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.
SAINT LAURENTPrince of Wales checked wool blazer
BOTTEGA VENETAAndiamo medium leather bucket bag
VICTORIA BECKHAMCinch pleated twill wide-leg pants
PROENZA SCHOULERLeather ankle boots$890.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3636.53737.5 - out of stock3838.53939.5 - out of stock40 - low stock40.541 - out of stock42
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.
BLAZÉ MILANOKatara Shamo velvet-trimmed bouclé-tweed jacket$1,453.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size00 - out of stock0 - out of stock1 - out of stock2 - out of stock3 - out of stock4 - out of stock
SAINT LAURENTGaby Vanity leather shoulder bag
BLAZÉ MILANOKatara Coci bouclé mini skirt$408.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size00 - out of stock0 - out of stock1 - out of stock2 - out of stock3 - out of stock4 - out of stock
JIL SANDERStudded leather ballet flats$596.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3636.537 - out of stock37.538 - out of stock38.53939.5 - out of stock40 - low stock40.541 - out of stock
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.
TOTEMEOversized corduroy-trimmed waxed organic cotton jacket
AGOLDEHarper Jean straight-leg jeans
STAUDWally leather Chelsea boots$395.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3535.5 - low stock36 - low stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.538 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - low stock
ISABEL MARANTNinon corduroy-trimmed cotton-twill jacket$714.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - low stock36 - low stock3840 - out of stock42 - out of stock
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.
RÓHEOversized double-breasted cotton trench coat$1,056.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3436 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44
ALTUZARRACecie Fair Isle wool-blend turtleneck sweater$537.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
CITIZENS OF HUMANITYMiro mid-rise barrel-leg jeans$156.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock33 - out of stock
BALLYPathy leather boat shoes$795.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size353636.53737.5 - low stock3838.53939.54040.54141.5 - low stock42 - low stock
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