How Designers Are Redefining British Heritage Style For FW25
From polished equestrian staples to luxe heritage fabrics, the FW25 runways were awash with references to the British countryside, says COLLEEN ROSS. Read on to discover how to embrace fall’s chic bucolic mood
If you’ve ever pictured yourself as a Daphne du Maurier heroine, or secretly stockpiled images of Queen Elizabeth II off-duty at Balmoral wearing a silk headscarf and weathered Barbour as outfit inspiration, you’re in luck. FW25 is the season of quintessential British country style – think equestrian elegance, heritage fabrics, and just a hint of eclecticism thrown in. We’re talking tweed tailoring (Rabanne, Kallmeyer); plaid (Missoni, Burberry); floor-sweeping military-style coats (Max Mara, Tod’s); jodhpurs with riding boots (Altuzarra, TWP, Ralph Lauren Collection); and aristocratic faux-furs (Gucci, Valentino Garavani, Chloé). Hence, there’s never been a better time to make those bucolic style fantasies a reality – even if you don’t own a country pile in Great Britain…
Heritage fabrics
Although originally worn more for practical reasons than for style, heritage fabrics such as plaid, houndstooth, herringbone and tweed have evolved to become as much a fashion statement as a means to stay warm, with everyone from British monarchs to fashion royalty adopting them as their own. Patterned with traditional Prince of Wales checks, Saint Laurent’s blazer has a loose, boxy shape that will lend a decidedly debonair feel to your look. Try styling yours with Victoria Beckham’s wide-leg pants and a low heel for work meetings or any event where you want to feel your most confident.
Second only to plaid in the league of traditional country fabrics is tweed. Water-resistant, breathable and long-lasting, it lends itself perfectly to the no-nonsense dress codes required for country living, yet always looks infinitely chic. Crafted from mélange bouclé tweed, Blazé Milano’s ‘Katara’ skirt suit is perfect for embracing the vintage ladies-who-lunch mood seen at Valentino Garavani, Gucci, and Burberry this season. Plus, the boxy shape of the jacket and velvet trims echo styles from the ’80s – another key FW25 trend. Style yours with elegant flats, a sleek top-handle bag, and chunky gold earrings.
Country staples
Perhaps the most popular style to make its way from rural pastures to the runway in recent seasons is the barn jacket. Toteme’s oversized style is crafted from waxed organic cotton, complete with a contrasting corduroy collar and elbow patches; it’s the perfect transitional piece – and one every fashion editor has on their wish list this season. Slip yours over a crew-neck sweater, such as Saint Laurent’s olive-green cashmere style, and Agolde’s straight-leg jeans from our NET SUSTAIN edit on weekends, adding Staud’s glossed-leather ankle boots for a touch of city polish.
It’s no coincidence that most country staples are considered treasured heirlooms – they’re designed to be loved and worn for a lifetime, after all. One such proven garment is the classic trench coat. A British outerwear staple since the early 1800s, it’s the chicest way to stay protected from the elements. Amsterdam-based Róhe’s version comes in an oversized shape that’s easy to layer over almost anything, making it a must for trans-seasonal days. Pair yours with Altuzarra’s Fair Isle ‘Cecie’ sweater from the FW25 runway – another practical style with wear-forever appeal – and jeans, or smarten it up with tailored pants if you’re heading to the office.
RELATED READING
The chicest trans-seasonal pieces to update your look now
How to ‘fashion girl’ your workwear, according to 4 style insiders
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown