Country Classics | Orla Murphy
Tweed is having a moment. While Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have been long supporters of the look, this season it’s come into the mainstream and everyone from Burberry to Alice and Olivia are producing tweed and bouclé. Elegant yet easy, it’s where country on campus fuses both prep and practicality.
From high-street to saddler and there’s something for everyone to keep you looking stylish during all of your field sports-from hunting game or even men. Think luxe, comfort and class.The riding boot was invented to keep feet dry in all conditions but to avoid looking like you’ve just come from the races, and steer clear of any overly equine accessories such as field laces, metal spurs and coloured tops. Chelsea Boots are an evolution of the shorter Jodhpur boot. Look to Hunter and Joules for the best quality wellingtons. Smoking slippers, brogues or loafers also reflect a country theme.Tweed, wax, and quilted jackets have been long term equestrian favourites, made for warmth, comfort, weather-resistance and longevity. Just ensure they are nipped in at the waist and end at or below the hip for a flattering cut. Tweed inspired pieces such as this River Island bouclé and PU Mix Moto jacket are a refreshing take on the classic look.Winter accessories are a cheap method of updating your wardrobe. Faux fur snoods or collars are an inexpensive way to transform last season’s jacket. Pair with a leather jacket or a pea coat to instantly update your coat. While cable knit and shearling will also keep within the theme, a silk scarf with a graphic print is a nice indoor alternative, check out Penneys and Mango for options.Feeling matronly in a tweed skirt? Take lead from Chanel’s modern twist on the classic-shorts. Mango, Dunnes Stores and River Island have great pieces in a range of colours that apply tweed to the ever popular city shorts. Leather satchels can really add depth to a country-chic look. A Longchamp tote is a little pricier at €120 but also fits the bill.You don’t have to don the jodhpurs and jacket to keep up with the trend; you could just use the neutral palette of cream, grey, tan and brown. Add deep colours by way of burgundy, forest green, navy blue, dark wash denim to give the country vibe. For the more adventurous add a pop of pink or canary yellow.Shop Authentic: Musto (as endorsed by Zara Phillips), Joules, Jack Wills (currently 20% off Autumn Range), Barbour (a Kate Moss favourite), Hunter, Just Togs, holmesteadsaddlery.com, saddlery.biz, and discount-equestrian.co.ukShop high-street: Mango, Dorothy Perkins, Dunnes Stores, Penneys, New Look, River Island, H&M, Zara, Topshop, French Connection, asos.com (currently 50% off UGG products).