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A grand debut: the equestrian wardrobe codes at Fieracavalli Riding by the Sea

Fieracavalli Riding by the Sea debuts this year with its first edition, taking the world of horses beyond the confines of the fair and onto the seashore, with a new dress code inspired by the charm of English lawns and grand country estates, where sculptural hats and tailored suits have defined an authentic contemporary dress code.

The encounter between beach and horses has deep roots: in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, races have been held on the sand since 1845, with the low tide of August evenings and the Doñana marshes as a backdrop; in Deauville, the racecourse overlooks the English Channel; in Laytown, Ireland, the shoreline becomes an official track once a year.

Fieracavalli Riding by the Sea continues this tradition and brings it to the Adriatic, in Porto Sant'Elpidio, from September 3rd to 6th.

The equestrian dress code originated on English estates and found its most rigid form at Ascot. The beach-worthy precedent, however, came from Goodwood, where in 1906 Edward VII appeared in a linen suit and Panama hat instead of the classic morning coat and top hat. A relaxed rigor that was also suitable for warmer climates: this is the same winning formula that inspired Riding by the Sea.

For man, the key word is therefore structure, without rigidity.

The suit remains the staple, with a change in fabric—linen and cotton blends instead of worsted wool—and palettes—powder blue, beige, and sage green. The blazer remains the iconic piece of clothing on English polo fields: the same one a young Charles, Prince of Wales , wore on the sidelines at Cowdray Park before taking to the field wearing his Maple Leafs jersey. The same formula, in an updated version, was chosen by his son Harry, overseas at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in Aspen, pairing it in sand with light-colored trousers.

The jacket is therefore unstructured with two buttons, the shirt is white or thinly striped, with a classic or mandarin collar – short sleeves under the jacket are banned. Straight trousers, never skinny. On the feet, clean-lined sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, or suede shoes in tan and cognac.

Details add character: polka dots, paisley, and regimental patterns on the tie or pocket square. The look is rounded off with a hat: a woven toquilla straw Panama or a lightweight fedora, for an instant Goodwood feeling.

For her, the secrets are clean silhouettes and measured elegance.

The headpiece is the center of gravity of feminine equestrian elegance, where the reference image remains the wardrobe designed by Cecil Beaton for Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. But those who actually ride horses have updated the code without betraying it: Charlotte Casiraghi , a competitive rider and Chanel ambassador, paraded on horseback in a tweed jacket for the fashion house, demonstrating that tailored structure holds up even in the saddle.

The dress remains the king of choice, long, midi, or knee-length, never too short or too tight. The style that captured the imagination on screen remains Julia Roberts 's at the polo match in Pretty Woman : a brown and white polka-dot dress, belted waist, and matching wide-brimmed hat, designed by costume designer Marilyn Vance. Polka dots also graced Nicole Kidman and Priyanka Chopra at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, while Kendall Jenner , at the same event, chose a floral mini dress, opting for a pastel print: the same chromatic logic—aqua, sand, earth—applied to the open-air wardrobe.

An undisputed style icon, it's impossible not to mention her: even Diana, Princess of Wales , chose a sky blue midi dress with gold buttons and pleats for the Cartier International Polo Match, proving that tailored details—structured shoulders, contrasting collars—are never excessive in a casual setting like a polo field. Still on the subject of royalty, Kate Middleton was perfect , choosing a long gingham dress for her return to the Royal Charity Polo Cup, which works perfectly on the sidelines.

For your feet, choose loafers, Friulane shoes, slingbacks, sandals, and low or medium heels. Accessories with style: a small bag, minimal jewelry, and lightweight gloves for those who dare.

There's also a Mediterranean twist, and Piazza di Siena is its undisputed focal point: in 2026, the Roman equestrian competition celebrated the centenary of its inclusion in the international calendar of the International Equestrian Federation, attracting a veritable audience of VIPs, from Checco Zalone to Maria De Filippi, Fabio Fazio, and Filippo Magnini. It's no coincidence that it was here that Matilde Gioli , the event's patron, chose a long white broderie anglaise dress, the perfect embodiment of the sartorial lightness that the Italian climate demands.

Riding by the Sea will bring this same spirit to where the racecourse borders the sea: on one side, jackets, hats, and appropriate footwear; on the other, sand, salt, and horses make everything more spontaneous and casual.