What to Wear on a Countryside Date

If you search for ‘what to wear on a date’ you’ll come across hundreds of posts about picking the perfect shirt and tie combination or a dress that reveals enough to look attractive, but not so much as to look tarty. However, if you’re going on a shooting date or a walk in the countryside, dress shoes or a flimsy blouse just won’t cut the mustard.

As I’m not known for my style credentials, I asked some of our favourite rural businesses for their help to put together outfits for an outdoor date.  Ladies Shooting is also giving away a pair of tickets to countryside fashion event, Field Fashion Showcase to one lucky member – please read on to find out more.

What to wear on a weekend away

For your first weekend away in the countryside with your date, you’ll need to think about stylish, yet practical layers that can mix and match for different activities. These outfits, courtesy of countryside retailer Out of the City have an air of sophistication that can take you from a visit to a country house, right through to a to a walk in the woods or to a horse-riding date with just a few simple changes.

Men’s outfit:
Barbour Jacket £229
Barbour Chunky Cardigan £109.95
Barbour Scarf £49.95
R M Williams Linesman Jeans £109.95
Loake Brogue Boots £210

Ladies Outfit:
Tweed Jacket £385
Silk Blouse £125
RM Williams Moleskin Jeans £109.95
Silk Scarf £125
Spanish Boots £335
Sheepskin Muff £249.95

What to wear for a countryside walk

For a walk in the countryside, the key is to think about items that keep you warm and show that you’re not afraid to get a bit muddy. Rugby shirts have long been a favourite among country folk and these rugby tops from Splash Clothing have a classic look and cheeky slogans such as ‘Fine Filly’ for a funky twist. They can also be customised (we’re thinking Mr and Mrs Muddy if things go really well).

Team a classic rugby shirt (£32.99) with trousers, sturdy boots and a gilet if things get a bit chilly. With a casual look like this, the key is to go for tidy, but loosely styled hair and natural make-up for women.

What to wear on a shooting date

A clay-pigeon shoot is a great idea for a first date and if you’re looking to impress your new date, founder of Ladies Shooting, Victoria Knowles-Lacks recommends pastel coloured breeches and a shooting vest for ladies, teamed with leather boots. However, if you are new to clay-pigeon shooting and don’t want to shell out on expensive shooting gear, then a nice pair of jeans, a smart shirt and leather boots will look the part without breaking the bank.

If you’re more into field shooting, Victoria recommends a classic tweed jacket, like these past season examples below from Joules and Musto.

To win a pair of tickets for Field Fashion Showcase on Saturday 24^th November at the glamorous Adam Street club in London, please email your name and address to heather@muddymatches.co.uk by 9am on Friday 16^th November. The winner will be chosen at random and will be notified on Friday 16^th November.

Good luck!