How To Nail Country Chic Fashion, According To A Stylist
By
12 hours ago
It's time to pull on those wellies
Maybe it’s the rubbish weather, maybe it’s the overwhelming amount of plaid on the runway – or maybe it’s Claudia Winkleman, dressed in countryside garb in the Traitors castle. Whatever the reason, we can’t deny our wardrobe’s sudden craving for cosy (yet chic) country staples. We’re talking knitted jumpers, check trousers, wool socks and a sturdy pair of wellington boots – all the classics.
But tying together a country chic requires more than just a stray tweed blazer (and less than a full farmer get-up). Thankfully, we have all the intel on how to get that sweet spot…
Why Are We (Still) So Obsessed With Country Chic?
There’s something in the (British) air. And no, we’re not talking about the rain. This winter, we’re seeing Londoners take the streets in thick wool trench coats, wrist warmers, cable knit vests and chunky riding boots – a sharp cry from the city’s previous propensity for barrel jeans and Sambas.
It seems a sudden (and unusual) shift, but stylist Ali Lees tells us it was bound to happen sooner or later. ‘”Country chic” clothes have been worn for decades by country estate owners and farming families owing to their warmth, weatherproofing and durability,’ she says. ‘Fashion trends often draw inspiration from the past, providing a sense of comfort through nostalgia.’
(c) BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
But it’s not just the nostalgia factor that’s doing it for us this time round. Speaking to British label Joules, the stylist singles out TV host Claudia Winkleman as the perfect blend of country and town chic. ‘Claudia’s outdoor and indoor wardrobe for The Traitors varies, which is always great for providing extra interest to the viewers at home,’ she says. ‘Her indoor looks are more dramatic and focus on little details that pop on camera, such as velvet blazers with funky lapels, lace collars, pearl buttons and oversized cuffs.
‘For the outdoor scenes, meanwhile, she often wears wool tailoring with a modern twist coupled with practical wellington boots,’ she continues. ‘Her infamous cape-style jackets offer a distinctive silhouette that stands out well from the scenic backdrops, creating an image of Claudia as a leading figurehead. All of Claudia’s looks are well matched to her personality and facial appearance, a perfect mix of dramatic and girl-next-door.’
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
How To Wear Country Chic Fashion
First off, find your colours. ‘Stick to a palette of neutral and earthy nature-inspired tones and let the textures do all the talking,’ recommends Lees. These colours then come together in a layered process: ‘Look for oversized chunky knits or choose elegant cashmere layered over lady-like satin blouses. Then opt for a tailored coat or blazer in tweed or herringbone or try a more relaxed waxed jacket if that suits your personal style better.
‘Avoid looking like a pastiche in fancy dress by mixing up country-chic items with edgier, more contemporary pieces that work in an urban setting,’ she adds. ‘Think leather trousers or a short mini paired with chunky ankle boots.’
Lees also singles out five staples that will act as the building blocks of a country chic wardrobe:
The Long Coat
The crowning glory of any countryside-inspired outfit has to be the outerwear. (After all, this is an aesthetic built around life in the great outdoors.)
‘Outerwear is key when styling the country chic look,’ notes Lees. ‘The best option for a polished look is a long, tailored single-breasted wool coat in a neutral colourway; a classic staple. For more of an off-duty vibe consider a more relaxed option like a barn jacket or trench coat.’
The Blouse
‘For your top half a great choice is a blouse,’ highlights Lees. ‘These can be layered under jumpers or worn on their own for a more polished look. Try a satin pussy-bow blouse or a classic white shirt with interesting cuffs.’
The Knitwear Staple
As we said, layers are key to this look. And the best kind of layer here comes in the knitted variety. ‘Fair Isle jumpers and fingerless woollen gloves have a timeless appeal, which has helped the aesthetic cross over into mainstream fashion,’ explains Lees. ‘Historically, garments such as Aran jumpers and tartan kilts were chosen for their craftsmanship and regional or cultural significance. It’s this sense of stability and tradition that gives “country chic” its longevity.’
The Boots
Trapsing through fields in trainers? Not on our watch. ‘When it comes to footwear, classic green wellies are perfect if you love the outdoors,’ agrees Lees. ‘But if you spend more time in town, opt for some chunky black zip-up boots that hit mid-calf.’
Plaid Details
And if it’s some kind of print you’re craving, look no further than plaid. The rendition of plaid we know (and love) emerged in Scotland sometime in the 1700s, and continues to be widely associated with a refined outdoorsy setting.
‘Plaid is having a comeback and embodies everything country with a real highland feel,’ agrees Lees. ‘On the bottom half opt for a plaid skirt with thick black tights – alternatively, if a skirt isn’t for you, opt for some cigarette-cut trousers.’
Featured image: Joules
