Stylish outdoorsy look - does it exist?!

[OneDayIWillLearn]

Help! I’m having a real confidence dip at the moment - I’m early 40s and feel I look frumpy and middle aged all the time.

Part of the issue is that I work in an outdoorsy job. I’ve done this for ages but I used to live in a city so I’d wear more ‘me’ clothes like pinafore dresses, knee length skirts and woolly tights, colourful converse etc most of the time and just wear old jeans and hoodies/ waterproofs when working - fine.

Recently though my role changed and we moved to a very rural location where you walk out of the door onto muddy paths. I need to be warmly and practically dressed and often in rain/ wind etc but as a result I am wearing stuff all the time that makes me feel dreadful!! basically always old jeggings/ skinny jeans, hoodies and an old Boden puffer (for ‘smart’ - though it really isn’t) or gortex for work.

I know the classic ‘country’ look of gillets and checked shirts or waxed jackets is popular because it’s practical but it’s just not me. I don’t want to look horsey or like a Countryfile presenter. But my current outfits make me feel like a scarecrow and I don’t always feel I look like as professional as I should (it’s not like anyone says anything as it is a practical job but I do not look smart in any sense of the word).

added to that I’m a curvy 5ft 7, size 14 with 34F boobs, and while in the right clothes I feel great (I am quite fit and athletic) in the wrong stuff I can look buxom and chunky and it gets me down.

Any ideas for outdoorsy looks that are practical and stylish but not dowdy and middle aged??? Individual pieces or overall looks??

You might like some of the 3rd Rock clothes, designed for climbing and outdoors but they’re super practical and I think quite stylish at the same time. And there is a company called Om Baby which makes nice dresses and corduroy trousers in different shapes, they could be quite gardenery. Not sure of all the references made on this thread so apologies if I haven’t got the vibe right that you’re looking for!

Bit of a difference between Cheltenham races and the OPs description of her job.

I'd try Cotswolds. Look for styles that are cut to your shape. Lots of brands are fine, but some will suit you better. Avoid colours if you can. Heather/marl colours like teal and purple tend to appeal to older women IMO. (nothing against them wearing what they like obviously)

It all looked so predictable though. A bit like the Beckham's when they try doing their 'Country gent' look.

I will do, I think these look great

They look great @OneDayIWillLearn . You can get a similar look cheaper without sacrificing quality. (try GoOutdoors, Decathlon etc)
I like Rohan for quality, but would be quite fussy with colours Women's Jackets & Coats | Lightweight Travel Jackets | Rohan. (in the link I'd be looking for black or navy, as the others look like what DM would choose)

I'd avoid logos. The North Face is very popular with the socks and sliders brigade here.

Search ‘gorpcore’ on TikTok (or instagram but I think TikTok is better for this).
Uniqlo do some great outdoors stuff which is still stylish.

Another vote for AÇAI - or Passenger?

Thanks for all the input, it has been been helpful and thought provoking!

I think the Holland Cooper stuff is beautiful but for me falls into the category of ‘hard to look great in unless you’re skinny’. And also while it would definitely be an upgrade in making me more professional looking I think it might be too nice for me to feel comfortable doing anything practical/ actual contact with mud.

I’m thinking a middle group of softly tailored and casual shirts with a nice jumper on top - kind of Tosh from Shetland, thanks for that idea! - plus well-fitted technical trousers (and thinking about colour choice) is the way forward. And probably splashing out a bit on a waterproof I like more while also being practical!

I have an expensive and excellent pair of wellies which I live in but again maybe some waterproof boots that I wouldn’t feel silly wearing on the school run would add.

Anyway, just wanted to say I really appreciate all the ideas, it has helped me a lot and I’m feeling a lot more excited and positive about putting together a new look/ new wardrobe!!

You probably look great anyway, but you'll feel more confident if you treat yourself.

Hi, it strikes me that Carol Kline on her gardening television programme looks casual and smart. There will probably be lots of pictures on the net of her. Her name might be Cline.! I just noticed my DH was watching her show earlier. Some years ago Charlie Dimmock was noted as being stylish. Best wishes with your search.

Carol Klein wears things like Official agnès b. website United Kingdom | Iconic French Designer cardigans. Style Icon: Carol Klein | The Womens Room

Not outdoorsy, but in the same sort of vibe:
MARGARET HOWELL - Margaret Howell® | Official UK Website
Carrier Company | handmade bags, clothing and accessories
UK made sustainable, ethical clothing & accessories for men and women

https://www.instagram.com/forever_in_wellies_?igsh=NGJtOHlhNWdyc2d0

An account that could work for you. She's outdoorsy and curvy.

Hhmm, might have posted that link a bit prematurely. Might not actually be your kind of style after all. Scrap that!!

I'm similar and found my 'uniform' with good dungarees (I buy rei from the states.. or did pre trump) as they're hard wearing and comfy, I've been wearing them for years. I then raid the men's section in rural charity shops for real wool jumpers and hard wearing trousers which I pair with clippy braces and more wool or t shirts in the summer.. I lean more towards Monty donn/ vintage farmer but it works for me. Also agree about spending on boots that work and feel cute.. I have heeled muck boots for wet/ rough work and lovely chooka wellies for less intensive sites.

Oh and rain jacket and 'hip bag' (bum bag..) from fjallraven or Patagonia (check cotswolds) to tie it together/ look classier. I was told that Patagonia will repair stuff for free which makes the price more stomachable..

I like Passenger clothing although I don't have their trousers or waterproof coats. I have a lovely water resistant quilted anorak with a kangaroo pocket, and a thinner fleece-lined ripstop nylon hoodie anorak. Both have been worn loads and have kept me warm and dry in light rain. I think they wouldn't be great in a downpour. They're quite pricey so I wait for the sales. Currently keeping an eye on one of their fleeces too.

@Occasionalcyclist that’s a great shout, I love the colour ways! Been having a good browse 😁

I was looking at Patagonia coats this morning, they’re nice but yes the eyes were watering! Cost per wear comes out ok if you wear something everyday for 3 years or more though….

and good idea on the charity shops, there are loads round here, I need to go and have a browse….

I bloody love Claudia Winkelman’s looks on the Traitors. I know some of it is traditional tartan etc but it’s done in a cool way. Check out her stylist on Instagram https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68074810.amp

Example https://www.instagram.com/p/DFOIAYXMss1/?igsh=MWN2Nm11OTIwcW9kdg==

Claudia’s outfits were superb. She got the (Scottish) country look, without it being dowdy. Well done wardrobe.