Tommy Says “Tally Ho”

Fans of Fall 2012’s very popular equestrian look may want to check out the latest ad from designer Tommy Hilfiger to get some styling tips. This trend is showing up all over the fashion scene, but it may also be a little tricky to pull off without looking too staged, unnatural, or overly equestrian. What I mean is being dressed like you just jumped off a horse when everyone knows you live hundreds of miles away from a farm.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with my occasional posts on the quirky Tommy Hilfiger folks, I don’t wear the brand, but I am a fan of their advertisements. More specifically, the diverse group of models in the shoots I don’t know if this was part of the idea, but I find the ads to be very entertaining. Maybe I have too much time, a strange imagination, or just missed my calling, but I often like to create backstories for the models in the shoot.

The styling for both the male and female models’ outfits is right on for inspiration that the everyday fashionista can use. You may not want to mimic them piece for piece, but none of the outfits are overly done and the only real obvious dead giveaway for the equestrian trend is one of the models’ feet is perched on what appears to be a saddle. It’s entirely possible I could be completely off base and should have noticed some other detail or prop so feel free to chime in.

In fact, some of the garment detailing, like the blazers, button detailing, and extra accessories can pull double duty for the menswear look. Pieces like the jodhpur-like pants and the riding boots are also subtle enough to work other trends, like the ’20s or the aviator look. I do prefer more traditional colors like tan, brown, and black, but I have to say the red and this year’s very popular burgundy and navy also steer you away from looking too equestrian, pardon the pun.

In case you’re not equally fascinated by these ads but still want to keep up with tips for styling hot trends, count on me to keep you posted. I am dying to see what the Hilfigers will be up to and wearing as we move closer to the holidays, when they really get their fashion on.