Military Boekelo
What to wear to Military Boekelo? The GENTS guide to smart country
By GENTS Stylist
Every year in the first weekend of October, the estate near Boekelo becomes the epicenter of the eventing world. At Military Boekelo-Enschede, the world's best riders compete in dressage, cross-country and show jumping, and at the same time it is one of the Netherlands' largest business meeting places. Being seen and seeing others is part of it.
The dress code is written nowhere, but everyone knows it: smart country. Refined, but made for the outdoors. In 2026, GENTS itself was at the Military, and this is the advice we gave most often there.
The foundation: a blazer with character
Start with the blazer. On the Military you'll see primarily tweed, herringbone and check in earth tones, green and blue. A tweed-look blazer immediately looks right at home and is warm enough for a crisp October morning.
Pair it with a chino in sand, olive or a subtle check, or with wool trousers if you prefer something more formal. A shirt with a neat collar in white or light blue keeps the whole look sharp. A pocket square in a warm tone completes it.
Layers against the October wind
You're standing at the Military for hours outside, and the weather in Twente changes by the hour in October. Work with layers, therefore. A gilet under your blazer provides warmth without making you look bulky, and when the sun breaks through you wear it loose over your shirt. A fine-knit sweater under the blazer is a good alternative.
For the cold moments along the cross, pull a wool jacket over it. Choose a length to mid-thigh: long enough against the wind, short enough to move easily.
Shoes that can handle grass
Cross country running takes you over grass, sand and gravel, and after a rainstorm, that's no catwalk. Leave patent leather shoes and light colours at home. A loafer in brown, cognac or green is perfect for smart country: polished enough for the Business Club, relaxed enough for a day outdoors. Brown leather lace-up shoes or brogues work well too. A belt in the same shade as your shoes keeps things understated.
Tip: if you choose suede, spray your shoes with a water-repellent product the evening before. That way they'll look just as good on Sunday as they did on Thursday.
From the cross to the Business Club
If you're heading to the VIP Business Club or Night-Fair in the evening, a more formal approach is appropriate. A suit in charcoal, grey or navy with a white shirt and tie is always a good choice. If you want to wear the same outfit during the day and evening, opt for a blazer that can also be worn with trousers in the same fabric and keep a tie in your inside pocket.
Unsure? Better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. At the Military, a well-fitting blazer always makes a positive impression.
Back to Military next year?
Military Boekelo-Enschede is held every year in the first weekend of October. Start preparing your outfit in good time, especially if you want any alterations made. In our stores, our stylists will help you find the right size and the perfect combination, so you can head to Boekelo with complete confidence.
Unsure about your size? Use our sizing guide or consult our stylists in one of the 19 stores.
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