Whether you are planning an end-of summer camping trip or just hoping to escape to the peace of the countryside sometime soon, thinking about what to wear should be last on your list of things to do. A few versatile, simple garments that work with each other are all you need. Which leaves more room in your head for daydreaming, and less clutter in your packing bag.
Getting away from it all is much easier when you are not surrounded with surplus things that need washing, ironing or folding. Instead, treat your country escape packing like a pared-back version of a minimalist closet. Take clothes that can be rinsed and pegged up on a tree to dry overnight. Take lightweight towels that roll up small and dry quickly. Pack two shirt dresses that can double as nighties so you can have long, slow mornings without worrying about drab pjs. Include one or two warm sweaters or cardigans that you can pull on over one of these dresses when the evenings get chilly. Take a short sleeved tunic to throw over your swimsuit if you are near a good wild swimming spot. Warm socks are essential to keep your body temperature up during the night. A wool throw or blanket will keep you snug without overheating, and linen clothes next to your skin will keep you comfortable all night long (remember that feeling when you go to sleep in a tent freezing and then wake up at dawn sweating and parched? Yuk.)
Here are 6 simple ways to style your country escape. All will work whether you are camping, glamping or holing up in a magical cottage hideaway. An escape should be just that: time away from the pressures of looking perfect; time out from the digital whirl; time to shake off the busyness of life and tune into the rhythms of Nature. Your clothes can be crucial to how you feel, but you also don't want to have to think about them. So we've done the thinking for you.
1.Linen tunic
A soft, supple linen tunic is perfect for sunny days in the outdoors. Our Emily dress feels amazing and works with pretty much anything. And it has comfy pockets for stashing all your Nature finds and campfire chocolate.
2.Linen throw
A linen throw is a brilliant companion on any adventure. It can double as a towel so you can take a spontaneous dip and still get warm and dry. It also looks lovely as a make-shift picnic blanket, whilst being much lighter to carry. Kids can snuggle under it as they toast marshmallows, or friends can hunker down with a glass of wine and a throw over their shoulders.
3.Linen shirt dress
A couple of these are really all you need for a short camping trip or weekend away in the country during the warmer months. Easy-to-wear, charmingly crumpled, relaxed yet positively stylish, a linen shirt dress has got it all. Choose one dark one and a contrasting lighter shade for interest. Then sit back and smell the roses. No fuss, no frills, just simply beautiful clothes.
4.Linen button-down tunic dress
Pair a clean white linen button-down tunic with some chunky espadrilles and a hat, and you are ready for a day of taking it slow. Great for warmer weather, but just as good worn over some skinny jeans or leggings if there's a chill in the air. Short and charming but without trying too hard, this dress has delightful pleat detailing and delicate buttons for a flattering, feminine finish.
5.Linen maxi dress
If you prefer to cover up but want a sleek silhouette, a linen maxi dress is ideal. Floaty and lightweight, our Dona dress is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. Cut in a flattering shape and with two slits at the side for easy strolling through the fields, this will work hard while you are away, so you don't have to.
6.Colour-pop linen dress
If you want to add a pop of colour to your country escape wardrobe, how about our fab Isabella dress in Aqua? Again, no need for ironing as the creases add to its charm, and this dress is oh so easy to pair with warmer layers as the evenings draw in. A really flattering shade on darker skin tones, and a slim cut to keep things looking relaxed but chic.
There you have it: six beautiful looks for your country escape.
Wear beautiful, easy clothes. Cook fresh food over a fire. Gaze at the stars. Read poetry by candlelight. Switch off your phone and reconnect with the people around you. Walk barefoot in the morning dew. Pick wildflowers for the table. Learn how to identify birdsong. Tell ghost stories around the fire. Soak yourself in cool, open water. Roll down a hill. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Happy escaping!
For more on fun things to do before the end of summer, go here.