Country strong: Heritage fabrics are having a moment

It’s time to embrace the great outdoors with the trend for all things heritage this season

Emma Akbareian
Sunday 09 October 2016 09:41 BST
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High street favourite Zara has taken inspiration from traditional British heritage classics. Zara.com prices from £17.99
High street favourite Zara has taken inspiration from traditional British heritage classics. Zara.com prices from £17.99

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It’s hard to ignore the change in season which is undoubtedly upon us, and while fashion trends often have the reputation for occasionally being out of touch with the climate – think bare legs for winter and velvet for high summer, this season it seems to have got things right as the trend for countryside-inspired style is set to dominate the shop rails.

From cosy cashmere and soft shearling to traditional tartans and tweed; heritage fabrics are having a moment for autumn/winter 2016, and while traditionally these pieces bear all the hallmarks of attire worn by those in possession of a country residence, this season that won’t be necessary with quilted jackets and jodhpurs just at home in even the most urban of settings.

Wax jackets are synonymous with all things outdoorsy, specifically Brit brand Barbour which found itself the top of fashion lists back in the early noughties when the fashion crowd (Kate Moss and pals) made the jacket essential festival wear. The brand is about to enjoy another revival, this time courtesy of Miu Miu, the Italian fashion house sent out multiple versions down the runway for autumn/winter 2016. Modernise the look by wearing it over a floral dress for a more romantic take on the trend.

The rural references didn’t end there, some of them came in the most unlikely of places; at Vetements pleated miniskirts and blazers came in Prince of Wales check, oversized outerwear in tweed at Victoria Beckham and houndstooth tailoring stood out at Erdem.

Accessories are the easiest way to channel this look in a wearable and timeless fashion. A decent leather saddlebag is a sensible investment that will make a welcome addition to a weekend ensemble whether that involves jeans or a smart dress. The same goes for Chelsea boots which are the more moderated footwear option for those that aren’t ready to go the whole hog and sport a pair of Dubarry-inspired style outside the paddock just yet.

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