Dressing for outdoor activities tends to come with caveats. Often, the weather will turn; skies open with torrential rain, or the wind starts howling with a chilly breeze. And in these scenarios? It’s a scramble to grab functional clothing, rather than style. Nobody wants to emerge from their morning commute looking bedraggled.
This problem is universal; in other words, you’re not alone. However, women are rethinking their relationship with outdoor clothes. There is a shift towards these garments as an extension of identity, not just function. Here’s what to know about the evolution of outdoor style (and developing that style-resilient all-weather wardrobe).
The Evolution of Outdoor Style
Firstly, society has increased its knowledge of the benefits of time outdoors. As we crave proximity to nature, biophilic designs and natural wellness are core trends. A stylish outdoor wardrobe? That’s just another branch of our desire to reconnect with the outdoors.
Whether you’re planning weekends on a Cotswold estate, climbing fells in the Lake District, or walking the Cornish coastline, there has been a shift from generic design. Understanding of individual fits and “real bodies” has enhanced over recent years. We have collectively realised that “waterproof” rarely means “watertight,” but the quality of outdoor clothing has risen. More brands are conscious of garments that curate comfort for outdoor experiences, rather than tokenistic details or generic fittings.
When Practical Clothing Becomes Part of Personal Identity
Enter Gorpcore, a trend born around outdoor clothing that is functional but inherently cool. Forget reserving outdoor garments for extreme weather; women are bringing these pieces into different settings. Gorpcore is a style that can be worn anywhere, blending technical pieces (e.g. coats that are as waterproof as humanly possible) with personal pieces. Think of North Face mountaineering jackets with a comfy pair of denims.
Footwear as the Foundation of Feeling Confident Outdoors
Ready to morph from street wear into confident formulas for outfits for the great outdoors? Start from the bottom up. The right womens hiking boots can support varied terrain and changing UK conditions, allowing comfort and freedom of movement. Alternatively, to “dress it up” for a streetwear setting, you could switch hiking boots for heels or loafers. This choice grounds your outfit, literally.
Choosing Function Without Ignoring Ethics and Transparency
Confidence comes from trust. Never sacrifice ethics for function; looking for sustainable pieces is a major trend amongst UK consumers. Red flags include vague eco language and a lack of information around the origin of materials. The more transparency, the more likely you are to choose a piece that aligns with your core values and identity.
Dressing to go outdoors is never a smooth ride. Expect the unexpected, but with the right wardrobe, you’ll feel fantastic regardless.