Countryside Outfits for Your Greatest Escape Yet
Those seeking sanctuary in the Great British Countryside for your next getaway, heed our advice on what to wear
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Countryside Outfits for Your Greatest Escape Yet
Those seeking sanctuary in the Great British Countryside for your next getaway, heed our advice on what to wear
By: George Elliot
Before you book that winter sun holiday and jet-off abroad, why not look a little closer to home: the Great British Countryside. With a rural retreat for every type of escapist, from the wellness-seeking to the modern explorer, there’s every reason to visit its most captivating locations this season. But what to wear? Serendipitously, it seems countryside outfits and staples are back in fashion’s favour, from traditional knits to wax jackets - the perfect place to start your packing. On that note, let this Liberty guide show you both where to go and what to wear as you escape to the country.
Read more: the Best Weekend Break Ideas
For the Culture Vulture
Bruton, Summerset
A magnet for creatives, foodies and history buffs, if you’ve yet to visit Bruton – a quaint village that’s nestled away in the Somerset hills – you’ve got so much to look forward to: Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset art gallery, award-winning restaurants, boutiques, its rich architectural mix and plenty of artisan-run stores, it’s just a couple of hours outside London and known affectionately as the Notting Hill of the West. You’ll want an outfit that’ll keep any chill at bay as you traverse its trails, but also feels refined enough for a coveted seat at Osip, At the Chapel, or another of this idyll’s incredible eateries. Our advice? Find the sweet spot between form and function by contrasting eclectic prints with effortless silhouettes, durable fabrics and fuzzy textures.
Read more: turnback time with the best 70s fashion trends
WHAT TO PACK
For the Explorer
The Lake District, Cumbria
In need of a literal escape to the country? Well, book your annual leave, log-off and head straight to the Lake District where picturesque mountainscapes, stretches of crystal-clear water and convenient lack of phone signal will have you forgetting about work in no time at all. It’s an outdoorist's paradise of hiking, cycling and sailing – and maybe even a visit to the Beatrix Potter museum. But what to pack, you ask? Think: practical, weather-proof essentials that will elevate rather than compromise your honed sense of style. Let the rambling begin.
Read more: the Liberty Glamping Packing List
WHAT TO PACK
For the Peace-Seeker
The Cotswolds
Boasting nearly 800 square miles of unspoilt countryside, the Cotswolds is home to tranquil villages filled with honey-hued cottages, winding lanes and rolling countryside. The kind of quintessentially English scenes you’d expect to find on your grandma’s collectable biscuit tin. With its fair share of luxury hotels, it’s up there with the most desirable locations if you’re after blissful peace and quiet. But before you check into Soho Farmhouse or No.38 The Park, ensure you pack
all the comfort-enhancing necessities. For daytime, opt for an effortless 'jeans and a nice top' combo and for after dark, lean into the Cotswolds’ cosy ambience by slipping into your dreamiest pyjamas (from Liberty, of course).
Read more: drift off into dreamland with the best pyjamas for women
WHAT TO PACK
The Well(ness) Wisher
Surrey
Now that 2023 is behind us - a pretty stressful year, we’re sure you’ll agree - booking yourself into a sprawling country estate with cleansing spa treatments, manicured gardens and luxury services is probably high up on your wishlist, right? With several editor-approved spa hotels to choose from, like Beaverbrook and Pennyhill Park, Surrey will spoil you for choice. If you’re tempted to visit one of its temples dedicated to mind, body and soul, you’ll want to segment your suitcase into two. Care-free relaxation is your aim, so pack a few effortless daytime edits that bring you a feel-good factor. Then, because wellness weekends are also about unapologetic indulgence, have an elegant evening look prepared for the table at your resort’s dining room.
Read more: boost your mood with the soothing earthy tones fashion trend
WHAT TO PACK
For the Traditionalist
Haworth, West Yorkshire
If you think of waxed jackets, dog walks across moorland, charming pubs and nights spent in front of a log burner whenever you hear the words “country retreat,” consider yourself a traditionalist. Look to the idyllic and historic village of Haworth as the ideal location for a country break. Home of the famous Brontë sisters, the surrounding wild landscape that inspired Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway featured in Edith Nesbit’s
The Railway Children, it’s perfect for history buffs too. Brimming with old-world charm, you'll want to style rural wardrobe staples alongside pieces with retro flair and an artistic touch. The result: comforting but far-from-boring countryside chic.
Read more: learn how to wear a dress in winter from a Liberty expert
