I actually had/have an REI down vest and in November I bought the Dover brand one that’s on sale right now and it is surprisingly 100x warmer! It is also black and fitted so it can go with anything. Looks sleek!
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I’m going to be the lone dissenter here. February in DC can be BRUTALLY cold, not just chilly. It’s a pretty humid place, so with wind chill the air temperate can easily feel in the single digits and teens.
You want to look nice, but you also want to be dressed warmly enough to be an effective rider. Clinics have a lot of standing around and waiting for others to go.
A vest looks nice, but I would have a down / insulated jacket option on hand for sure. I grew up in Northern VA and I don’t think I ever rode in just a top and a vest outside in February unless we were getting a very lucky warm snap.
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Thank you! Will definitely have a jacket on hand, in case it’s raining/really windy and cold. Appreciate the insight about the standing still time!
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Polar fleece breeches, 'nuf said. I have a pair from sticky seat that has made me strip to a tshirt in 40 degree weather, so if it’s THAT inhumanely frigid (she who shivers violently enough to pull back muscles three times a year minimum) then you need polar fleece breeches.
I like vests also.
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Just to follow up, bought this reasonably priced vest from LL Bean and love it. Stretchy sides great for riding. Fleece-lined. Not too puffy but warm. “Sleek” looking at a reasonable price.
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Pretty!
If your extremities are heated, you’ll be sooo happy. Not just content. I also love the winter Roeckl gloves - life changing!
I also know people who’ve gotten some sleek headband that can go nicely over your ears and under your helmet. I’ve yet to try that myself.
Have fun!
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Yes I just got the Roeckl winter gloves. I’m so cheap and would normally never drop that kind of money on schooling gloves (“thats crazy, I could buy a perfectly function pair that make me look like a homeless man for only $8” -me) but holy moly are they warm, and feel like I’m wearing nothing
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My dad got me a pair for Christmas. I’d be hesitant to get a pair for myself because I thought they would be bulky, but I was SO wrong. They’re amazing. Well worth it. And, FYI, you can machine wash them (hang/lay flat to dry). They should last you a long time!
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I got a visa gift card from work and wanted to buy something frivolous so I bought these and a set of used escadron boots and am incredibly pleased with both purchases. I would also point out that they seem to be holding up really well. I don’t ride a ton of horses anymore (I ride 4-5x a week) but they look pretty pristine after a few months.
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My go to is Aisling Equestrian out of Sweden. Shipping is shockingly fast. Their high waisted breeches are comfortable and flattering (I think? Hahah), and everything’s true to size.
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Love these suggestions!
Oh man, I was eyeing those gloves the other night. I’m going to have to come up with some justification to buy them for myself! Glad to know you love them!
Are we related? Because this is so me.
Looks at hole in consignment store fleecy gloves. Decides they can be fixed, and buys them. (Narrator: They are still not fixed.)
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“$100 no way! I can make that” -Also me
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I recently bought two Smartpak sweaters for riding as I was too hot in my softshell jackets, but still needed something over the shirt. Love them, they’rethe perfect warm layer for winter riding. I’m very happy in these down into the 30s. They’re acrylic, not wool (bummer), but still very light and warm and super easy to ride in. I bought a large based on the size chart but they are a little loose (didn’t really shrink in the wash like I half expected) and I think maybe a medium would have been more flattering. Still very smart looking.
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Are they itchy against your skin?
When it’s cold but not horrible I like a silk long underwear shirt, an Under Armor mock neck long-sleeve shirt, and then a thick cotton or wool sweater with a thin wool scarf tied in the back. I also like vests (I have a down one that is lovely) but if you have several other people in your section it can get cold on the arms in a vest.
But I just like the neat and tidy look of a nice sweater. I have a few I save for schooling shows or clinics, with a long-sleeve polo underneath or the UA layer.
I think as long as you are wearing neat, fitted clothes you can move in, you are going to be fine. 
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Oiselle’s are the LEAST itchy that I have found - better than SmartWool and Icebreakers. I’m not going to say NO itch, but not uncomfortable. I am not a fan of other merino wool shirts as a base layer but wear their’s with no problem. And it keeps me so warm.
I like how sweaters look but they pick up so much hay and hair!
