Page 23 - Countrysmart Nr 1-2020

Tveksam om klädval för
en helg eller ett helt nytt liv utanför storstadens koder, regler och normer? London- baserade företaget Debrett´s har svaren i sina böcker, kurser och genom personlig coaching i Debrett´s Aca- demy. Bland boktitlarna märks Guide for the Mo- dern Gentleman, the A-Z of Moderna Manners och här finns att läsa det som är värt att veta om Country clothing.
Practicalities
Dress codes in rural areas may be more traditional than in cities. Some guideli- nes on what to wear are based on prac- ticality; clothes should be appropriate for the weather and outdoor activities, and warm enough for drafty houses. For example a woman would not wear very high heels and a short tight skirt to a Sunday lunch, which may include a walk. Instead jeans or cords, with a shirt or jumper, is correct.
Country Style and Colours
Traditionally black is still seen as a city colour, other than for funerals. Men wear brown rather than black shoes, and tweeds. Women might wear black for formal dinners or dances but not for daytime. Women would not usually wear a tailored jacket indoors in a social rather than business setting, but might
choose either a gilet, or a jumper or car- digan.
Outdoors weatherproof jackets are worn in preference to woollen over- coats. Colours are muted; greens and browns are more rural than black or navy blue or anything hi-vis. Country sports, even if not practised, are the inspiration for the ‘correct style’; it is worth noting, however, that the wea- ring of jodhpurs or hacking jackets by fashionistas may cause amusement in country circles. Dressing for an activi- ty in which a person is not taking part is unwise; for example a man who is not actually shooting should avoid plus fours.
Accessories
Scarves and woollen or fake fur hats are frequently worn by women, while flat caps for men may be worn. Wal- king shoes or boots are left at the door and slip-on shoes such as loafers usually worn indoors. The wearing of trainers indoors and outdoors is generally frow- ned upon.
”Britons seeking advice on etiqu- ette and lineage have been able to turn to Debrett´s for almost 250 years. But Debrett´s 2.0 is a very different business, as new owners transform the company for the digital age.”
Financial Times
Formality
Full-time country people tend to dress up for social and sporting events more than weekenders, who may take the op- portunity to dress down, and this can cause clashes of dress codes. As for other dress codes, err on the side of effort and do not be afraid to ask in advance what others are going to be wearing.
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