The second post in the series on what to pack to visit the British countryside.
In this post let us imagine that you are coming over to the UK and either staying with friends or family in the beautiful british countryside. You can expect long walks, visits to the local village pub and cosy teas by the fireside.
Make sure you have a waterproof jacket. I think that the traditional Barbour is the best. Don’t forget those wellies. Now that Hunters make short ones there is no need to wear the traditional long version, unless of course you are planning a trip to a farm. Layers, layers, layers and if possible cashmere sweaters will keep you cosy as the wind blows.
You could wear the wool dress with leather pockets over the leggings. Add the polo neck under the dress or team with the claret cardigan. I have added a wool midi skirt (if this is not your style replace with a pencil skirt or trousers). This can be teamed with the short boots or dressed up for a visit to a gastro pub with the addition of the cream top, add either the polo neck or the cardigan for extra warmth. The permutations are endless.
The selection above is designed to assist you with the basics. Depending on the length of your stay and itinerary you may need to add other items. Don’t forget to bring jewellery and scarves they do not take up much room and help to ring the changes.
DETAILS FOR COUNTRY CAPSULE
Navy cashmere beanie hat
Waxed jacket by Barbour
Cream silk shirt
Cashmere sweater by Winserlondon
Cashmere shawl collar cardigan in claret
Roll neck sweater in light grey
Navy leggings by Winserlondon
Warm lambskin gloves in grey
Paul green ankle boots in grey
Smart navy jeans by Viyella
Short wellingtons by Hunter
Now you can enjoy the blustery winds and the mud.
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Fabulous capsule. The idea of a walk in the rain finishing up at the local pub sounds particularly appealing. :-)
Hi, sorry, but this capsule is a bit fairytale. You'd need walking boots, not wellies, and fleece, plus heat tech layers. Barbour and Hunters look cute, but unless they are well worn, you might as well write 'rich American tourist trying very hard to blend in', which is not good. If you wear Goretex youl'll still look like a tourist, but at least you are not pretending to be somebody else and will be much more comfortable.
Hi Lina
My barbour has stood me in good stead for my recent trips to Wales, Derbyshire and I am off to the Lake district next week. I agree with the boots if you are doing some serious hiking which due to my knee I no longer do. I will be taking my silk vests as always and as advised in previous posts but as it is currently about 18 degrees here at the moment will probably not need fleece or heat tech.
My apologies, I'm off to Highlands at the end of October, so was thinking about my 'capsule'... Still, not a fan of Barbour or Hunters, but it's rather personal - where I live it's a bit of a common uniform.
Hi Lena
The Highlands are serious, I used to walk the Grouse Moors in my youth. My husband is up in Scotland at the moment and the wind certainly blows there so you will need some serious equipment. Le Chameau are some of the best wellingtons but expensive. Have just come back from Windermere, luckily we had good weather. There were lots of shops there selling proper hiking jackets etc which would certainly protect in most weathers.
I really enjoy reading your posts. Winston Churchill got it right---"we are two countries separated by a common language". Being from Texas, it is fun to decode your descriptions--beautifully put in "the King's English". I also love your fashion style.