How to Nail the Country Chic Aesthetic
The country chic look has been gaining momentum throughout the winter season, with shows like The Traitors and The Rivals helping the aesthetic reach a new audience. Heritage tweeds, herringbones and plaids were seen all over the AW24 runways with Aran and Argyle style knitwear making a comeback too. So to help you get The Traitors country chic look, British fashion retailer Joules has partnered with stylist Ali Lees, to provide top four country chic staples that never go out of style and has revealed how to achieve the Caudia Winkleman look.
This aesthetic has also been taking over social media, with ‘country style outfits’ gaining 334k searches on TikTok in the last seven days, with a 422% increase in the last 24 hours. However, Ali explains the style has a long history beyond fashion: “‘Country chic’ clothes have been worn for decades by country estate owners and farming families owing to their warmth, weatherproofing and durability. Fashion trends often draw inspiration from the past, providing a sense of comfort through nostalgia.
“Styles such as tweed jackets, Fair Isle jumpers and fingerless woollen gloves have a timeless appeal, which has helped the aesthetic cross over into mainstream fashion.
“Historically garments such as Aran jumpers and tartan kilts were chosen for their craftsmanship and regional or cultural significance. It’s this sense of stability and tradition that gives ‘country chic’ longevity as shoppers look to make more sustainable choices.”
How to get the country-chic look
According to fashion expert Ali, anyone can achieve the country chic vibe by investing in four key wardrobe staples:
Plaid – “On the bottom half opt for a plaid skirt with thick black tights, plaid is having a comeback and embodies everything country with a real highland feel, alternatively if a skirt isn’t for you, opt for some cigarette-cut trousers.”
Long Coat – “Outerwear is key when styling the country chic look the best option for a polished look is a long, tailored single-breasted wool coat in a neutral colourway, a classic staple. For more of an off-duty vibe consider a more relaxed option like a barn jacket or trench coat.”
Blouses – “For your top half a great choice is a blouse. These can be layered under jumpers or worn on their own for a more polished look. Try a satin pussy-bow blouse or a classic white shirt with interesting cuffs.”
Boots – “When it comes to footwear, classic green wellies are perfect if you love the outdoors but if you spend more time in town, opt for some chunky black zip-up boots that hit mid-calf.”
Claudia’s country chic aesthetic on The Traitors is perfected through layering various textures to create a cosy yet stylish vibe:
“Stick to a palette of neutral and earthy nature-inspired tones and let the textures do all the talking. Look for oversized chunky knits or choose elegant cashmere layered over lady-like satin blouses. Opt for a tailored coat or blazer in tweed or herringbone or try a more relaxed waxed jacket if that suits your personal style better.
“Avoid looking like a pastiche in fancy dress by mixing up country-chic items with edgier, more contemporary pieces that work in an urban setting. Think leather trousers or a short mini paired with chunky ankle boots.”
Ali also explains how Claudia is so successful at making the aesthetic trend time and time again:
“Claudia’s outdoor and indoor wardrobe for The Traitors varies, which is always great for providing extra interest to the viewers at home. Her indoor looks are more dramatic and focus on little details that pop on camera, such as velvet blazers with funky lapels, lace collars, pearl buttons and oversized cuffs.
“For the outdoor scenes, she often wears wool tailoring with a modern twist coupled with practical Wellington boots. Her infamous cape-style jackets offer a distinctive silhouette that stands out well from the scenic backdrops, creating an image of Claudia as a leading figurehead. All of Claudia’s looks are well matched to her personality and facial appearance, a perfect mix of dramatic and girl-next-door which is why we all want to be her!”