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

Absolutely agree with muck boots. I wear them in deep mud getting muddy horses in and my feet stay warm and dry.

@shannith Is that a Driza-Bone coat? I have wanted one since living in Australia, but they are hard to find and expensive over here. I'd be thrilled to find one in a charity shop.

I got a Drizabone discounted at a trade stand at a horse show over 20 years ago and it's still going strong!

It's not hugely warm, so get a size you can fit layers underneath, but it's brilliantly rain and windproof and covers nearly all of you

Iv got a Barbour waterproof coat not a waxed one . Lovely and Wind proof, and dubarry boots . Again brilliant at keeping feet dry and warm .

I usually look a state, especially this time of year. I walk my mud and water loving lab who has enthusiastic ‘jumpy’ friends, so at this time of year, waterproof trousers are the order of the day. We walk in muddy fields so I wear Muck boot wellies (grippy, warm & waterproof). I’ve also usually got a massive, bulky coat on too (North Face or Didrikson). No scarf or gloves, as they interfere with poo picking (glamorous).

I've just been out round the block in DHs waterproof rigger boots, my grey jogging bottoms and my dog printed Oodie! 🤣 Dog walking is about surviving the cold, wind and rain most days. If we're off to the pub with the dogs, then it's a pavement walk only to avoid the mud! Also handy for keeping claws down.

Oh, I have boots like these for wet muddy days. £15 at Trago 2yrs ago and still going strong!

www.horze.co.uk/yard-boots/horze-stable-boots/38035.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqbyNBhC2ARIsALDwAsCdOXtFFudxx1Ox3G4kpxgMUlGBxV8HvUtN5cmqpb3nSz42i-CkL8EaAnl2EALw_wcB#color=BL?src=google10

Why would you care what you look like to go dog walking? You just need to be warm and dry!

Why do so many posters find it weird to want to look nice while walking the dogs?

My dog likes to roll in mud, especially on wet days. I do two, sometimes three walks a day(large energetic breed) and don't have time to plan outfits.

Do people really do this?

@icedcoffees

Why do so many posters find it weird to want to look nice while walking the dogs?

I don't find it weird if people walk their dogs on pavements or in parks.

But I walk mine in forests and my clothes are warm and practical but would never win any fashion awards. But I have had muddy dogs jump up at me and a number of times had to kneel down and drag my own dog out of muddy bogs when he decided he would jump down in them but then couldn't get back out of the steep sides. My clothes reflect my surroundings

[quote exexpat]@shannith Is that a Driza-Bone coat? I have wanted one since living in Australia, but they are hard to find and expensive over here. I'd be thrilled to find one in a charity shop.[/quote]
Which one

The big monster? Is similar to these https://www.newforestclothing.co.uk/products/lighthouse-outback-full-length-ladies-waterproof-raincoat?currency=GBP&variant=40116900888767&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqbyNBhC2ARIsALDwAsCCq0ClG9SAcKrY7VUdgnv2wc8s719SbEV8CgvV8Hkkm7f3eiQviAaAu3QEALwwcB but is a random brand. I live semi rurally so it's possible to pick up country wear in my local charity shops.

I also see them sold at local county shows. I love mine so much - it's impossible to get wet in it.

@wetotter

I got a Drizabone discounted at a trade stand at a horse show over 20 years ago and it's still going strong!

It's not hugely warm, so get a size you can fit layers underneath, but it's brilliantly rain and windproof and covers nearly all of you

Yes to this. Mines about 2 sizes too big but because it's not warm it's great as I can layer up underneath. Sometimes PJs. It can get quite warm under there though as it's solidly waterproof and therefore not breathable.

@BiteyShark same here, I'm a dog walker so always end up filthy, but I at least like to start my day looking and feeling presentable

@icedcoffees

Why do so many posters find it weird to want to look nice while walking the dogs?

Well partly because whatever I wear ends up muddy anyway.

But also in my head, it’s like asking how do you look nice while gardening or how do you look nice when you’re washing your car?... as in, people can see me doing those too, but it’s never occurred to me to dress for anything other than the practicality of doing them.