To want to dress like Monty Don?

[MarshMarigold]

I'm female and really want to wear comfortable clothes that look better with washing and wearing. My hobby is outdoorsy like Monty's and I rarely have to dress smartly. I am 50 and just over 5ft tall. People often say I look younger. I'm of medium build. Unlike Monty I have not been to Magdalene College and do not live in a mansion, but do live in a rural market town. What can I wear?

Me too; he always looks so comfortable!

Have a look at The Carrier Company. Not cheap by any means but really well made, lasts for years and ages elegantly.

Thanks WhatWould I do love that style. But it is out of my budget, I wonder if there are any similar but cheaper brands.

www.carriercompany.co.uk/collections/womens

Yeah, I can understand that. It's not cheap. But maybe some of the pics on there will give you some ideas on how those looks work for women.

I think a lot of it comes down to natural fibres and not being afraid of things that are washed out and softened from age. No stiff, crisp collars on shirts etc. Wearing mens clothes in smaller sizes could work for you, but this generally works better for tops and sweaters than trousers. I'd look for non-fashion type brands, try sporting goods and 'country' brands as worn by the huntng shooting & fishing set.

Charity shops and ebay are your friends here. Look for good quality brands that are a bit past their best from wear. The drape of a many times washed cotton shirt that was originally high quality is quite different to anything you would buy new.

I suspect Monty buys little, buys quality and wears it until it falls apart

Those clothes are lovely! Thank you Christine, never heard of them.

I don't know really, Marshy. That type of clothing isn't cheap. Have you a country store in your area? Mucking out gear is what I'm thinking of, might be more budget friendly?

X post.

Some Seasalt garments definitely have a Monty Don vibe, like this jacket

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/_all?searchterm=Gwithian

Thanks Flibberty and Starlings. Seasalt looks good. I do have a coat from there but will look at there other things. It's definitely the natural fibres that I like. And I'll check out my local country stores. We have a few.

The other thing I might do is make some clothes. I've seen some nice patterns in our local shop. I'm can't remember the brand of the top of my head but it was this kind of style. Haven't made clothes for myself since I was a teen though, so will be a challenge.

Fishermans smock on there is £72.00. I bought a couple from a fishing store at whitby for £15 each. These are strong and rugged worn all the time (artist) and have lasted a long time, so an expensive website does not necessarily equate to better quality.
Look at the clothes you like on there, then see if you can get it elsewhere.

Also like a pp said - Seasalt clothing. I love the tunics with pockets - so useful. Also, if I see a dress I like (with pockets) I will buy and shorten it to tunic length. Great work/casual wear. I live in this stuff.

I think the whole point is he is not dressed cheaply. They’re clearly very good quality. That’s why it looks so good.

Try eBay for second hand items of good quality brands you like.

I think toast is the female sort of style he wears. Though I’ve recommended that before! But honestly I just like their stuff! It’s bloody expensive though

Would the smallest size of this shirt be too big, OP?

www.darcyclothing.com/shop/shirts/replica-fabric-collarless-grandad-shirts-sh220l.html That company does waistcoats and all sorts of stuff, too.

I love Monty Don's look (actually, I love everything about Monty Don, including his dogs). He always looks so comfortable in his clothes.

Country stores/agricultural suppliers are a good source of reasonably priced corduroy or moleskin trousers, also country shows.

I love some of these tweed jackets
www.rydale.com/collections/tweed-wedding , but fear I'd look like Miss Marple's older, fatter sister if I wore one!

And one of these would be great for gardening in
thesmockshop.com/product/triple-pocket-smock/ - all those pockets for string and secateurs!

I’m with you, OP. DH always wants to dress like Monty too! I love this shop on Etsy for a similar vibe.

SeaSand I love the idea of wearing actual traditional work clothes rather than expensive copies. I do love a tunic/smock. Will try this route. As well as Seasalt.

Also I just happened to hear something on the radio today about how plastic from clothes like fleece are released into the water during washing and end up in the sea. Another reason to buy natural fabrics. Though I'm sure I've heard bad things about mass produced cotton too.

Travis I saw Monty on television going to buy a new linen jacket, and it was definitely very expensive and well made, though already looked worn in. If things are going to last I'm happy to pay more. I want a uniform really. I love wearing the same things all the time. A bit weird maybe, but I really like not having to think about what I'm wearing. Will check out Toast for ideas too.

Lakie I don't think I could pull off a Tweed jacket either. If I was tall and willowy maybe, but I'm too short. I think the Seasalt/St.Ives artist is more the style I'm after. I like the Darcy shirt, and don't think it would be too big, but not sure about the brushed cotton, I get so hot in everything these days. It's my age. The Smock shop and the Etsy shop look great. Thanks Maerd.