What should I wear???

[TheQueensWave]

I’ve just moved to North Yorkshire and my clothes make me stand out so much! I thought that I could buy some bits to make me look more ‘local’ but I’m overweight and the traditional tweed jacket and riding pants aren’t going to work for me. Can anyone suggest some ideas or shops that cater to a larger woman, but in the green/tweed style? I’ve tried local shops but everything is either walking gear, riding gear, or size tiny :(

Hmm, leggings/jeggings - ESPECIALLY the seamed ones which look like jodphurs. Then over the top a slightly floaty Joules or Seasalt tunic thing. Barbour jacket over the top. Boots and or wellies.

Wear whatever you like / feel comfortable in. Its nobody else's business.

No she must fit in or die the death of a thousand social cuts

I’m the PP who suggested Jilly Cooper wouldn’t know where Yorkshire is . Her books are rather Gloucestershire-centric. I was trying, and obviously failing, to be vaguely amusing about the snob factor in her books.

As a person who went to school in Chipping Campden many years ago (think Larkminster Comprehensive, rather than Bagley Hall), I would like to point out that it is perfectly possible to live in a place like that without wearing Joules body warmers and Dubarry boots.

Hi OP - another North Yorkshire resident who is intrigued to know which part of the county you’re in, at least vaguely? Where I am there’s a real mix of old money stately home owners, horsey types, young families priced out from nearby cities, retirees who have lived in the same town their whole lives, and everything in between! That is to say there is no prevailing style - if our high street was anything to go by your choices would be M&Co or the country department store.

But having said that if it’s more you’ve seen a few people around who have a style you like, have a browse of shops you’re familiar with and know suit your body shape for similar styles? White Stuff, Joules, Fat Face, Seasalt all brands I’ve spotted out and about, but equally the majority of people i wouldn’t even clock what (or what brand) they were wearing.

So in short - wear what you feel comfortable in. And if that’s more in line with the skinny jean, knee high boot and gilet brigade, then get yourself down to joules and stock up

OP I do know what you mean. I wear slightly different stuff when I’m in the country because I feel a bit silly in my big city work clothes. I also have a special hatred for the brightly-coloured ski jacket look, so I like a nice green or brown waterproof coat.

Try www.fifecountry.co.uk/ for not especially grand or expensive, but useful.

Or www.houseofbruar.com/ladies/sporting/ for full-on tweedy, if that’s what you like.

OP, it’s a shame there are no country shows this year, because I’m sure you would have found what you were after in the stalls at the Great Yorkshire Show, and smaller local shows. These two companies are local to me (W Yorks borders, “Summer Wine” country) and may be worth a look For that more country style that you are after Tweedleberry ,The Yorkshire Handbag Company.

@BikeRunSki

OP, it’s a shame there are no country shows this year, because I’m sure you would have found what you were after in the stalls at the Great Yorkshire Show, and smaller local shows. These two companies are local to me (W Yorks borders, “Summer Wine” country) and may be worth a look For that more country style that you are after Tweedleberry ,The Yorkshire Handbag Company.

Very true, and what I was just going to add to my previous post.

Agricultural shows etc are where you need to look. When you are able.

I don’t want to put where I am, at it’ll be totally obvious to anyone who knows me, and I have several friends on here :) it’s very much an old money/stately home, horses and shorting type place. No highstreets or shopping centres for miles! I’ve met several people with titles, and though we aren’t expected to use them

I live in County Durham and own zero ferrets. My sister in law however lives in North Yorkshire and is full on tweed, riding gear and muck boots..all the time. So it does happen!

My generously proportioned best friend lives in North Yorkshire and wears pretty much the same as me, also generously proportioned. I live within sight of London.

I lived in a huntin' shootin' fishin' area of Hampshire for a decade. Turned out my great grandparents were from the next village and my ancestors had worked in the Big House in our village so I was instantly accepted as a local. As a result I could get away with not conforming with the sludge coloured attire sported by the (actual) locals.

Don't do it OP It's such a miserable depressing look, albeit practical. If you feel you must "fit in", your summer wardrobe will consist of shorts and wellies. I'm not even joking.

As for accessories, there's a choice: a Labrador or a Jack Russell.

Agree with PP's though, the country shows are great for country clothing. In the meantime, It's Joules all the way for you although do your Joules wellies have any grip (rookie error in my case)? Hunters are over priced. I ended up with "Dickies" green wellies. Cheap and slightly shorter to solve the wide calf problem. Regatta is another good brand and the expensive cliché that is Barbour of course.

I was delighted to move back to town and had a cereminial burning of All The Fleeces.

*ceremonial

Ohh, I'm intrigued, what do well dressed people in your new social circle wear?

I find hunters and joules to be rather entry level countryside wear and mark people out so if your mixing with proper toffs that won't be good. Pps were right in that country shows are a good place to start, I once read an interview with Deborah Mitford (then duchess of Devonshire) who said she got all her clothes from Paris or Country Shows. Barbour and dubarry always a good option and you can never have too much cashmere!

Oh yes and any Barbour should be a decades old family heirloom with right-angled rips from barbed wire and prickly hedges from beating days. It must also reek of dead stuff.