What to wear?...

[Lostmarbles2021]

This is completely a first world problem and I’m totally aware how very lucky I am but I don’t want to waste money so hence the rather embarrassing request.

So we have moved to a rural area from a city. Can be very windy. I need suitable clothes. Clothes that will last as I want to be Eco conscious. I can invest money if clothes will last well but can’t just throw money around.

I need to be able to go from feeding hens/walking dog/veg patch pottering to school run and coffee with friends to a quick swim in the sea or walk on the coast without getting changed at home.

I have no idea what to wear and end up in inappropriate clothes lots (really scruffy for a coffee or too cold for after a swim).

I don’t worry about fashion but don’t want to look totally behind the times. I prefer classics to high fashion. I have no clue.

Can anyone help? What brands do you like? What lasts well? What’s comfy? I’m a pear shape and average height so can’t do skinny clothes.

A Barbour jacket and a pair of Hunter wellies are a staple in my wardrobe.

Both last years, very durable and comfortable. I've had my Barbour 5 years and it still doesn't need rewaxing yet!

@nancybotwinbloom you can get different widths of the tall Dubarrys and also shorter boots too, more like high ankle/low calf. I also just got some Bareback Equestrian boots, they are super comfortable and fully waterproof.

It depends how cold you mean. Where I am the average summer temperature is 14°c, winter is cold and windy and wet (when it isn't snow).

I have chickens, a large veg plot, kids (school run) and occasionally go places where I don't want to look like a sack of sh1t.

I wear lots of wool (socks and cardigans/jumpers especially). I wouldn't consider jeans; wet, cold and crap at keeping wind out. Cord works well for trousers but got to be high quality. Thermal leggins and wool long Johns for when it's really cold (yes I'm serious; -5° and 40mph winds and sleet. Od rather be warm)

Decent gloves, fitted wellies and boots. Paramo coat as general outerwear.

Check the fabric that clothes are made out of; lots of high st brands (even expensive ones) use man made materials which are rubbish at keeping you warm and wear badly.

Use layers.

Work from the ground up. Best boots you can afford and lovely socks.

Pants: jeans or uniqlo thermal jeggings

Top: warm jumper with nice collared shirt underneath so you can de-layer, plus uniqlo thermal strappy vest

Jacket: waterproof best you can afford with lots of pockets, plus gilet for warmer days

Hats: go all out

Brilliant advice. Thank you all so much! Good idea to focus mostly on feet and head. Natural fibres rather than man made fits my hope for eco friendly too. I hate clothes shopping but I’m getting quite excited now.

nancybotwinbloom

What are those boots are they gabour? I can't remember but they are lovely. My fat calf's wouldn't get into them.

Well I won’t bother with them then, I’m the same.

I am going to look at dubarry boots.

I get Ted and muffy /now known as duo boots as you can pick your calf width.

Quite pricey op but I have a few pairs. Lots I have bought from eBay for a fraction of the original cost.

Didriksens are well worth a look at for coats.

I like Acai for ‘outdoorsy’ leggings - they are quite expensive but really cosy and my pair have lasted well, held their shape etc.

Goretex trainers are useful - I have had a few pairs of Merrells over the years but have swapped to Salomon for my last pair, as I have Salomon walking boots and they have been excellent.

I wear my Barbour wax jacket a lot, it has a winter lining that I can remove in the autumn til it gets colder. I wear Le Chameau neoprene boots all year round, they are on the more expensive side but very warm, comfortable, durable and stylish. I wear with skinny jeans (decent quality, the cheaper, thinner ones aren’t warm enough) and a chunky sweater, cashmere is super warm and comfortable. Sometimes I wear a tweed flat cap on dog walks if it’s cold, it really keeps the warmth in and looks good too. If we are going mountain biking or hiking, I have waterproofs and North Face hiking boots and I layer for warmth, never just one large coat. Instead a wicking, a hoodie and a wind proof / waterproof jacket. I always pack gloves and a hat. I get hot even on cold days once I’ve started walking (peri meno) and need to be able to cool down quickly!

I have several pairs of Craghopper Kiwi Pro trousers in different colours. They are great for dog walks - they have a bit of stretch, are lightweight, flattering, a bit water-repellent and dry quickly. You can buy them on Amazon and there are often lower prices on certain size/colour combinations. Don't put them in the tumble dryer though.

I love Fly London boots - look good and are blissfully comfortable. The normal ones are really not waterproof at all, but you can get goretex versions now.

@imnotdefensiveyouare

A pair of Dubarry boots will keep your feet warm and dry for the next 10 years. They are an investment but a worthwhile one as they are great quality and come in a choice of fairly timeless styles. (Pretty sure Kate Middleton had a pair) Merino wool socks are brilliant. Coats - you want a longline maybe quilted wax jacket for dog walking etc. Barbour has a great selection. A thicker jacket for very cold days you could look at Musto. Great all weather options and nice styling. Layers are key - nice gilets from Schoffel over a thermal tee, shirt and wool jumper. You can then remove layers as necessary when indoors. Scarves are great for adding colour, texture and warmth. I have a selection in lighter and heavier fabrics depending on the weather. Casual cosy sweatshirts - Joules do a good selection and are often on sale. They wash well and dress up a plain outfit. That pretty much sums up my wardrobe!

Absolutely everything and all the stands @imnotdefensiveyouare

I wear all the same. My Dubarry boots are 10 years old now and have seen me through endless dog walk/general semi rural living with warm dry feet. Cost per wear is minuscule. I basically wear them all year round. Even with shorts in the summer. I wear them at the yard and (look away all riding instructors) ride in them.

Must I is great fir warm outerwear and I got kne of these in a local charity shop https://www.newforestclothing.co.uk/products/stockman-full-length-wax-coat?currency=GBP&variant=40116075462847&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwk6-LBhBZEiwAOUUDppwPG95AQlmcWC6Jd0M2Kbgd9YnpR9AjWNcOu6av-kaSVsZvNHRNhoCqY8QAvDD_BwE and I am always dry.

I wear it with a leather hat - which is much better to walk around in than a hood - you can always see where tin are going!

Underneath - thermal leggings and layers of T-shirt's/jumpers

Holland and Cooper. Expensive but they have some very lovely stylish clothes and wellies.

Wear what you want just make sure it's waterproof. We don't wear barbour or joules in my village that's what the tourists wear 🤣. It's not a fashion show its mud and muck.