How to Dress for the Countryside

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…

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.

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?