“Agree that the clip in nets with bows are terrible and should never be worn.”
That seems to be the general consensus here. Why is that? (In appearance) how are they any different from bun net cover that someone linked to on DE? Just curious.
It’s going to depend on the bow. I put on a full head hair net over a pony tail, a second elastic over the net doubling up the pony tail into a bin, and then secured it all with a low key black clip on bow. I have fine hair, the whole thing disappeared into the space between black helmet and black jacket collar. Probably the bow wasn’t really needed. BTW, pony club kids aren’t allowed any metal clips back there for safety reasons in case they fall.
Honestly nothing in competition gear is anything I’d choose to wear IRL. Tight white pants. Froofy bow on high necked shirt. Hair scraped back and giant helmet. Hairnet or bow. I think the main idea is to look as neat and tidy as possible while you are feeling hot sweaty anxious. And have hair immovable so no frizzies making you sneeze.
So yeah I wouldnt wear a giant clip on bow or bow plus Hairnet IRL but I have no opinion on how it looks in the ring because most of what you wear in the ring is unflattering and not in current style 
While I understand that dressing up can be fun, and that equestrian fashion is a profitable business, I suspect that 99.9% of judges are watching the horse and evaluating their steps and couldn’t tell you if a rider had a bow or even white breeches. On a busy day, the judge finishes writing comments while the next horse is already circling waiting for the bell. The judge might have time to swallow a mouthful of coffee and then they are on again. It requires ferocious concentration to judge dressage and fashion isn’t front and centre.
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I know someone who got a scalp laceration needing ten stitches from one of those bun clips when a horse caught the bun cover on some part of his bridle when the rider was pulling off a boot and yanked it upwards.
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Hey, check out the new thread on proposed fashion changes in US dressage! Dark breeches!!!
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We have the opposite problem with the forelock, way too much and a horse that hates to be fussed over. Bonnets have been a godsend since I just loop it up, messy bun style, and pop that bonnet on!
Person hair-wise, not sure if you have enough, but I braid two pigtails and cross and pin them behind my ear, then hairnet for wisps, the helmet. When my hair is longer, I’ll roll a donut bun, hairnet, then just plain velvet or satin scrunchie around the bun - takes away a lot of the bulk (and bling) from those bun clips!
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Uvex helmets are favorites among my friends, and I agree with deciding on the hair style before getting the helmet. I have two white Waldhausen show pads that are gorgeous and not too, too expensive. And no fake bling… except for the old beloved dressage pin on my stock tie. Good luck!
Regarding forelocks…I quit braiding mine decades ago. No judges seem to care, and the giant forelock on this pony would end up looking like a load of bread on his forehead.
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He wears a fly veil all summer long because he HATES flies in his ears. Hates them. Probably more than even me! 
So he won’t mind a nicer one for the horse shows. A talented braider will probably not be in the budget for most shows, and I’m pretty decent at it. My horse luckily has a cooperative mane…just a crap forelock.
I think I need to just go try on a ton of helmets and pick one that way. I have a long oval head and not everything works for me. Good to know I can generally get away with whatever fits best (barring glossy pink with unicorns on it). Not only do I live within an hour and a half of SmartPak, there is also a Dover storefront about 30 min away. I’m spoiled for choices on that front.
Holy fore-fringe! @Arlomine, I love him! Can I have a small lock of it to make an extension? My horse’s is, er, a bit lacking.
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