How to Dress for the Countryside

Posted in Daily Outfits, Fashion.

If you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know I spent last weekend up in the Yorkshire Dales. Unfortunately, ‘The Countryside’ is a location woefully un-catered for by my wardrobe. When I rolled up at the sprawling stone cottage – reached by a mud track and surrounded by sheep – pulling a leather wheelie suitcase behind me, I was almost laughed all the way back to Leeds. Hmph.

But, despite initial appearances, I actually pulled countryside dressing out of the bag (figuratively and literally). After a couple of minor temper tantrums over the complete unsuitability of a leather pencil skirt, a dash round Primark and a generous package from Laura Ashley, I nailed countryside chic. Take a look…

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Wool jumper, Cos | Padded gilet, c/o Laura Ashley | Jeans, Zara (old) | Suede ankle boots, Esprit c/o Sarenza | Necklace, ring and hat, Primark | Bag, Zatchels 

Sure, keeping warm and staying dry is important, but I’ll be damned if you’ll catch me in a Pac-a-Mac and walking boots. Layering was key to my countryside look – a Uniqlo HeatTeach long sleeved tee under a Cos pure wool jumper kept me warm, while the Laura Ashley waterproof gilet kept off the slight drizzle. A knitted Primark hat put paid to windswept hair, and these cute Esprit ankle boots meant I could traipse over hill and vale without an issue.

Special mentions to my favourite jeans – I bought these Zara skinnies in the sale for £10 – and cheap and cheerful Primark accessories for adding a touch of colour to a neutral outfit.

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I wore this outfit for a day out in Hawes, a small town in the Yorkshire Dales close to where we stayed. It’s a lovely little place – all winding streets, quaint antique shops and, weirdly, groups of leathered-up bikers. There was a great craft fair happening when we visited and I picked up a load of vintage books for under a tenner.

What would you wear for a day in the countryside?

27 Comments

Jenn Willetts

Bn a yorkshire lass myself ( live in manchester now though)& having family in scotland, i am used to dressing for the hills. I too refuse point blank to don the wellies and waterproofs!
My Chelsea boots are my fail safe! (though need mending and by no means as beautiful as yours!), skinny jeans (no wet cuffs), cute top with a plain long sleeve tee underneath & my dorothy perkins duffle coat. bish bash bosh! (oh and a cute hat)

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WeShop

Jen, this looks great. But walking boots aren’t all bad! Fab for stomping across muddy fields and up mountains! xx

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Jen

Oh definitely! If I did any kind of serious walking I’d wear proper boots… but luckily we were far more low key 😉

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jennicampbell85

I love this outfit as it is practically my autumn/winter for both for work (as I can more or less where what I want) and casually. Every girl should own a gilet! I first developed my gilet obsession after going to New York and seeing all the manhattan girls in gilets long sleeve shirts and riding boots! I shamelessly copy that look almost daily! Lol
I need me a bobble hat though!

Jenni x

Bowsbanglesandbakes.blogspot.com

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Alice

That gilet suits you so much Jen, the shape is fab, usually all the gilets I have ever come across are just so padded and unflattering. I’ve loved reading about your countryside retreat xxx

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Jen

Thanks Alice! The gilet is great – they rarely suit me either but this one hasn’t got loads of padding in it so it’s quite slim and fitted. Much more flattering!

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Helen

I’d be useless at dressing for the countryside! I think I’d just stick some wellies on and hope for the best haha. You look perfectly countryside in this outfit though.

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Cruella Belle

I’m loving that hat on you! Yorkshire looks beautiful, although I think I’d panic at that much greenery- says the girl living in Wales lol!

Nat x

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whatemilydidnext.com

I actually come from a village about 10 miles away from Hawes, and still I’m terrible at countryside dressing. I either try to look stylish and end up with ballet flats full of mud and a patterned blouse that’s gone see through in the rain, or I just have to go all out and don the wellies and waterproof. Your attempt is very good indeed!

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