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The presents have been opened, the champagne drunk and the turkey leftovers turned into curry. It’s clearly time for the Twixmas walk – and no, that short stroll to the pub on Boxing Day doesn’t count.
Here in the Cotswolds, I’m spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful surroundings in which to blow the cobwebs away but, while it might be downtime on paper, as a fashion designer and style editor, what I wear still matters to me. Country casuals doesn’t have to mean looking like a scarecrow. Here’s my guide to the quintessential Cotswold kit that gets the thumbs-up from the country set for being practical and from the fashion crowd for its style credentials…
Scarves
The late Queen was known for her scarves and there’s a reason country types love them so much – attractive and practical, silk numbers like this one from Hicks & Brown (as stocked at one of the Cotswolds’ favourite outfitters, Henrys of Moreton) offer less bulk than wool but excellent warmth. See also House of Bruar – if it’s good enough to weather a Scottish winter…
Beautiful blouses
Currently on my swoon list is this utterly gorgeous shirt by Schoffel. If you’re a townie you might not have heard of it, but it’s one of those brands that the Cotswold set just know (thanks in part to the fact that everyone from Mike Tindall to Charlie Ireland of Clarkson’s Farm is a fan of their fleece gilet – but their womenswear is perfection too). Pair with a jumper and the pie crust collar and cuffs peeking out give a boring winter woolly a sophisticated and chic makeover.
Read our tried and tested best high street blouses guide.
The ultimate coat
Everyone assumes that in the Cotswolds we automatically reach for a waxed jacket, but for a midwinter walk I actually wear a puffer coat, preferably a hooded one with a faux fur trim for added wind shield. For their fun factor I absolutely adore the quilted jackets from the FARM Rio collaboration with Barbour – and the entire campaign was shot in the Cotswolds, naturally. But if you want something more muted, this Lexi from Stow-on-the-Wold staple Fairfax & Favor is very stylish yet practical – and the one I’d actually buy.
Read our tried and tested best winter coat guide.
Considered accessories
Personally I steer clear of hats with a pompom as you can’t put your hood up on top of the hat if you need to. A more snug-fitting beanie like this one from local designer Anna Wheeler’s Cotswold Knit brand is a much better choice. For gloves I go leather – I find wind gets through wool – and I keep earrings pared back as big hoops can feel chilly on your neck and get caught in low-hanging branches. Simple studs, like these from Cheltenham-based Catherine Zoraida (a jeweller loved by the Princess of Wales), are perfect.
Jeans vs corduroys
As much as I am a fan of the look and versatility of skinny jeans, the locals here know a thing or two about keeping dry, and corduroys are a much more practical choice than jeans as the weave of corduroy fabric itself has properties that mean they keep you dry and warm. So the stylish choice would be a skinny corduroy pair of trousers like these from that staple for country folk and city-dwellers alike, Boden.
Read our ultimate denim guide.
Boots made for walking
Seasoned country folk favour neoprene-lined wellies as warm toes means you can focus on the actual walk, not on how long you can go on until your toes fall off. The Chasseur wellies in Iconic Green (no, that is really the name) by royal favourite (think the Princess of Wales and Prince Harry) Le Chameau are ideal. But if you prefer something that feels a little sturdier, the Balmoral by Hunter (beloved of the King and Queen) comes in a close second.
Read our tried and tested best boots for women guide.
Catharina Eden is Style Editor of Cotswolds Cloche magazine and can be found at @catharina_eden
