5 ways to style the Winklmayr horse charm at the Durban July
The one accessory that captures the spirit of Country Allure — and how to wear it
The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July theme is "Country Allure" — a celebration of equestrian heritage, rural elegance and bold South African femininity. And if there's one accessory that was made for this exact moment, it's the Winklmayr Horse Charm.
Handcrafted in South Africa from genuine exotic leather, the horse charm is more than a decorative trinket. It's a conversation starter, a nod to the thoroughbreds thundering past the grandstand, and the kind of finishing touch that takes a great outfit to extraordinary. At R 999, it's also the most accessible entry point into the Winklmayr world — and one of the most versatile pieces in your accessories wardrobe.
Here are five distinct ways to wear it on race day, from understated to show-stopping.
1. Clipped to your bag strap — the classic move
The most obvious way to wear the horse charm is also the most impactful: clipped directly onto the strap or handle of your race day bag. The charm swings as you walk, catches the light, and draws the eye in exactly the way a Durban July look demands.
The pairing: Clip it onto the strap of the Vegas Black Ostrich Leg Leather Micro Bag for a high-contrast, editorial combination — the black ostrich texture against the charm's blue and brown leather with its red tassel is a colour story that photographs beautifully. Alternatively, attach it to the handle of the Lilibet Red Ostrich Leather Tote for a bolder, more maximalist statement that fully leans into the Country Allure spirit.
Styling tip: Position the charm near the base of the handle rather than the middle — it hangs better and catches more movement as you walk.
2. On a belt loop — the unexpected detail
Country Allure is a theme that rewards those who think beyond the obvious. Instead of wearing your charm on a bag, try threading it through a belt loop for a Western-inspired, effortlessly cool touch that very few people will have thought of.
The pairing: This works best with the Women's Ostrich Leather Belt — the charm clips neatly to the belt itself or the loop, creating a layered leather-on-leather look that is deeply on-theme. Pair with a flowing midi skirt or wide-leg trousers for maximum effect.
Styling tip: Wear the charm on the left hip, slightly forward of the buckle. It draws the eye to your waist and adds movement to every step. Choose a colourway that either matches your bag or deliberately contrasts it — both work.
3. On a chain necklace — jewellery-level elegance
The Winklmayr horse charm is sculptural enough to hold its own as a jewellery piece. Thread it onto a long gold chain and wear it as a statement pendant — it bridges the gap between accessories and jewellery in a way that feels uniquely personal.
The pairing: This look works beautifully with a deeply V-necked dress or a sleek blazer with a low-cut top. The charm nestles at the sternum and becomes the focal point of the entire outfit. Pair with the Sophie Green Ostrich Leather Evening Bag for a curated, editorial ensemble where every detail speaks to craft and nature.
Styling tip: Use a chain that sits at 70–80cm (the base of the sternum) rather than a shorter length — it gives the charm room to move and be seen. A simple gold belcher or box chain keeps the focus entirely on the charm itself.
4. Pinned to a jacket lapel — the race-day power move
The Durban July is the kind of event where a well-chosen lapel detail can define your entire look. The horse charm, pinned or clipped to a jacket or blazer lapel, is a refined, fashion-forward choice that whispers rather than shouts — and that's exactly where true elegance lives.
The pairing: A tailored blazer in earthy tones — camel, olive, warm charcoal — provides the perfect canvas. This is particularly strong for those leaning into a more structured, Country Allure "Jockey Club" interpretation: sharp tailoring softened by the handcrafted, organic charm. Carry the Lottie Light Brown Crocodile Leather Crossbody to complete a look that is all about quiet luxury and textural contrast.
Styling tip: Pin the charm at the very tip of the left lapel, point facing upward — it's a more intentional placement that reads as considered rather than casual. A simple safety pin through the strap keeps it secure throughout the day.
5. Attached to a clutch wrist strap — the evening upgrade
As the day rolls into the evening hospitality suites and the last races thunder home, the horse charm earns its place on a sleek clutch. Thread it through the wrist strap of an evening bag for a detail that catches the indoor light and keeps the equestrian spirit alive long after the horses have left the track.
The pairing: The Sophie Green Ostrich Leather Evening Bag or any of the Winklmayr clutch styles carry the charm beautifully on their wrist loops. The contrast of the polished evening bag with the rustic, handcrafted charm is exactly the kind of tension that makes a look memorable — refined but never boring.
Styling tip: Let the charm dangle freely from the wrist strap rather than clipping it tightly. The movement and the sound of the leather as you gesture adds to the sensory richness of the accessory. It's a tiny detail that people standing close to you will notice — and they will ask about it.
The charm, the theme, the moment
Country Allure is a theme about authenticity. It's about honouring the land, the sport and the South African story — while doing so with elegance and intention. The Winklmayr horse charm, handcrafted from genuine African exotic leather by a family that has been doing this for generations, carries all of that in a single small object.
At R 999, it's the most wearable piece of that story you can own. And at the Durban July — where fashion is as much about meaning as it is about aesthetics — that matters more than you might think.
Shop the Winklmayr Horse Charm →
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The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July takes place on 4 July at Greyville Racecourse, Durban. Order by 28 June for delivery before race day.
Winklmayr Leathercraft. Handcrafted in South Africa from genuine African ostrich and crocodile leather.