How do you not look an absolute mess when walking?

[procrastinationstations]

My dog walking coats, although warm, are my old, relegated 'nice' coats - all
Zara, so nice enough quality but old fashioned, a bit tight and wrecked. My fleece-lined and padded leg welly boots, although warm, are getting worn through and look shocking, even a good clean will not help.

I've ordered a new oversized duvet coat, which is fairly fashionable and will be warm. what about boots? Is patent the answer or am I doomed to always look a mess?

Thanks

I probably look a mess with old coats etc but I don't care as long as I am warm

I don’t give a hoot about what I wear dog walking. I’m tramping through woods and hills, like all the other dog walkers. I can’t even begin to imagine anyone caring about how they look.

I think you might be better posting on Style & Beauty? I really don't care either what I look like when I'm walking the dog and I don't notice what other people are wearing either

Eh? Patent boots on a dog walk?

I don’t know where you live OP, maybe you go for walks in trendy parks and meet up with the cast of Made in Chelsea or something but round here you get a massive waterproof, wellies, gloves and scarf and get it done as quick as possible.

Why on gods green earth would you give a shit what you look like while walking the dog?

You can wear a designer dress while walking a dog but you'll still have to bend down and scoop up a steaming pile of shit with your hand in a bag...

My dog walking coat is an old ski jacket, not in good nick and thepocketsare stuffed with dog treats and poo bags.
My trousers are half mast, saves the capillary 'wet up to the knees' effect.
My hat is a 'Vera' hat and my gloves are 14 year old leather gloves that I cut the finger tips off in frustration a couple of years ago.
My boots are nice though😁

Couldn't give a toss what I look like walking the dogs. Suspect Adult Social Services may be involved if I ever have an accident though!

Yep, fleece line leggings, big muddy boots and a long waterproof. Woolly hat. Sometimes a headtorch just to add to the glamour.

I give no shits as long as I am warm and dry!!!

Patent boots for a dog walk? Do you have a link for the sort of thing you have in mind as I can't imagine anything suitable except maybe a pair of shiny Hunter wellies

Do you walk your dog in a place where people might be remotely interested in fashion? Maybe Primrose Hill or Kensington Gardens or something? In which case, just look at what the other stylish dog walkers are wearing, and copy them.

If like most of us you are out in normal fields or woods or city parks no one gives a toss what you look like, and the priority is to be warm, dry, comfortably-shod and preferably visible if you are walking in the early mornings/evenings.

Where do you walk your dog???

I wear a completely random selection of coats, jackets, hats and leggings/jeans/shorts depending on the weather. Nearly always wear my trusty Dubarrys on my feet as they are warm, grip and 10 years in, still waterproof.

This is me on a particularly stylish day I do like semi rurally and only see the odd person, all of whom seem to dress like me AKA for the weather/ground conditions/ big pockets for poo bags/treats.

I meant glossy wellies.

Not walking in Chelsea or anywhere swish but I've seen people looking so much less 'bag lady' than me on walks lately, it just got me thinking.

I was really asking more for recommendations for warm but not crappy looking boots.

The picture posted with the Barbour coat and dubarry (i think) looks smarter and more suitable than what I wear.

I think it must be the more appropriate and decent quality the brand, the better....?

I never notice what people are wearing because I’m too busy looking at the dogs. If describing to DH I’ll say “About 2, proper leather collar, lovely dark red coat and white teeth, a bit silly but gives good Lean when you talk to him”

Also couldn't give a crap what I look like tramping through the woods, covered in mud and trying not to fall over. As long as I'm warm and the dog is running I'm happy

I should add I often walk in a big 'dog walking field' and there's lots of standing around chatting and meeting people, and I feel like everyone else looks less of a mess, can't work out how they do it....

I know what you mean.

I'm a dog walker and try and look fairly decent as I'm still representing my business even when I'm covered in mud and it's pouring with rain outside, lol.

I wear black leggings - sports in summer, fleece-lined in winter. They wash and dry quickly, don't feel awful when wet and muddy and still look fairly smart imo.

On top, I find layers are best to keep warm, and I normally wear a body warmer instead of a jacket (unless it's raining), as I find it easier to move my arms in one, and it's less restrictive and tight-feeling.

I bought my waterproof so it's slightly too big (to allow for layers) and also so that when my pockets are stuffed full of treats, leads and poo bags, it doesn't look so bulky and full.

I wear "polar" style wellington boots - they're just below knee height, warm and keep my feet dry.

I'm in agreement, quality all the way.

Durberry boots, Barbour jacket, Irish wool knitted green hat and a favourite scarf and you can wear scruffs underneath.
Or I sometimes match my wellies to my scarf.

The boots are expensive but you don't have to spend much elsewhere, eBay is your friend. £50 Barbour this week.

Oh, and I don't wear hats - I wear ear warmers (like a big thick fleecy headband over my ears) so I can still have my hair up and look fairly decent.

Obviously the addition of a pillow and a carrier bag is not helping the look but favourite dog walking wellies and scarf.

What does your dog think?

@Saucery

I never notice what people are wearing because I’m too busy looking at the dogs. If describing to DH I’ll say “About 2, proper leather collar, lovely dark red coat and white teeth, a bit silly but gives good Lean when you talk to him”

Yes. My dog is a dachshund, I suppose people I meet may vaguely see my feet and legs below the knee.

Just a note, most duvet coats are not waterproof- if you live somewhere rainy I would highly recommend a seasalt Janelle. I wear hiking boots rather than wellies, jeans if dry or sports leggings if wet.

I’ve been told I look like a security guard when I go for a walk... so... dunno, lol

My dog is a dachshund, I suppose people I meet may vaguely see my feet and legs below the knee

I would only be able to pick your socks out in an identity parade, in that case

I mainly look at the dogs 😂

You'll probably feel better with a new pair of boots!

I think you should embrace the "Kate Middleton does equestrian" look for your dog walks.
Green wax Dubarry 'Friel' Olive utility jacket, or their Bracken tweed coat, Dubarry boots or Penelope Chilvers boots. Add a jaunty hat and you will be gorgeous.
(Agree with all posts above that it doesn't matter, but if you would like to feel polished while walking the dog, this is what I would recommend).