WearsMyMoney

OK, so those of you who actually live in the countryside are probably rolling your eyes right now, but this trend is a ‘thing’, and it’s something (as a confirmed city lover) that I am more than happy to embrace. ‘Heritage country chic’ is a name I’ve just made up, but let’s look at it as a mix of the traditional and the modern. Think of it as a mash-up between ‘To The Manor Born’ and ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, but set in Clerkenwell. Please note, though: we’re aiming to be more like Claudia in ‘The Traitors’ than Jeremy on a tractor.

Four characteristics to bear in mind with this look are as follows:

• Layering: Start with a simple base and build up with chunky knitwear, patterned tank tops and oversized jackets.
• Earthy colour palette: If we’re being a bit ‘country’, the colours should reflect that – so think about all the greens, deep browns, warm neutrals and burgundy.
• Natural fabrics: We need durable and practical materials (if we can) for this – tweed, wool, cotton, linen and leather.
• Heritage patterns: Nothing too bold here, just your classic British patterns like plaid, checks, houndstooth and herringbone.

Let’s have a look at some outfit ideas.

FAIR ISLE FANS

The moment it ticks over to autumn, I start thinking about good knitwear, and I’m always drawn to a Fair Isle style. Or an argyle, actually; either one works here. To take it down a notch from your classic ‘Countryfile’ attire, add some great shaped jeans and your favourite trainers.

1. Brora Merino Lambswool Fair Isle Cardigan
2. Uniqlo Smooth Stretch Cotton T‑Shirt
3. Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans
4. Mhulot Hill Leather Tote Bag 
5. Zara Midi Trench Coat 
6. Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes

YOUR SUMMER SKIRT FOR AUTUMN

We’re all trying to make our wardrobes work harder, so here’s an idea to take your cream summer skirt into the autumn months. Add an oversized grey jumper (Uniqlo men’s department does the best value and quality for this, in my opinion) and a pair of knee-high boots.

1. Uniqlo Merino V Neck Jumper
2. Toast Reading Check Boiled Wool Scarf
3. Aligne Oak Oversized Barn Coat 
4. Cos Pleated A Line Midi Skirt
5. Jigsaw Woven Leather Tote Bag
6. Boden Buckle Knee High Boots

CORDUROY AND CABLE KNITS

The weather this past week has pretty much given us carte blanche to get out the corduroy again. Long-time readers will be aware that this makes me very happy, as cord is my favourite fabric for the colder months. It’s also perfect for this country-in-the-city vibe.

1. M&S Cable Knit Jumper with Cotton
2. Anthropologie Stripe Triangle Scarf
3. Vintage Chanel Pearl Earrings
4. Stradivarius Waxed check parka
5. Toast Organic Cord Pleat Front Trousers
6. Flattered Lisa Suede Bowler Bag
7. Nike Cortez suede trainers

THE CHECKED MIDI

A big trend this season. To avoid looking like Mrs Slocombe, dress down your pleated midi skirt with a denim shirt. Or you could, of course, go the full ‘Are You Being Served?’ and add a pussy-bow blouse and a waistcoat. Purple hair optional.

1. Anthropologie Grandad Check Wool Scarf
2. Rixo Zandra Necklace 
3. Mango Wool Blazer 
4. With Nothing Underneath Classic Denim Shirt 
5. Souer Bellissima Mini Bag 
6. Albaray Check Pleat Midi Skirt 
7. Sezane Bridget Knee Boots 

CHUNKY CASHMERE

Along with corduroy, cashmere season is also upon us. For cashmere on the high street, look at COS and Arket first, as they do the best chunky knits around. Not cheap, but really nice quality, and so soft and – in my experience – they bobble less than others. Before, I used a sweater shaver to perk up my knits, but then one time it went rogue and made a hole in my favourite Bella Freud, so now I use a simple knitwear comb instead. It takes a little longer to do, but gives you more control and it works just as well.

1. ME + EM Silk Cotton Cottage Garden Print Blouse
2. & Other Stories Wool Triangle Scarf
3. Monica Vinader Nura Gemstone Earrings 
4. ME + EM Cotton Twill Barrel Trousers
5. Arket Chunky Pure Cashmere Jumper 
6. Scott Samuel Woven Leather Bag 
7. By Terry Rouge Opulent Lipstick 
8. Dr Marten Arcadia Leather Tassel Loafers

GET DRESSED IN A VEST

Before it gets too cold and we really need that cashmere, try layering a knitted vest over a T‑shirt. It adds an extra bit of warmth without bulking you up.

1. Cefinn Edie Cotton Stripe Waistcoat
2. Dangle The Carat 9ct rose gold t bar necklace
3. COS Clean Cut Regular T Shirt 
4. Dehanche Hollyho ck leather belt
5. Gap Dark Indigo High Waisted Barrel Jeans
6. Sezane Gary Smooth Chocolate Leather Bag 
7. Samsoe Samsoe Check-Pattern Coat
8. Russell & Bromley Dorchester Loafers 

MIXING PATTERNS

A print clash but without the prints. Think less ‘florals and leopard’ (that’s been done and is only for the truly brave fashionista) and more ‘stripes and checks’. I love these trousers from Albaray. Slightly cropped, they work perfectly with your winter ankle boots, and you can get 20% off all full-price items at Albaray until 2nd Oct with my code KATE20. 

1. Heaven Mayhem Stainless Steel Watch
2. COS Long Sleeve Henley Top 
3. La Redoute Striped Alpaca Blend Jumper
4. Albaray Houndstooth Trousers
5. M&S Waxed Cotton Jacket 
6. Honey & Toast Hobo Bag 
7. Barbour Evie Ankle Boots

Is it too early to do a full post on boots? Are we there yet? Maybe not, but we might wish to be prepared, so I’ll do that next week.

K x