Fashion & Beauty

The English Countryside Aesthetic Has Us All Dressing Like Off-Duty Royals

Princess Diana wears a pink striped sweater, green corduroy trousers, and white turtleneck
Getty Images

Euro summer may be long over, but everyone is still itching to travel across the pond—sartorially, at least. From barn jackets to riding boots to boho maxi skirts, a conglomeration of fall trends have one unexpected element in common: They all feel like exactly what an off-duty royal or rom-com hero would wear on a retreat to the English countryside. As we continue to embrace fall trends while preparing for holiday time off with loved ones, a new seasonal uniform is more than welcome—and this collection of modernized classics is answering the call to strike a balance between cozy comfort and posh energy. Read on to learn all about the English countryside style aesthetic, complete with eight essentials that will elevate your style whether you’re enjoying a getaway or simply taking a walk.

About the Trend

While most of fashion is going through constant change, there’s a remarkable stability to the off-duty style that high-society types opt for in the English countryside. British royals like Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton have achieved style icon status as much for their put-together country moments as for their formal ensembles, and it’s easy to see why: These outfits balance wearability with a quiet luxury feel and are a prime example of how good styling can elevate a look from mundane to inspired. Rather than playing too much into current trends, each royal has balanced timeless staples with a hint of personality in their countryside aesthetics. We’ve also seen this laid-back yet sophisticated look in countless rom-coms, especially seasonal favorites like The Holiday, which partially takes place in a rural English setting.

This season in particular, it just so happens that several key elements of English countryside style have been simultaneously trending. Equestrian aesthetics have followed the revival of Western motifs as we all lean into horse girl energy, olive green is having a moment, and utilitarian silhouettes have been getting countless fresh interpretations. Even the boho maxi skirt—a hallmark of early 2010s style—is closely related to many of the substantial silhouettes we’ve seen royals and other society types wear at country homes over the years.

Coming at the intersection of fall fashion and holiday style, the English countryside aesthetic meets the moment to help you craft practical yet luxe-feeling outfits for getaways and everyday pick-me-ups alike. Read on to see eight style essentials to achieving this look, complete with standout picks to shop.

English Countryside Style Essentials

Barn Jacket

Woman wears beige Carhartt barn jacket, gray sweater dress, knee-high black socks, strappy heels, and gold handbag
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The barn jacket is undeniably one of fall’s biggest outerwear trends, but it’s nothing new—Brits like Kate Middleton have embraced the utilitarian design as a leisurely staple for years. Whether you go for timeless tan or a statement shade like the deep green style below, throwing this piece on is a shortcut to feeling like you belong in the English countryside.

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Luxurious Tartans

Woman wears red tartan dress and black strappy heels while sitting on armrest of couch
@hillhouse / Instagram

Tartans are integral to UK style and culture, and fashion pieces in these patterns balance that British feel with a classically cozy aesthetic that feels just right for the colder months. You have countless options here, from holiday party-ready dresses to comfy flannels to accessories that add a touch of sophistication.

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Riding Boots

Meghan Markle wears a tan wrap coat, black slim pants, black riding boots, and olive gloves
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Riding boots never truly go out of style, but they’re back in a major way alongside moto styles this season. With a timeless classic like this, it’s smart to invest in a quality pair in a neutral shade that you’re bound to love for years to come.

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Voluminous Maxis

Alexis Page wearing a black long sleeve shirt, a gray sweater vest, a brown belt, and a red maxi skirt
@alexis__page / Instagram 

The cold-weather answer to this summer’s boho maxi skirt trend, substantial, flowing silhouettes are ideal for moodily traipsing around a hilly landscape as if you’re on the set of The Crown. Lean into heavier fabrics, tiered designs, and deeper shades and patterns to get the energy just right.

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Olive Green

Kate Middleton wears an olive green jacket, rib knit sweater, and black pants
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Moody colors are always popular throughout fall and winter, and it looks like olive green is set to follow cherry red as the next big trend. The color also just so happens to be a classic in sophisticated settings in the English countryside and beyond, so lean into the posh vibes by opting for structured outerwear, tailoring, and muted basics you can wear and rewear for countless occasions.

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Horse Girl Everything

Kacey Musgraves wears a white dress with bows and brown knee-high boots
@spaceykacey / Instagram

The equestrian lifestyle will always be synonymous with off-duty Brits, and horse girl style happens to be back in a major way this fall. Whether you go literal with an equine-patterned pullover or opt for a dress or tailoring suitable for the elevated rural life, you’re sure to feel put-together while paying tribute to these gentle giants.

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Timeless Knits

Matilda Djerf wears a blazer, gray sweater, and white pants
@matildadjerf / Instagram

A cozy sweater is hands-down one of the best parts of fall and winter style. Pretend you’re on a luxe rural retreat by leaning into classic knitwear motifs: Think aran and cable knits, fair isle patterns, and collared polo silhouettes.

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Utilitarian Trench

Emma Hill wears a beige trench coat with plaid interior, white t-shirt, black wide leg trousers, white sneakers, and black sunglasses
@emmahill / Instagram

Trench coats are a British classic—the category immediately brings to mind fabulous Londoners waltzing the streets in an iconic Burberry style. When it comes to adapting it for the English countryside aesthetic, look for neutrals and earth tones, slightly more relaxed silhouettes, and utilitarian details such as an abundance of pockets. All these go to create a look fit for throwing on whenever you’re wandering the grounds of a remote estate—or simply popping out for a coffee.

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