Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 14th January 2014

Photography by Gemma Boyle

January is supposed to be one of those depressing months where everyone is getting over the festive celebrations and looking for a bright new future. 

It is the month where people give up alcohol and take up running. People start to plan their summer holidays so that they have something to look forward to, but why wait!? It might be cold, dark, wet and windy but there’s no reason you can’t take a quick trip to the good old British countryside... in style!

Traditional Style 

If you’re going to do this properly with lengthy walks through forests and villages, you might want to look the part. 

We’re talking a good quality wax jacket like this one pictured from Joules, a Gilet to keep you warm or a quilted jacket. Stay away from denim and go for some heavy cotton chinos such as this pair from Private White V.C.

It’s all about the layering when It comes to staying warm so a t-shirt and a shirt like this one by Hammond & Co. under the outwear options and bring your accessories such as a scarf and have some gloves handy. 

The footwear is super important for a country escape in Britain. You want to keep warm, dry and comfortable so thick socks and a quality pair of boots like these ones from French Connection.

We headed to Fawsley Hall in the Northamptonshire countryside. This place is in the deep depths of the countryside. The drive to find it at night through dark country lanes proved to be a little tricky and can be a bit scary too, but once you find it you’ll think you’ve stumbled on the Batcave. 

The hotel/spa is very grand with superb gardens, and in the past it played host to Queen Elizabeth I.

Colourful Style 

Countryside style doesn’t necessarily mean browns, olives, greens and greys. You can certainly mix it up a bit and bash out a few colour trends. 

Just keep to the rules of layering for warmth and keep the garments practical. Here we have playful colours from Club Monaco with a green double breasted overcoat, a berry wool hat and a mustard cable knit jumper. 

Again, stay away from denim, once they get wet whilst out on a walk, they’ll become heavy and uncomfortable. Pictured you’ll see a pair of grey flannel trousers from Topman teamed with a classic pair of brown brogues. The only classic item here is the leather and wool gloves, but it helps balance the countryside look.

We headed to Alexander House, a leading luxury five-star hotel in Sussex. This place has a really cool spa and an outside Jacuzzi, so admittedly the country walks were often substituted for this. 

However, we did get out and about to explore their impressive grounds and gardens... after a few mulled wines.

In this feature we discuss Countryside Style and what items of clothing to wear on a trip to the British countryside, featuring Club Monaco and Joules.