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Original poster

I need an allotment outfit!

26 replies

Bumperlicioso · 23/04/2009 16:05

Having just been given an allotment I am finding myself woefully ill-equipped in the wardrobe department. Not really one for sports or out door wear all I have are skanky tracie bottoms and university sweat shirts. I aspire to be rather more Good Life. I could do with some shorts or cropped trousers, but while I am a reasonable size 12 I am short and ample of thigh. Can anyone link me to some decent gear that I could wear as I am going to be spending a lot of time there! Preferably something that goes with hot pink wellies.

OP posts:
TheDevilWearsPrimark · 23/04/2009 16:10

Oh I'm jealous, I'm on the list but it's a 7 years min waiting list.

What about jeans and some nice tunic tops (to avoid arse crack flashing)

pooka · 23/04/2009 16:19

My mum would PHSL at the concept of an allotment outfit!

Most people at her allotment are good life generation and wear knackered, paint-spattered jeans, t-shirts (large) and macs when it rains. Whatever can get really wet, muddy and torn without being missed.

TheProfiteroleThief · 23/04/2009 16:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 16:22

I think you've got to go with Pooka's list to really cut it in allotment land you know.

My friend has an allotment, and last summer dd and I used to go and have picnics there. And how they bitched about the girl with the wide shorts and Cath Kidston gardening equipment.

You don't want to be laughed at bumper. They'll be inspecting your veg and your weeds all the time, you're going to need friends.

ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 16:23

Though I DO sympathize. My dd made me write down for an allotment at this local garden fair, and the woman looked me up and down and pointed to dd and said 'well at least SHE looks like a gardener'

Sputnik · 23/04/2009 16:50

Surely the skankier the better for true allotment cred, no? I would go with jeans too, or cut-offs if it's hot. Maybe a wide-brimmed hat would be a good investment and can be justified on a practical basis.

ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 17:02

If a wide-brimmed hat is not allotment chic then it should be, imo.

ilovemydogandMrObama · 23/04/2009 17:11

I wear leggings a long sleeved shirt (DP says it looks like a prison shirt) and crocs!

and a nice pair of gloves....

boogeek · 23/04/2009 17:13

LOL I wear my oldest mankiest jeans and old uni sweatshirts or old shirts with buttons off and all sorts. You really don't want to be wearing anything nice. Good luck!

Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 23/04/2009 18:13

Thanks for the advice everyone! I know, I know, I'm so vain, but I'm going to be spending a lot of time there. I should have made myself a bit clearer though, I've been wearing trackies or leggings, but they are rather warm, I could do with some shorts or something that will bit a bit cooler (in both senses of the word!) but I need shorts that don't make me look hideous, even if I'm not going to be a fashion icon, there's no need to remind people of fat sausages poking out of a hotdog with my thighs! So what I really need is a flattering pair of shorts and cropped trousers.

Though I am going to find my wide brimmed hat that I bought for my honeymoon in Italy...(and cursed the whole frigging time I had to carry it on trains and through airports because it wouldn't stay on my head!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 23/04/2009 18:14

Oh, and I have been wearing leggings but I've only got one top long enough to make them look decent (i.e. hide my thighs).

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noddyholder · 23/04/2009 18:17

I would love an allotment Lucky you This will overtake the school run dress as outfit of the season allotment attire!Agree only on MN

wolfnipplechips · 23/04/2009 18:43

lol I wear

A jumper that dp was given by his grandma that he hates but is 20 sizes to big for me some jeans and some wellies.

I hardly ever see another soul so what i'm wearing is not important.

Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 23/04/2009 18:51

Ok, enough sniggering girls, you are not being very helpful!

I need some shorts! Or short trousery things? What can I wear that is not too hot and will suit my things?

OP posts:
ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 18:58

Okay you need a 3/4 pair of trousers then. Soft cotton.

I have a hunch that nobody will be looking at your legs bumper they will be either a) admiring your beans or b) scowling at your failure to keep the weeds under control.

HOWEVER if you won't be comfortable, then one of us will be comfortable.

Something cheap and cheerful, yet slack and comfortable.
I give you [http://www1.landsend.co.uk/pp/StylePage-092677_FD.html?mdiv=wm&cgrfnbr=1243473&CM_MERCH=IDX_1243473 gardening trousers]]

ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 18:58

Bugger. Hang on will try again www1.landsend.co.uk/pp/StylePage-092677_FD.html?mdiv=wm&cgrfnbr=1243473&CM_MERCH=IDX_1243473

ahundredtimes · 23/04/2009 19:03

Or these in the www1.landsend.co.uk/pp/StylePage-277742_FD.html?mdiv=wm&cgrfnbr=1243473&CM_MERCH=IDX_1243473heather

They're a bit expensive though. However you are going to wear them every day aren't you for the rest of your life!

JosieMiller · 23/04/2009 19:05

hhi guys
you need to look at the asda trophy thread

Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 23/04/2009 19:57

Thanks 100x, they are a bit old ladyish though, and expensive for jersey trousers. I don't think I'm old enough for a 'fully elasticated waistband'!

Also, the other problem is being only 5ft2 I'm wondering if I need long shorts rather than cropped trews IYSWIM.

OP posts:
BobtheWoodmouse · 23/04/2009 20:00

I wear jeans on DH's allotment and a t-shirt in the summer and I always wear gloves. I tend to sit around and read a book though.

DH who does all the work will often go topless - he has a great tan already but has given up on shorts as he was nearly eaten alive by all the insects - really quite nasty infected bites everywhere. Even going topless recently, he has been bitten a few times on his torso. You might want to consider some spray or wipes if you intend to bear some skin. (sorry, not very environmentally friendly advice)

Pannacotta · 23/04/2009 20:08

I dont have an allotment but we do have a big and overgrown garden!
I wear jeans when cool and when its hot I wear a pair of 3/4 lenth cargo type trousers in lightweight cotton (in dark grey so good for hiding muck) which I bought for a tenner from H&M.
I recommend H&M for casual things which look ok and are made from cotton.

WynkenBlynkenandNod · 24/04/2009 08:16

I've no afraid I'm afraid about what to wear, I shall be doing the knackered old jeans and T-shirt if, fingers crossed, I get one next year. I think wide brimmed hat makes very good sense, I'd go down with sunstroke personally without one. However, if I get one of the National Trust ones I'm down for rather than a local one I suspect I will have to rethink my clothing strategy.

I thought you might enjoy reading this article about allotments !

Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 25/04/2009 13:54

LOL Wynken, so if I get this that I have been coveting in Waitrose will that make me cutting edge or cliched!

OP posts:
Sputnik · 25/04/2009 16:04

Let-s just say you may have to change your name to Bunting Cupcake shall we

Original poster
Bumperlicioso · 25/04/2009 22:44

It gets worse...I've learnt to crochet and am planning on crochet bunting hearts for DD's room

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