Ask the Fashion Pro

Q. : Hi, Wendy. My new trainer wants me to ask for approval of every piece of show clothing I purchase. What do you think about this practice?

A. We get it. There’s a certain picture your trainer wants you to present, especially in events like horsemanship and showmanship, and rightly so, particularly if your trainer is a carded judge. That picture he or she has in mind extends to your attire, and that means caution probably can’t be thrown to the wind when show clothes shopping. So the age-old “I need to get trainer approval before I buy” element of shopping is just part of the process for many riders, and many times we agree it’s a necessity. But just like in the hit show, Say Yes to the Dress, sometimes your opinion is the one that matters most.

THE REASONS BEHIND THE RULE

The trainer’s reasons for requesting approval are logical, and even more so when it comes to experienced trainers. They’ve seen it all, including client wardrobes that are not suitable for the event, the horse, or the rider. Speaking of which, if you’ve made

poor choices in the past, you must pay the piper and ask permission to assure the outfit looks as good as you think it does. Unfortunately, some show clothes salespeople will tell you a garment looks amazing in their zeal to sell it, even if it’s not the right fit or look for you, so your trainer has probably experienced that situation, too.

Your trainer also knows your flaws and areas of needed improvement as a rider. For example, are you told constantly to get your leg back or to keep your hand or arm still when executing a pattern? Your trainer won’t want those areas emphasized, so you may be asked to choose a piece that has no bling on the wrists to deemphasize motion, or to maintain a dark color from head to toe to keep leg position less prevalent. You might tend to drop a shoulder in horsemanship, so the design will get vetoed unless it’s symmetrical. We’ve even seen instances of exhibitors being asked to change their entire wardrobe after changing to a new trainer. It’s a complex issue because you might be switching

Ask theFashion Pro

trainers to step up to a world show level, and perhaps you weren’t dressing the part before. The new changes in attire might be necessary to jump up another level or two (or three).

THE AWKWARD ASPECT

Sometimes, however, the change in attire is personal preference for the trainer, and that unfortunately can mean you have to adhere to a dress code your trainer finds appropriate for him or herself (i.e. – black head

Ask theFashion Pro to toe in every event, etc.) because your performance is truly a representation of that trainer and his or her program. On the other hand, a trainer who is more open-minded about his or her own attire is more tolerant of more color or something trendy yet still appropriate. While it’s hard to judge ourselves and be sure what we love is the best choice for our body, we also know what feels amazing when tried on, and the balance of trainer approval vs. client wishes can get sticky. We regularly see clients from the same barns shopping, and one will get approval when purchasing yet the other client doesn’t hesitate. Don’t forget an inexperienced exhibitor or parent might want help choosing by the professional they are paying, especially if they are learning what is appropriate for each event. Another may have developed a relationship with a trainer over time to learn what the trainer finds acceptable, or together they’ve developed a style for that exhibitor. That scenario may simply mean the client realizes it is her money and knows the trainer trusts her judgement.

Knowing all this, what should you do? Learn why your trainer has the preferences he or she does, because following some basics might allow you freedom to experiment in other areas, ie – your trainer wants you in a black base, but doesn’t mind color on top of the base, you CAN have that turquoise color you’ve always wanted if you choose wisely. Shop with reputable vendors and designers who focus on customer service and your best interest rather than sales pressure. Follow your heart, like the happiest brides do when choosing their dream dress. The first rule of thumb with show attire is that you should feel great in your show clothing. If you feel fabulous, you tend to show well. All that being said, it is your money in the overall picture, but finding a balance starts with educating yourself, shopping with the right businesses, and always reaching for your dreams, including the clothes on your wish list. You’re always safe to shop with us, with a 7-day no-risk trial period that provides time for trainer approval, or simply the chance to see yourself in your mirror in exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. Wendy Brown of Show Me Again is the

Four-Time Winner of the PleasureHorse. com’s Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best Show Clothing Consignment Store. Wendy graduated William Woods University in 1999 with a degree in Business Administration and Equestrian Science. She continued to show horses throughout college and after graduation, earning multiple AQHA AllArounds, Superiors and a Performance Championship as well as numerous topten placings at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA World Show Today, Wendy her two daughters reside in Scottsdale, Arizona where she is a busy mom and entrepreneur, sharing her passion for fashion and textiles and horses to maintain and grow Show Me Again as the widely popular establishment that it has become today. www.showmeagain.com