What to pack for a break in the country
Escaping to the countryside over the festive period sounds idyllic but although the packing process for a three day jaunt should be straightforward, it never is. Here is your essential 10 point check list...
1. Rely on your trusty denim
Whether you're loyal to your Levi's 501s, have a penchant for frayed hem jeans, or are planning on residing in dungarees all week long, look to denim to see you through a winter weekend in the countryside. Versatile and durable: you can pull them on without thinking twice.
Cult jeans, £185, M.i.h; R essentiel denim dungarees, £59, La Redoute
2. ...But do take another option
Should your denim end up peppered with mud or splattered with cowpat, you'll need an alternative. This could come in the form of a change of trousers (leathers are a great option) or a winter-suitable skirt (we're currently obsessed with the tartan kilts flooding the market).
Straight leg leather trousers, £179, Zara; Orange carlin skirt, £85, Hobbs
3. Invest in chic pyjamas
Your moth-eaten tartan might be okay for mooching around at home, but a country retreat calls for something sleeker (more silky PJs, less lace-trimmed negligee), particularly if there's a chance you might be forced to bowl downstairs to eat breakfast with extended family before you've had a chance to get in the shower.
Green orchid stretch pyjama set, £325, Yolke; Navy stripe silk sleep shirt, £245, Asceno
4. Take a hat
Rain or shine, a hat is a handy accessory to have in the country. Opt for a cotton baker boy cap (like it or not, they're having a moment) or spend the weekend with a classic felt fedora planted firmly on your head.
Isabel Marant Étoile Evie hat, £110, Net-a-Porter; Maison Michel showerproof felt hat, £420, MATCHESFASHION.COM
5. And some sturdy boots
If you're someone who hates being unprepared, don't beat around the bush: take some wellies with you. For those who like to walk on the wild side a pair of sturdy, track sole boots should do. The latter are also a preferable for when it comes to sitting down for a pub lunch.
Mid-calf Gaucho tassel boots, £299, Penelope Chilvers; short gloss wellington boots, £80, Hunter
6. A cosy jumper is essential
Whatever the weather, you'll be thankful for cosy knit to pull on. Make sure it's roomy enough to be layered on top of whatever you're already wearing, but not so chunky that you overheat indoors.
Oversized lofty ribbed jumper, £42, Topshop; Agnona Wool blend, £468, MyTheresa
7. Wheel out your tweed and corduroy
A long weekend spent walking through fields, stopping off at various pubs offers the perfect opportunity to revisit your favourite tweed and corduroy pieces - or, given that both are witnessing a revival, invest in new ones.
Elizabeth tweed blazer, £90, boden; Corduroy trousers, £145, The Cords
8. Don't forget inside shoes
Whether you're staying at a friend's country pad, dropping into a hotel, or renting an Airbnb, a pair of colourful driving shoes or velvet slippers will be a welcome addition to your capsule country weekend wardrobe.
Henley driving shoes, £140, Fairfax & Favour; Gucci loafers, £540, Gucci
9. Don't forgo your waterproof
Us Brits have a habit of throwing caution to the wind, and refusing to accept that the weather may (will) turn on us. Even if the forecast promises a bright sky, and even if you leave it in the car all weekend: pack your mac.
Dry raincoat, £85, Plümo; Soft shell mac, £250, Gant
10. An It dress is your trophy piece
While you will probably spend the majority of the week in your loungewear, it pays to have a trick or two up your sleeve. Take one item with you that you know you feel fabulous in just in case the group suddenly announces that they're getting dressed up for dinner.
Enter, the It dress. It's sleeved, printed, mid-length or maxi, and will look equally as good with bare feet and a cashmere jumper pulled over it as it will with embroidered slippers and red lipstick.
Rixo Camellia dress, £295, Net-a-porter; printed floral dress, £39.99, Zara
