5 Fashionable Ways to Be Noticed Instantly In the Show Pen
As owner and fashion consultant of Show Me Again, the leading horse show clothing consignment business in the industry, as well as Dazzling Designs, a limited-edition show clothing company, I hear a common complaint among my customers. How can I stand out in the show pen? With Christmas being right around the corner I can’t think of a better time to start contributing to www.GoHorseShow.com with my point of view.
Since I work daily with the best custom and off-the rack designers in the industry, as well as show-women of all levels and breeds, I will show you 5 easy ways to immediately polish yourself and gain instant respect as a showman from both judges and those watching in the stands.
1. Color
2. Fit
3. Style
4. Details
5. Confidence
Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories.
COLOR
First and most importantly COLOR is the key element to your horse show wardrobe and must flatter both you and your horse. Do not simply choose your favorite color or buy the latest trend when choosing the color scheme for your clothing. Although difficult, it is essential that you consider your horse’s coloring first as very little of your face or coloring shows in the pen. It is necessary for you to see the color with your horse’s coloring as computer monitors are not always exact. When buying clothes online make sure there is a generous return policy, as with Show Me Again’s 7 day return policy. If you are looking to buy show clothing as a gift, consider a gift certificate as these are available in any monetary amount you choose, and with the ever-changing inventory on www.showmeagain.com the recipient will be sure to find exactly what they want.
FIT
Proper fit is essential in the show pen. With all the different body shapes and types, it is extremely rare that any item off-the-rack fit like it was custom made. If you haven’t already found a reputable seamstress in your area, I suggest doing a little investigative work. Alterations are usually very easy to do, relatively inexpensive compared to having something custom made, and can make a night and day difference in your appearance. Loose or ill-fitting clothing just looks plain sloppy, as do panty lines and bra bulges. Body-shaping undergarments are essential no matter what your size and the best on the market are available at www.showmeagain.com. We also provide detailed descriptions and measurements on all listings, which is a key feature when determining fit. Additionally, the Undercover label by Melinda Gillette is available exclusively at Show Me Again. Melinda’s pieces are all brand-new, one-of-a-kind, are simple to alter and offered at a fraction of the price of a complete custom outfit. Most come with hundreds of extra crystals for small touch-ups after alterations are complete.
STYLE
Although it is important that you keep abreast of the latest styles and trends in the show pen, it is not essential that you force yourself to fit into one of these categories. Let’s face it; not everyone CAN or SHOULD wear the latest rage in fashion. Find a style that is flattering to your figure, keeping in mind that dark colors minimize while light colors emphasize. The judge will be looking at you for just a few moments from a distance, so small details will get lost. Vertical patterns and stripes lengthen and minimize while bold horizontal patterns shorten and broaden. Your silhouette and color will carry your overall look. (See Color and Fit Above.) Remember that trends come and go, but good taste is always in style. Show Me Again specializes in selling high-end clothes from the best designers in the industry and have excellent working relationships with them. We know our customers are very selective and we will only sell clothes that are of current styling and clean. We sell NEW and PRE-OWNED horsemanship shirts, showmanship outfits, vests, shirts, and chaps, as well as select brands of English hunt coats, shirts and breeches.
DETAILS
The overall picture you present is what will get you noticed, and it is important to pull all the small details together in order to achieve this. A clean, well groomed horse with polished hooves, makeup, bands and tail is the first step. Additionally, clean, proper fitting tack and a coordinating, tightly woven saddle pad is essential. These details are often overlooked and play a very important role in the presentation of your horse to the judge and audience. Many times I’ve noticed a knock-out outfit, only to have been distracted by white legs covered in dirt, un-shaven muzzles or ears, sloppy or missing bands, an un-brushed tail with an obvious tail extension, or a saddle that sports black silver. Saddle blankets play an important role in pulling together your outfit with the horse’s coloring and you should not skimp in this area. You will also find high-end, custom show saddles, show pads, show headstalls and show halters at Show Me Again.
CONFIDENCE
Finally, regardless of what you may be feeling inside, your body language should portray trust and confidence in your horse. Sitting back with your chin up, shoulders back and arms straight will show everyone that you are sure of yourself and your horse, even if the ride is not going as well as you planned. Your sportsmanship-like behavior toward other exhibitors, spectators and the judges determines your character and respecting your horse will command attention from all who are watching. Confidence comes naturally when you feel good, and you will feel good about yourself after shopping at Show Me Again because you know you will be buying high-quality, current show clothing at an excellent value with unbeatable customer service. By following these 5 simple guidelines every single one of you will be noticed and respected as a showman instantly.
Wendy Habighorst is owner and fashion consultant of Show Me Again, the leading horse show clothing consignment store in the horse industry, as well as Dazzling Designs, as limited-edition new horse show clothing company. You may visit her online store at www.showmeagain.com, or email her your fashion questions directly at [email protected] and they may be featured in a future article.
