Country dressing: on trend this fall

If you are into city glam, don’t be startled if I tell you that lifestyle dressing has gone full country. We’re not talking Nashville, we’re talking the Cotswolds: that’s right, in the heart of the UK.

Layers of tweed, plaid, and corduroy not your thing? The holidays are just around the corner with enough silver and sparkle to satisfy any city girl but until then, its wool, leather and suede.

Picture soft cashmere with lots and lots of plaid. Pleated skirts, chunky woolen sweaters under suede blazers. Add a leather saddlebag to make it authentic. Anything that looks like you’re ready for the hunt is on trend. Leather gloves, belts and boots, heavy woolen socks, you get the drill. The look is polished though slightly worn-in: blue blood meets organics.

If you’re not a fan, remember, this too shall pass, at least until next Autumn when the woolens come out again.

I decided to make the best of the trend by curating a few treasures that pay homage to the current fashion without succumbing completely to its rough-hewn, I’m a distant royal, look.

Looking for a pretty flannel plaid top that can be matched with a skirt to double as a dress? Joe’s Jeans The Meg Flannel Top is a camel plaid twisted top with matching midi skirt.

Ralph Lauren has a lovely tweed jacket with scarf that brings out the country in any gal. Or how about a mock neck cashmere pullover in Dark Oak by Lisa Yang as a foundation for almost any pair of jeans.

Care for a pair of Nappa Leather Gloves with a twist in Black by Guanti Giglio Fiorentino?  Or how about riding up in Khaite’s Colt Leather Knee-High Boots in Vintage Brown; perfect for walking the dogs in golden fields of autumn wheat.

And for a little more tweed, here’s Ralph Lauren Collection Fontaine Wool-Cashmere Blend Donegal Tweed Skirt in Brown, a long, lean trouser skirt with front and back pockets. Vince’s Simone Wool Blend Soft Flannel Pants in Cypress are yet another nod to country living.  Tuck a dark chocolate bootie underneath like Bernardo’s Rema Ankle Bootie to upscale the silhouette.  

A saddlebag by Ecoterie, the Sissy Leather Crossbody in Black is so very authentically country when slung over a shoulder. Or why not choose a bucket bag for more than just the essentials, like Toteme’s Belted Leather Bucket Bag in Bark.

Finally, to beat the chill, there’s Brunello Cucinelli’s Sparkling Cashmere, Wool and Mohair Rib Knit Shawl in Ecru, a stunning addition to any casual attire.

You don’t need a lot of fringe or a pair of chaps to follow the country living trend this fall. Rather make it a subtle nod to this short-lived trend by choosing lush fabrics like buttery leathers, soft suedes and wool with lots of texture in every shade of brown.

Need styling advice? Email our fashion editor at info@velvetjournal.com. You’ll be entered to win a complimentary one-hour styling session.