What should I pack for a rural work retreat?

[Pleasenomoor]

advice desperately needed. I started a new job a week ago. They asked me to keep this week clear to travel, but I’ve just received the details, leaving Thursday morning. it’s a rural retreat to a national park and I’ve been told to bring ‘outdoorsy’ clothes.

i work in finance and wear tailoring most days. I don’t even own walking boots. Do I take my puffer coat?? Literally no idea. I’m size 12, pear shaped, 5’2”. I can possibly get to M&S or White Stuff or Next tomorrow evening. I can’t even begin to get my head around it - should I buy a fleece? Would that be silly? I asked for a dress code and the answer was ‘well, I wouldn’t dress for the Ritz’. Most of the rest of the team are older men so I’d imagine khakis or jeans and jumpers? On top of it all, I’m the only woman my age (39) and my background is in a city law firm, so I don’t want to look like a misfit!

I would also like to know if OP survived!

Yes @Pleasenomoor please tell us you survived (and maybe even enjoyed some of it?)

I would buy decent waterproof walking boots, leggings and a sweatshirt and/ or fleece and a good waterproof or pack a mac. Maybe a gilet or puffa instead of waterproof it irs guaranteed dry weather. nobody will be looking at the size of your legs fgs.
If it’s wet then a baseball cap does wonders for keeping rain off your face and handy in sunshine too.
For downtime/ dinner - jeans and a shirt with the boots mentioned above should be fine.
I wouldn’t bother with waterproof trousers as I get sooooo sweaty in them. I’d rather get wet leggings then dry them out overnight.
take a rucksack and a refillable water bottle.
Whatever you do, don’t hike in trainers or suede.

I’m a 16-18 but my legs are slim and I often wear skinny trousers or leggings with a long top. My legs are my only good feature to show off!!!

It probably didn't occur to them that adults in corporate jobs, so decent income and usually regularly active outside, don't already have at least a basic level of suitable kit ie walking trousers, shoes, a waterproof and tops of various thicknesses already. I certainly found it surprising that the OP said she had no suitable kit or had no idea how to dress, not that it matters especially in a mostly male environment where hardly anyone would notice.

OP, did you get left behind in a swamp? Are you still hanging somewhere from a bungee cord ( looking very stylish I'm sure)? Hope it went ok