Bella Hadid Is Reclaiming The “Horse Girl” Aesthetic
BRB, out buying cowboy boots!
When you hear the term “horse girl,” chances are there are a few pretty distinct — and stereotypical — images that initially come to mind: Specifically, a braces-bedecked tween girl with her hair in braided pigtails whose favourite movie is Spirit. At one time, to be called a horse girl was kind of a diss. But, that couldn’t be further from the reality (also, Spirit is a cinematic masterpiece, so take that back); because horse girls are officially back — and they’re cooler than ever. Look no further than model, style icon and cowgirl, Bella Hadid, and her take on western style.
Having relocated to Texas in the past year and going all-in when it comes to the country-western way of life (Hadid is literally dating an IRL cowboy and horse trainer Adan Banuelos), the past several months have seen Hadid put the horse girl aesthetic on the sartorial map in a pretty big way. As of late, she’s been spotted in a perfectly-creased cowboy hat while ringside watching her BF ride bulls, rocking cowboy boots while promoting her new fragrance Orebella, and most recently, popping up at New York Fashion Week literally atop a horse.
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But her NYC foray was far from the first time Hadid has been spotted putting the good ‘ol Yee-Haw into her style. The model’s equestrian-inspired looks first started making an appearance online in February of this year, when the model shared some BTS of her life down South. Sharing a photo of her casual, everyday attire, Hadid was pictured wearing an embellished top and brown striped button up tucked into high-rise dark denim. The model accessorized with some perfectly worn-in cowboy boots, a chunky brown belt, and head-to-toe silver accessories, from her hoop earrings down to her silver spurs (with her name engraved on them, obviously).
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Later that same month, on February 16, the cowgirl shared a throwback to her October 2023 birthday party. The model — who turned 27 — held what appears to have been an intimate dinner inside a stable (which is, quite honestly, the dream).
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For her bday party look, the Bella Hadid cowgirl vibe got the Hannah Montana treatment, effortlessly blending her former glam and newer country aesthetic; pairing a vintage Plein Sud denim top with a black wide-brimmed cowboy hat, and the Diamond Baguette Pave Pinky Ring from Shay Jewelry.
Then in March, Hadid donned a similar cowboy hat, paired with a sparkly brown tie top and black leather pants while supporting her BF during a competition.
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On July 15, Bella Hadid once again showed off her cowgirl-chic street style, stepping out in New York City in a pair of distressed RE/DONE shorts with a printed tee from Moth Apparell (featuring the sweetest little doe!), and paired with brown cowboy boots from Texas-based handmade shoe store ML Leddys.
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But arguably Hadid’s biggest argument for the chicness of the horse girl aesthetic was during the most recent New York Fashion Week, which the model attended with boyfriend Banuelos, as part of the promotion for Windows to the West: Horse Sense, a short film series starring Banuelos. On September 11, the pair were spotted walking the streets of the Big Apple hand-in-hand. For the occasion, the Orebella founder once more turned to vintage to channel her country-western vibes, wearing a vintage Roberto Cavalli Spring 2002 brown leather corset top, paired with a denim midi skirt and vintage Dior cowboy boots
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And the next day, Hadid showed off her riding skills on the streets of Manhattan’s meatpacking district in an archival SUSAMUSA western shirt, and denim from horse girl-approved brand HAALA Denim. Hadid accessorized the look with suede fringed chaps (chic!), a black cowboy hat, and rings from Texas-based jewelry brand Bunkhouse Designs and Shay Jewelry.
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Granted, Hadid’s update on the horse girl trend is a minor one, but that’s really what makes it work. Hadid is now officially a Texan and she, unlike many of us fashion girlies trying to emulate the aesthetic, is actually an IRL cowgirl. In-between the glam shots of her in NYC and celebrating her birthday, Hadid has proved that her everyday and barrel-racing looks aren’t only stylish but also kind of functional. She got the scuff marks to prove it! It adds an air of authenticity to her look that is largely missing from the rotating door of trends we see every season. (Plus, we love that she’s continuing to support smaller, Texas-based brands!).
Whether or not you’re actually living in Texas (which, given the recent laws around bodily autonomy, might be a big h*ll no), the updated horse girl vibes proves that we could all use a bit Yee-Haw in our outfits — horse not included.
