From Paris to Milan to New York City, fashion girls everywhere are frantically texting their sales associates—and all but breaking down doors at Chanel boutiques—to get their hands on Matthieu Blazy’s first collection to hit stores.
Out of all the items in the new creative director’s debut for the house, it’s the pony hair footwear that’s got everyone in a tizzy. From speckled pony hair flats to turquoise-tipped pony hair mules, VICs are losing their minds for the lineup—and there’s no doubt this foreshadows the fuzzy material as a key player in 2026’s spring trend lineup.
Like so many others, I really leaned into faux fur this winter, and as the weather warms, I’ve slowly begun bidding my heavy furs farewell, damning them to their off-season home (my parents’ garage) for storage until winter rolls back around. Their absence temporarily left a glaring hole in my wardrobe, until I stumbled upon the perfect transitional outerwear piece to ease my ensembles into spring.
Cue the dreamiest chocolate brown bomber from H&M, a steal at just under $75 in the most expensive-looking pony hair I’d yet to see from a mall brand’s offering. I even snagged the matching midi skirt, and though I’ve yet to style the complete set, I’ve worn the jacket again and again, getting compliments each and every time.
(Image credit: Bella Gerard)
Regardless of what you call it—I’ve heard pony hair, calf hair, haircalf, and a half a dozen other names in the mix—pony hair is a perfect spring swap for my wintery furs, as it’s significantly more lightweight, without sacrificing texture or intrigue.
I’d made a commitment to go all in on pony hair this season, long before I realized it would become a major trend (I suppose that foresight makes me good at my job, doesn’t it?).
By the time the girls started fighting in Chanel boutiques over Blazy’s fun footwear, I didn’t have to scramble. Instead, I’d already amassed some stellar pony hair footwear, including a new pair of Reva ballet flats from Tory Burch and an older, well-loved pair of leopard-printed pony hair flats from Prada. Sorry, Matthieu! My pony hair flats roster is full!
(Image credit: Bella Gerard)
That said, I’ve only got one or two pairs of pony hair heels, so I aim to snag a few more. While I love the look of pony hair outerwear, accessories are definitely a more affordable way to get in on the look, not to mention the variety in styling opportunities. I’ve noticed brands like Schutz, Cult Gaia, and Black Suede Studio betting big on the material, especially when it comes to utilizing patterns like deer print, leopard, and zebra.
Tory Burch
Reva Ballet in Multi
ZARA
Leather and Fur Ballet Flats
Prada
Double Strap Genuine Calf Hair Mary Jane Flat
COS
Animal-Print Pony Hair Effect Leather Loafers
Black Suede Studio
Bella 100 Mule
Schutz
Harriet Mid Mule Animal Print Leather Sandal
KHAITE
Mia Zebra-Print Calf Hair Pumps
That isn’t to say I don’t dream of a full lineup of pony hair outerwear, though. If someone wants to lend me a cool $5.5k for this Tory Burch pony hair coat, I’d gladly take it!
My H&M bomber feels like a lucky find, but I can guarantee even more options will be hitting the market shortly now that the trend nears peak recognition.
H&M
Short Jacket With Collar
Tory Burch
Calf Hair Coat in Brown
RAILS
Haisley Jacket – Cowgirl
Reformation
Veda Celine Jacket
St. Agni
Fawn Minimal Leather Jacket
And of course, pony hair bags are another great accessory option to consider. I picked up a spotted pony hair bag at Zara last winter, and I never dreamed of getting so much use out of a patterned, textured purse. As a result, I have my eye on Ferragamo’s zebra pony hair Hug bag next.
Styling subtle printed pieces as neutrals really is the best way to rock this trend when it comes to patterns. Especially when you take a cue from Blazy’s famed flats, which boast a mix-and-match combo of two different spotted pony hair prints. Apparently, more is more!
Khaite
Simona Shoulder Bag in Persimmon Haircalf
Reformation
Hannah Shoulder Bag
Tory Burch
Small Pierced Calf Hair Handbag
TOTEME
T-Lock Mini Calf Hair Clutch
Salvatore Ferragamo
Hug Handbag Bicolor
Cult Gaia
Osa Spotted Shoulder Bag
MANGO
Zebra Hair Leather Toiletry Bag
Coach
Plaza Bag in Upcrafted Haircalf With Cow Print
Brandon Blackwood
Nia Bag
That said, textures and prints don’t have to be intimidating. If you need to ease in a bit, I suggest starting with the most low-commitment option: a pony hair belt. I fell in love with this zebra style from Tibi when it first came out. A pop of print is ideal for elevating an all-black outfit, or even spicing up your usual jeans and a white tee.
Tibi
Classic Pony Hair Leather Belt
Gap
Tiger Print Calf Hair Belt
Aureum Collective
No. 14 Belt
J.Crew
Calf Hair Belt in Leopard
COS
Animal-Print Pony Hair-Effect Leather Belt
The moral of the story here? Fear not the shedding of your winter fur, for pony hair is here to fill the void of textural intrigue left in shearling’s wake. Oh, and don’t feel like you need to get the It Item of the moment. The craze will die down, and at that point, the cost-per-wear on my Tory pony hair flats will be down to mere dollars. Just how I like it!