Help me to look smart when gardening!

[GrendelsMum]

Hi folks,

My first time in the Style and Beauty threads, so please be gentle!

I have a new job which involves working in a garden, but at the same time dealing with the public in a way that means I need to look professional, knowledgeable and scientific . I do a lot of gardening at the moment, but in a set of old clothes quite literally pulled out of the rag-bag, and I'm well aware I look dreadful. Meanwhile, a well-dressed colleague looks permanently like a magazine advert, even when up to his knees in a pond.

So can you suggest a couple of outfits for me that will be practical, warm, washable and reasonably smart? I don't have anything for gardening at the moment that isn't fairly revolting. So I need everything: wellies, trousers, tops, woolly hat (?), etc. Some of the time I'll be wearing an official fleece, which is dark green.

Any ideas? Thanks!

I think howies does some stuff that might be smart enough and it's all outdoor proof... Otherwise what about some icebreaker www.icebreaker.com/site/catalog/search.html?flag=Tops_Long%20Sleeve%20Prints&gender=Woman merino tops. They're lovely (just don't get turned off by the scary looking models) and I wear mine to work in an office and to go hiking... (ssh, don't tell my boss).

Are you working for the NT?
How about some funky wellies here

With some comfy cotton jeans or comabats, long sleeved top and warm gilet/green fleece?
[[http://www.trekwear.co.uk/uploads/images_products/674.jpg here

Leggings would be comfy if you've got slim legs.
Really for gardening, you need comfort over fashion but with a few funky accessories like the wellies and maybe some bright gardening gloves, you'll look great.

whoops I meant here

pruning gloves

Thanks very much, people! I especially like those merino wool tops with the flowers on the sides. I shall see what I can find in the way of cotten combats and funky wellies!