Holland & Cooper ?

[Give0fecks]

is this still to be aspired to? Or is it now naff/chavvy?

I’m looking at their team hoodies and base layers - lots of logos/ branding which I’ve never really gone for before but wondering whether I can look slightly less slobby in it rather than my primark leggings.

what do people think?

Always been naff imo. Far too blingy for me!

Horribly naff to me too. Sort of chavvy, aspirational country girl and terminally uncool. Sorry!!! Is it a horsey/country look you're going for?

Really naff now, in a try-hard way and with all the logos. Such a shame, it didn't need to happen and JHC is such a talent.

@wherethewildtbingsgo yes - altho I cringe to describe it like that because I am “genuine” rather than ‘try hard’ country! I’ve never been really into fashion but post kids things have nose dived and I look a state….day to day I’m wearing horrid daggy flannel shirts and old leggings with battered walking boots.

comfort is my main priority hence looking at the active wear type vibe….

I had to google this as I wasn’t sure what it was. Seems very naff and try hard and too many logos. I realise I’ve seen it now before but it just didn’t register with me.

How about this brand if you like the country look:

www.houseofbruar.com/ladies/trousers/

There's some slightly garish stuff on there but also some simple jeans and things. And there's some nice gilets and that sort of thing.

Or you could try Brora cashmere too. They've got some nice classic pieces.

I'm old enough to remember the first time this pseudo-Sloane look came around in the early 80s. I have a very astute stylist friend who described it as 'what Carole Middleton would be scooping up if she were 21 now and working the easyjets'. Ouch.

Christ it’s been around that long has it?!

Most genuine Sloanes I know or knew wouldn’t touch it with a bargepole.

Yes I know house of bruar - I used to live near it actually - was a great place to go and mooch about!!

I had to laugh at the tweed dungarees tho - I’m definitely not that “genuine country” to pull that off 🤣

So no one likes it then? Their stands at horse events like badminton are always absolutely packed with Sloaney types - it’s as much part of the ‘burghley’ uniform as fairfax and favor boots or dubarrys!

Instagram nouveau cos playing country

I’ve noticed this too so someone must like it! The stand at Burghley this year was packed out, some were definitely wannabes, many were definitely not

What about Le Mieux? Or Rydale is quite good for inexpensive country.

I don't get what point you're making.

They never look to be packed with Sloaney types to me- they are always packed with that type of country girl who wears denim shorts, moccasin slip ons, a polo belt, a polo shirt and lots and lots of make up. Always looks naff to me! I'm a horsey person too but that H&C look doesn't do it for me. Although tbh I tend to only wear my horse gear when I'm down the yard or riding and wear regular stuff the rest of the time.

I appreciate that's not your question though! Maybe if you tell us the sort of thing you like we can send you a few links or ideas xx

@wherethewildtbingsgo i would appreciate ideas! I need super comfy, outdoor friendly clothes

i am so slobby I don’t even find jeans comfortable- I live in leggings/ jeggings. I mainly struggle with what tops to wear - which is why I was thinking of the H&C base layer tops and to go for the ‘athletic wear’ look.

im not aiming for high fashion - I’m a mess and just want to look slightly less scruffy.

Rydale has some nice imitation schoffel fleeces and I have a gilet but it’s what to wear underneath?

You need to get Açai outdoor trousers OP - can’t rate them highly enough and soooo comfy

I like some of it. I got one of their long padded coats and it's beautiful. The attention to detail and quality is unlike most other brands. I tried this on recently and it's gorgeous https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/juliana-quilted-jacket-khaki
Some of it is too branded and I hate their footwear but lots of it is lovely.
Le Chameaux wellies are lovely too. Warm, comfy and have a nice bit of shape in them, so they're really flattering.

@LadyoftheLavaLamp yes! I am about to order some - they were on my list. What sort of style tops do you wear with them? I heard they are fairly stretchy so not to size up?

Agree. Gorgeous. I find their sizing quite snug though.

@omgsally ah interesting. I’m a 10-12 usually, so maybe I’ll go for the 12

@Give0fecks I wear them with all sorts - base layer plus fleece and appropriate coat, with smarter ‘country’ tops plus dubarry or Le Chameau boots, with smart trainers and an oversize shirt or t shirt, more fitted shirt tucked in plus belt…I have put so many people on to them I should be on commission ! Always get lots of compliments on them

I think your açai trousers are a great place to start- they look great.

Here are a couple of ideas for tops you could wear with them:

Basic to layer under your gilet: www.schoffelcountry.com/beauport-top-white-navy-flamingo-stripe-25768#selection.color=11961

Nice shirt to wear with them to the pub: www.broraonline.com/uk/liberty-print-jersey-shirt-navy-ditsy-db2293km8324

I think a pair of Le Chameau wellies are a definite must too. And for a slightly smarter but still outdoor friendly boot option (again to go with your new açai trousers) how about these:

gb.tretorn.com/women/footwear/winter-boots/473211011

The quality is poor and customer service is shocking. Why would any one spend over £150 on a pair of cheap loafers made out of cheap materials when you can buy Russell and Bromley high end for the same price!