Guest Post: Rydale Clothing
In the UK, we have an incredibly stylish reputation. From a history of designer fashion and incredible high-street options, British style has always been at the forefront. When it comes to fashion, we’re mostly associated with one style: the classic British country look. Worn amongst royals and the higher classes originally, now it’s much more affordable, accessible and available to everyone.
We are home to everything you need for dressing in classic country looks. From tweed jackets to jodhpurs, riding boots to fitted shirts, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about getting that British country look in one place. We’ll look at the key items needed for both men and women in their country wardrobe with some additional styling tips thrown in to help you out along the way.
Men
When it comes to men’s fashion, it can be hard to know which trends are in or out but most of the time, men’s clothing stays relatively the same. There might be colour trends or new patterns emerging, but the main clothing items tend not to differ. Let’s take a closer look at the key items you need in your wardrobe to achieve that classic, country look. We’ve rounded up our top ten favorites so keep reading!
A checked shirt: Whether it’s gingham or tartan, any check goes! You can keep it simple in a classic white and navy style or experiment with some color. Go for short-sleeved shirts during the summer and switch to a longer sleeve when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Our shirts are fitted to ensure they are perfect layering items. If it’s a little colder outside, stick on a crew-neck jumper over the top before adding your jacket.
A fleece: Again, you can choose from an overhead style, a full zip or even a gilet-style fleece , whichever you feel most comfortable in. We recommend having a gilet for the summer and a long-sleeved fleece for the rest of the year, especially when early mornings aren’t quite as warm.
A wax jacket: Although you’ll probably make more use of a wax jacket during the autumn and winter months, it’s always useful to not pack it away during warmer weather as a ‘just in case’ item. Buy one in a neutral color, such as black or brown, so that it goes with the majority of your wardrobe.
A tweed blazer: Whilst a wax jacket is a little more casual, a tweed blazer jacket can be used for those occasions where you need to dress up a little smarter. Most tweeds are intertwined with a bright colored thread which you can pick up on and highlight with other items, such as shirts and shoes!
Jeans: Straight-leg jeans, like our Rupert Straight Leg Jean, are the perfect companion for any shirt, top or jacket. You should definitely own a dark-wash pair as these are the most versatile of all shades. They can be dressed down with trainers and a fleece or dressed up with a shirt and a blazer. A light-wash pair look great on casual occasions during the day, especially in spring and summer months.
Chinos: Another staple that can be dressed up or down. You can wear these even more during the summer when jeans feel a little too thick. A classic beige pair will see you through all seasons but a light grey pair are perfect for the summer.
Boots: Although it’s not boot weather currently, they are still an essential for any country-look wardrobe. You might be best opting for an ankle boot when it’s warmer as they tend to be less restrictive. We love a tan pair of boots during the summer and a brown pair during the winter but both colors are meant for all year round!
Brogues or deck shoes: If you’d rather not wear boots, brogues or deck shoes are a great alternative. If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to take you from the office to an evening out, brogues will be your best bet. Picking a neutral shade again gives you maximum versatility. On the other hand, deck shoes are a more casual shoe and look great paired with jeans or chinos. They’re also great during the spring and summer as a change to trainers or sandals.
Wellies: No countryside wardrobe would be complete without a pair of wellington boots. Because of our glorious British weather, we have rain all year round and wellies are a necessity to countryside living, whether you’re a farmer by trade or you just live there! They’re especially great for dog walks because they’re so easy to clean when you get back home!
A waterproof jacket: A pair of wellies during the rain are not complete without an equally waterproof jacket on top. You might prefer a thinner cag-in-a-bag style when it’s warmer and then opt for a thicker, padded jacket when it gets colder.
Women
Don’t worry ladies, now it’s your turn! A woman’s country look is always put-together and chic but also comfortable. You always want to look like you’ve put thought into your outfit but not too much! You’ll find many country-style staples below for women are similar if not the same as the men’s version. It’s all about putting your own, feminine twist on the outfit!
Patterned shirt: Whether it’s checked, polka dots, stripes or even horse print, there really is a style for everyone. You might also prefer a fitted shirt but you could also opt for a looser fit, perfect for summer outings. Tuck your shirt into a pair of skinny jeans and top it off with a pair of Chelsea boots and you’re set for so many occasions!
A polo/rugby shirt: For a more casual approach, wearing a polo shirt or rugby shirt is ideal to throw on for those times when style is secondary. This could be running errands or any activity when the kids are involved! Again, skinny jeans are the ideal partner for casual dressing but why not throw on a pair of sneakers instead for extra comfort?
A fleece: There’s so much choice when it comes to the style of your fleece. Just like the men, you can go for an overhead style, full sleeve or a gilet. You could even go crazy for color here. Our Agnes II Full Zip Fleece comes in ten different colors, some muted and some bright, something for everyone!
A wax jacket/gilet : The perfect companion to iffy British summer weather! Grab one in a neutral color so you can wear it all year round. If you’d feel more comfortable in one, try a gilet style instead. They look great over a long-sleeved Breton striped top!
A tweed jacket: If you want to add some chicness to your outfit, a tweed jacket or blazer will most certainly do that. A blazer over a shirt will always look smart but you can always pair that with a pair of jeans or chinos if you don’t need to look ultra smart. Choose a short style for the office or a longer style for less corporate occasions.
A waterproof jacket: Most definitely a necessity in the UK! We love to use our waterproof outerwear as our statement piece so you can really experiment with a bright color here! It looks especially cool with colorful wellies too!
Skinny jeans: If you don’t own a pair of skinny jeans , you need to get yourself some. They’re amazing for all shapes and sizes but you could opt for a pair of straight leg jeans if you want them to be fitted but not tight. Most skinny jeans are made of stretchy denim, making them extra comfortable. The more you wear skinny jeans, the more you’ll see they’re probably the most versatile item in your entire wardrobe.
Leather/suede boots: When it comes to boots, there is so much choice out there. Knee-length boots are great for colder months and Chelsea boots work for all seasons. If you know you’ll be wearing them in the countryside, it might be best to opt for a leather pair of boots as they will be easier to clean. Suede boots take a little more caring for so you should wear them if you know you’ll be avoiding mud, puddles or grass!
Flat shoes (loafers or deck shoes): When you want to wear something else on your feet, opt for a pair of classic loafers or deck shoes. You’ll get some air to your feet whilst still looking stylish. Loafers are a smarter choice that you could wear for the office whereas deck shoes are great for weekend activities.
A leather bag and purse: An outfit is not complete without a handbag and matching purse. Leather is the perfect material for a handbag because it’s incredibly durable and will last you years, as long as you look after it of course!
The country clothing and the look are very easy to achieve, simply by adding a couple of extra pieces into your wardrobe. In fact, you probably own a few of these items already. Many of these items can be bought in different colors so there is always an option for everybody out there!