If you're Really Rural, how do you mix practicality and style?

[ElspethFlashman]

Last year I moved from the Big Smoke to The Sticks. More tractors than cars go past my house and there's mud and puddles absolutely everywhere.

My wardrobe has gone to pot. A fleece and baggy jeans with a raincoat and wellies. I suspect half the time I look like an actual Man now. Good god. But my previous wardrobe of thin pretty things (and thin pretty shoes) seems absolutely useless.

Is my future fleece-lined? Stylish country bumpkins of MN, how do you do it? How do you stay warm and dry and practical whilst still looking vaguely modern?

Great thread! Appreciate all the recommendations!

If you are warm you have cracked it!

It depends on what you are doing. Shooting in a duffle coat with the hood up isn't ideal.

We live in a semi rural area, i never wear wellies but do own several types of walking boots, sandals. Good waterproofs are a must and coats and jackets for all types of weather. Other than that i wear whatever, layering up with wool as and when needed.

Oh and gaiters, they are very handy

No, put the hood down

elspbeth I feel your pain, I'm rural Ireland too and the temptation is just to give up! Most people in my neck of the woods definitely seem to treat vanity as a sin and go for comfort over style. There's also the problem of having no decent shops nearby so having to rely on online shopping and frequently having to pay postage from the UK. I tend to go for what's been suggested - jeans, thermal layer, nice sweater, waterproof coat, good boots . One less layer in the summer and swap the boots for leather trainers (still need to be waterproof, you'll doubtless get caught in a downpour at some stage )