about our sport. There is room for personal style and interpretation while still respecting tradition.

For me, a beautiful driving turnout is one where horse, vehicle and driver come together as one balanced, elegant and cohesive picture.

"The best driving turnouts are those where every detail has been thoughtfully considered and nothing looks out of place."