We are all too familiar with the timeless British country style. Close your eyes and picture a stylish gentleman. You may imagine a man who spends his free time at the race courses on cold, hazy mornings. Alternately, you can spot him enjoying calm and cozy weekends at the shooting club. Tweed jackets, wax waistcoats, and sage-colored flat caps complete the image. These staple pieces are not only loved by those who spend the majority of their days in the countryside but relevant to casual streetwear. This style intertwines practicality with hints of timeless luxury which hides in subtle tones of simplicity and minimalism. Simple patterns, neutral or cold-toned colors, and highly functional materials are the reasons why this style is adored both by style aficionados and simple living enthusiasts.
Where does the country style aesthetic comes from?
One may say that timeless tweed never went out of style, and that’s probably true. However, our colleagues over at vice.com have one more motive for its recent ever-growing popularity. They noticed that this timeless aesthetic grew in popularity among young people with the airing of the television show Peaky Blinders. The show itself takes place in the 1920s. Hazy Birmingham surroundings and a captivating storyline follow the lawless realities of these times. The plot is complete with charismatic and exceptionally well-dressed characters. One of the standout characters is Tommy Shelby, who is responsible for many of the audience falling in love with the show. So, it’s only natural that style inspired by this show rose to immense popularity.
How to incorporate British country wear to your day to day style?
Many articles are flying around the internet on how to dress like your favorite Peaky Blinders characters–from GQ magazine to fan posts on their fashion blogs. Everyone seems to be in love with aesthetic. So what items do you need and how do you style them?
Bakerboy Hats and Flatcaps
Even though we do not recommend concealing razors in a peak of your flat caps like the main characters do in the show for legal reasons–getting a beautiful baker boy hat or a flat cap, however, is still an absolute must. These caps can be easily styled both with classic staple items like tweed waistcoats and trench coats, but will also look perfect with more simple outfits that feature articles like cuffed denim jeans and basic white tees.
The Fabric Matters
The reason why tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton are so popular even to this day is their practicality, minimal aesthetic and the fact that they are made from natural cotton and wool. Although these materials are near ancient, they are not going away anytime soon. These fabrics are easy to style, and due to their structure, they bring an additional layer of luxury to your outfits.
Layering is the Key
The other trend which you can spot in this show is very precise layering. The main character Tommy is often seen wearing tweed waistcoats matched with long overcoats. Even though his looks are always polished to perfection, nowadays setting would require a little more of a relaxed approach! Why not take the classic tweed waistcoat and match it with an everyday single-breasted coat or a flannel blazer? Don’t be afraid to give your classic British tweed a little bit of freedom.
Final thoughts
British country wear includes many elements and traditions. Countless years of history refines the aesthetic behind each thread of moleskin, tweed and wax cotton material. It is heartwarming to see that timeless pieces like classic tartan printed gilets and flat caps are still having their place in day to day wear. Even though today’s looks using those garments may not be as refined as they were years ago, a modern twist for a classy piece is always a good idea!
