Help a country mum be stylish

[Morag273]

Desperately seeking help as I feel like I have lost all sense of fashion and style and my appearance is pretty terrible these days!

We live on a smallholding with lots of animals, dogs and a toddler. At home I live in wellington boots and a long coat around the animals. When I leave the property my “nice” boots are brown Chelsea boots. Photo attached. My go to outfit would be skinny jeans and a jumper but feel I need an update. I can’t wear white or light coloured trainers or trousers as they would immediately be covered in mud before I even got out the gate.

I would love to get my “colours done” but can’t really afford it at present. Budget wise I’m probably looking at M&S or sourcing second hand on vinted.

My wardrobe is full of clothes but everything feels old/frumpy/unflattering on me. I’m fairly tall and slim but have a busy life with little time for personal grooming/styling. I love the idea of throwing everything away and starting again! (Budget won’t allow this) or having a capsule wardrobe where I can mix and match bits and pieces that all look smart.

Thank you for reading if you got this far. I’m not even sure what I’m looking for - advice on what is in fashion? What trousers can I wear in place of skinny jeans? Stylish people to follow on Instagram? Links to some winter staples to get me started?

Thank you from a hopeful mum.

I'm from Cornwall and I love the brands Nomads and Sea salt for things that are stylish but can be worn for a while. I pick things up in their sales. White stuff is also good but less stuff on sale.
You don't need to get everything sorted in one go- take your time and buy stuff you love slowly 🧡

What about cord wide legs from M and S or Uniqlo? They are a nice update. Can't link now but just do a Google. Not sure if they will trail in the mud though..

Thank you for your advice ❤️

Yes I worry anything wide leg will be impractical and quickly get wet and muddy. I quite like the look of these rolled up but might get cold ankles!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/corduroy-tapered-trousers/p/clp60604809

Following as I’m in the same position - I’m getting some Acai trousers but they are more for casual/ outdoors.

m&s have some cord jeggings which are nice, but I don’t really know what tops to wear with them.

Rather than skinny jeans, get some straight leg jeans and roll up the bottoms to sit on the top of your Chelsea boot. Have attractive (poss Fair Isle) long wool socks underneath, for warmth and to peek when you cross your legs.
More practical than wide leg trousers but more current than skinnies.

I’ve seen Acai trousers and wondered about getting a pair.

Are jeggings/leggings still stylish? Can I wear black leggings with my boots? (Plenty of those in the drawer and very practical)

Super helpful. Thank you!!

Couldn't you take your nice trainers in a bag and put them on after you've left the mud? I say that as a fellow down a muddy track living female!

Yes, and I find this look with the knitted pattern socks looks great with a fair isle or plain merino crew-neck jumper, or with cashmere, which is also very practical! I get most of my knitwear second-hand, I try to get brands that would have been expensive first hand.

What about investing in some sweaty Betty items. They do a thermal legging. Wear with a chunky jumper and a gilet. A strip top and khaki shirt. A hoodie and a long wool coat.
Not hugely fashionable, but practical and can look well put together.
I think sports wear can look nice if it's not cheap looking.

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Yes totally valid suggestion that I have never thought of doing before - just seems like a bit of a faff and one more thing to remember/carry when trying to get out the door!

This was my outfit today but I was wearing tapered/drainpipe black heavy chinos rather than jeans and had on an oversized but thin knit jumper, tucked in at the front with a cross body bag. It’s a comfortable, easy look but chic.

I’m quite country and have revamped my wardrobe over the last year. I still like skinnies as I like wearing my toggi boots (think Subaru but half the price), with a big wool camel overcoat. Makes any outfit look put together. Then I just do plain coloured shirts under basic m&s knitted jumpers to make a smart look. Otherwise I quite like a floaty midi with trainers.