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Original poster

Can we talk about outdoorsy clothes & fashion?

33 replies

Fragrancefreebabywipes · 09/02/2023 10:47

I’m outdoorsy, spend a lot of time walking, cycling, in the garden, visiting National Trust type places with kids. Bit of time at the beach too.

A lot of days I’ll do something from the list above but also pop into our nice smart town. So I don’t want to be dressed like I’m trekking Everest!

If you’re outdoorsy, what are you go to clothes / brands?

I’m early 40s, 5”7 and size 10

OP posts:
Rebecca75 · 09/02/2023 17:06

I have a pair of awesome winter fleece lined waterproof trousers from Acai- I wear them for normal wear in the winter as well as for walking etc. they do do a non lined all year round style too - love them and super comfy too

Martinisarebetterdirty · 09/02/2023 17:10

Second acai trousers! Ice breaker tops too. I have a nice parker from fjallraven too that takes me to coffee and cake.

Mercurial123 · 09/02/2023 17:13

I really rate Norrona and North 66.

Wishiwasatailor · 09/02/2023 17:14

Acai are great

KirstenBlest · 09/02/2023 17:34

Finisterre

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 09/02/2023 17:35

I too love the Acai trousers, I love mine.

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 09/02/2023 17:36

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 09/02/2023 17:35

I too love the Acai trousers, I love mine.

Sorry, should say I live in mine!

Porridgeislife · 09/02/2023 17:37

To be honest, Sweaty Betty.

Mumskisail · 09/02/2023 17:46

Another vote for the Açai trousers. I live in the fleece ones in winter and the normal ones in warmer weather. So comfy and flattering. I've invested in some good quality kit for outdoorsy adventures... Montaine padded jacket, I'm fairly tall and curvy-slim so I have a green one that's quite fitted and longish in the body as I hate a cold gap at the waistline. Also a down body warmer if the weather is coolish but dry, as it keeps me warm but I don't get too hot. Looks great over a sweatshirt or fleece too. I love colour so have a gorgeous orange Montaine lightweight Goretex breathable waterproof windproof jacket too for 3 seasons. Dubarry leather wellingtons or Goretex (waterproof breathable) trail running shoes which I also wear for hiking. Various long sleeve running tops, fitted in various colours, mine are just from Decathlon or Sports Pursuit I think but Sweaty Betty also has nice ones if you want to splurge. I quite like a chunky fleece that's long in that body or a really nice quality sweatshirt too. M&S has some quite nice well priced Borg sporty jackets at the mo or Sweaty Betty if money is no object. Leggings for the gym, paddle boarding or running from Fabletics or from M&S with 20% off. For wild swimming, crop top bikini from Strongerlabel.com. And of course a DryRobe if you do watersports, swim or even on camping trips or watching the kids playing rugby. I had the camo and pink one but swapped for a really nice Red Change robe as it packs down smaller for taking on overnight adventures. Sealskins waterproof socks.

faffadoodledo · 09/02/2023 18:06

I have a great sweaty Betty waterproof parka which does 'smart outdoors' very well. Nice cinched waist immediately rids me of the usual rectangular profile outdoor brands usually give me.
I also like Finisterre, tho tbh they tend to be a bit boxy too,

Original poster
Fragrancefreebabywipes · 09/02/2023 18:07

I have the Acai “casual stroll” trousers - I actually have 4 colours as they were on a cheap deal on Sport Pursuit! I like them and tend to think I can still get away with them for normal (non-hiking) casual wear, with normal trainers or high tops. Unfortunately though I’ve lost weight and they annoyingly don’t have belt loops…..

I didn’t get on with the skinny Acai styles as they slipped down on me.

I’ve recently invested in a Passenger jacket/hoody which I’m wearing most days too. Live in it.

Keen to hear of any similar brands I might not be aware of or ideas of how to style outdoorsy wear without looking too “happy hiker”

Can we talk about outdoorsy clothes & fashion?
Can we talk about outdoorsy clothes & fashion?
OP posts:
DarkNecessities · 09/02/2023 18:13

I love my Açai trousers too!
Yes also to Sweaty Betty

Merino base layers or Uniqlo heattech.
I wear a waterproof parka from Protected Species. Shoe the Bear Agda Boots, Grenson Nanettes or Blundestones.

atomicnotsoblonde · 09/02/2023 18:15

I like revolution race clothes. Great from a technical perspective and they are cut really well

TheMildManneredMilitant · 09/02/2023 18:18

It's slightly more running/cycling but I like Sundried. Some nice colours and not too expensive. Also BAM clothing for hoodies.

twistyizzy · 09/02/2023 18:37

Rydale, Schoffel, Ridgeline, Crew, Ariat, Mountain Horse, Barbour and for smarter events: Fairfax and Favor/Holland + Cooper/Welligogs. 99% of my wardrobe is outdoor gear with a horsey/gundog bias.

Original poster
Fragrancefreebabywipes · 09/02/2023 18:40

Thanks - I’m really not into the Fairfax & Favor / horsey vibe (even though I do actually ride).

Holland Cooper not my style at all unfortunately- far too bling with all the gold bits

OP posts:
outdooryone · 09/02/2023 18:43

I wear Rohan at times to be 'kind or of smart but practical outdoors'.
See also a nice warm wool jumper - really warm and yet such a choice of styles.
Howie's?

IsItBedtimeYetNope · 09/02/2023 18:47

Following with interest. OP have you come across Craghoppers? I like their women's clothing range quite a lot, especially their shirts, some of them even look like workwear but with serious credentials like UV protection, windproof criscross weave and breathability.

twistyizzy · 09/02/2023 19:26

Fragrancefreebabywipes · 09/02/2023 18:40

Thanks - I’m really not into the Fairfax & Favor / horsey vibe (even though I do actually ride).

Holland Cooper not my style at all unfortunately- far too bling with all the gold bits

Ha ha H+C can be a bit blingy but I avoid those pieces and choose carefully the more classic stuff.

Original poster
Fragrancefreebabywipes · 09/02/2023 20:29

@IsItBedtimeYetNope I have to admit I haven’t looked at Craghoppers for years as I had kind of assumed they weren’t very fashionable- I may be wrong so will take a look.

OP posts:
MuseThrower · 09/02/2023 20:31

Anything Claudia W wore on The Traitors.

thedevilinablackdress · 09/02/2023 20:36

I second Finisterre, practical, good quality, outdoorsy without being too technical/I'm off to hike Munroes.

LimeCheesecake · 09/02/2023 20:49

following for ideas for “muddy dog walk into nice pub” days…

that said, for walking /visiting national trust places, do you really need to be wearing sporty/specialist clothing? There’s a lot to be said for wearing normal weekend clothes and sticking on some good walking boots/walking trainers.

as @MuseThrower suggested - Think Claudia on traitors- jeggings with a chunky knit- throw a waxed jacket on and some cashmere wrist warmers, all the eyeliner and you’re good to go - 100%.

Reluctantadult · 09/02/2023 20:52

I like icebreaker tops to keep warm. And then brands things like howies and rapanui. I also tend to get things from mountain warehouse, because its in my town!

LadyDanburysCane · 10/02/2023 11:28

I love my Açai trousers, fleeced lined or unlined - I’ve about five pairs now in various colours. I team them with Dubarry boots or Meindl walking boots if proper hiking. Açai thermal layers are very good too.

I have a couple of North Face coats for different circumstances a knee length smart parka and a “bum length” one which I can top with a Mountain Equipment waterproof when necessary.

I have a selection of hats too - my favourites are from Barts or Fjallraven.

TBH it’s more about being comfortable and having things that really last than being fashionable for me.