Burghley is one of the highlights of the eventing calendar, and it comes with its own dress code of tweed, wax jackets and tall boots - with just enough polish to carry you through dressage, cross-country and showjumping without a single wardrobe malfunction! Here's our guide to getting the look right, with a little help from the Country Collection.
The Burghley Style Principles
Country heritage: Tweed, wax and tailoring are the backbone of Burghley style. It's built on generations of country dressing and it never goes out of fashion.
Practical elegance: You'll be on your feet all day, crossing grass, gravel and the odd muddy patch. Function has to earn its place alongside fashion.
Weather-ready: Sunshine, showers and everything in between, sometimes all in the same afternoon. Layers aren't optional, they're essential.
Wardrobe Staples
Outerwear
A tweed jacket or wax jacket earns its place for the cooler mornings, and a fleece gilet like the Alan Paine Alysham fleece layers over almost anything without weighing you down. If the forecast is unpredictable, a quilted jacket gives you warmth without the bulk.
Tops
September can go either way, so build from a good base. A fine knit jumper in a muted tone works alone or under a jacket, and a crisp shirt layers well underneath.
Bottoms
Skinny jeans or slim trousers in navy, chocolate or black are the easiest option for a long day on your feet. If you want something with a bit more Autumn character, a tweed skirt or cord trousers are worth a look.
Footwear
Practicality comes first. Now isn't the time for a new pair of boots you haven't broken in. Suede or leather country boots are the classic choice, or reach for wellies if the ground looks soft. Whichever you choose, it's worth treating them with a waterproofing spray before you leave the house.
Accessories That Finish the Look
Headwear. A flat cap or fedora adds that signature country finish and keeps the weather off your face.
Belts. A leather or suede belt cinches in a jacket or dress and adds a bit of polish for very little effort.
Bags. A crossbody in a medium size keeps your hands free for cross-country day, while carrying everything you need. See the range here.
Shop the full Country Collection for everything you need to get the Burghley look right, whichever day you're heading down for.
