6 ways to style winter’s countryside trend
As we settle into the heart of winter, there’s no better time than the present to embrace winter’s breakout trend: countryside style. While this moment takes sartorial inspiration from what one would wear on a weekend away in the Cotswolds, this fashion aesthetic doesn’t require a trip away at all. Rather, it can be worn right where you are.
The catwalks at Bottega Veneta, Altuzarra, and Miu Miu demonstrated how to embody countryside style for a modern-day woman. It blends bits of the bohemian flair spotted on Chemena Kamali’s Chloé girls, who sported maximalist tartan capes with knee-high boots. Joseph Altuzarra showed how to style a festive Fair Isle knit with minimalist tailored trousers for the office. The trend also takes a page out of Ralph Lauren’s preppy code of style, one focused on textured cable-knit zip-ups and quilted coats. It even blends a bit of equestrian style, including barn jackets and riding boots.
The beauty of this trend lies in the fact that it incorporates key winter staples that are polished and wearable throughout the season. It embraces utilitarian waxy barn jackets, trenches, capes, and skirts covered in tartan and plaid — items one can easily integrate, mix, and match into an existing wardrobe.
Ahead, shop the countryside trend and see how to style it.
The Tartan Coat
A countryside wardrobe would not be complete without a signature tartan coat. The woven fabric made an especially big splash during Chloé’s autumn/winter 2024 show. Given that a tartan coat is a statement piece in itself, we suggest styling it with a pair of white jeans to balance out the ensemble. Add a bit of texture to the outfit in the form of sumptuous suede, now available in Alaïa’s Le Teckel bag and Dries Van Noten’s retro sneakers.
Kira Tartan Wool Blend Car Coat
Straight -leg jeans
Le Teckel Medium Suede Shoulder Bag
$2700.00 at https://www.neimanmarcus.com
Mixed Leather Retro Runner Sneakers
The Fair Isle
Fair Isle sweaters are an integral part of a winter wardrobe, and they’re no longer relegated to just après-ski attire. The festive knit can add a colourful splash to your look, and Veronica Beard’s version offers it in a versatile cardigan style, so you can choose to wear it buttoned-up or open, with a T-shirt layered underneath. For those who especially love Ganni’s Danish style, the label’s collaboration with Barbour offers trenches and barn jackets cut and spliced with a Ganni twist. Make the look office-appropriate with a pair of trousers from Cos, and store your essentials in Tory Burch’s newest Romy tote.
+ Ganni Cotton Trench Coat
Christina Fair Isle Cardigan
$648.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Small Romy Tote
Slim-Tailored Wool-Blend Pants
The Barn Jacket
Bazaar recently reported on the autumn/winter resurgence of barn jackets as a key trend, and I’m happy to say that in 2025, the utilitarian jacket is here to stay. Balance out the boxy shape with a feminine midi skirt, like this plaid version from Dôen. Top it off with Gucci’s newest Horsebit ballet flats and Polo Ralph Lauren’s ID bag.
Reighton Spey Waxed-Cotton Jacket
Elowen Skirt
Polo ID Small Leather Shoulder Bag
$498.00 at https://www.neimanmarcus.com
Horsebit Ballet Flat
The Cable Knit
As seen at Altuzarra’s autumn/winter 2024 show, a cable-knit sweater can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here, for a more laid-back look, we suggest styling it with black trousers from the Row and weatherproof boots from Merrell that will keep your feet steady and dry when embarking on slippery, snow-covered sidewalks. Add a festive scarf from Isabel Marant for when the wind is especially brisk outside.
Kallie cable-knit sweater
Igor Wide Leg Pants
$1390.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Taupe Dayna Scarf
Chelsea boots
The Cape
An elegant cape is one of the key ways to master countryside style. The silhouette can be draped over chunky, heavy-duty knits or, here, layered atop a sleek sweater dress from Norma Kamali for evenings spent out to dinner or weekends visiting a museum. Pair it with Staud’s best-selling Wally boots and Chloé’s Kerala bag, already equipped with gold charms (but why not add some of your own for a personal touch?).
Knitted Maxi Dress
Gucci Horsebit cape
Wally Boot
Kerala 25 Small Shoulder Bag
The Riding Boots
A pair of riding boots is key to conquering the countryside look, but no equestrian experience is needed here. Style them with an A-line midi skirt and a quilted jacket for office days or weekend outings. Add a Burberry checked scarf to tie it all together.
Crest-Patch Quilted Bomber Jacket
Leather Riding Boots
$1200.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Green Check Scarf
Wool-blend pleated skirt
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