Going into autumn, it’s the perfect time to start building your perfect country wardrobe. Whether it’s for everyday or for a special occasion, each top should be practical enough to make multiple outfits. You might prefer a selection of tops in a similar colour scheme, or perhaps you want a variety of colours and patterns. Here’s our selection of ten different types of tops that we think every country lady needs in their wardrobe.
Mixing and matching your tops can totally transform your outfit, especially from day to night. It’s also an inexpensive way to try new trends, as tops tend to be the cheapest items to purchase. However, we’re firm believers in classic styles and trying capsule wardrobes.
Our Top 10 Types of Tops for Every Country Lady
Ten different types of tops might seem like a lot, but we’re sure you might even own half of these pieces already. Maybe it’s time to refresh with a new colour or pattern instead!
A Checked Shirt
If there’s any top that’s a country lady essential, it’s a checked shirt. They’re the perfect top to dress both up and down, and will become one of your go-to pieces in your wardrobe. Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or prefer a pop of colour to every outfit, a checked shirt is often a subtle way to show off your favourite colours. They’re meant to be fitted in design for a smarter look, but you can also size up for a looser fit.
A Printed Collared Shirt
If you love a collared shirt, choosing a printed or patterned design might be more up your street. A striped shirt is more formal, whereas an animal print shirt is much more of a fun version. However, each style can be worn for a variety of occasions. Our Wistow printed shirts are hugely popular, with countryside animals featured in a subtle, neutral tone on a cream or white shirt.
A Plain Oxford Cotton Shirt
If you’re not a fan of pattern or simply prefer a streamlined design, a plain cotton shirt might have more use in your wardrobe. Buy in a pastel shade, such as light blue or pink, and you’ll be able to wear this shirt for everything from the office to christenings and every formal event in between. You can also dress a plain shirt down by pairing with dark wash jeans and Chelsea boots.
A Floaty Blouse
For a more feminine touch to an outfit, a floaty blouse is a lovely option. They’re often a little oversized too, ideal for meals out with friends and family, so you can eat as much as you want without feeling restricted in your clothing. There are even multiple style options, from overhead, button-up, and short-sleeved versions. They’re some of our favourite items to wear during the summer to keep cool, but they’re also versatile enough to wear during the winter, underneath a cable knit jumper or cardigan when the temperature drops.
A Sleeveless Shirt or Blouse
When the weather is warmer, a sleeveless shirt or blouse is a dressy option for summertime. Again, it can be worn with jeans, skirts, shorts, and chinos, dressed up for nighttime events and dressed down for days out with the family. A loose sleeveless blouse is perfect for picnics in the park, and a more structured button-up has a dressier feel to it. However, by changing your trousers and shoes, all of our sleeveless shirt and blouse designs can be worn for just about every smart, casual and smart-casual design.
A Fleece-Lined Shirt
If you’re someone who’s prone to getting cold quickly, a fleece-lined shirt could be your go-to item for any time you leave the house! Whether it’s walking the dogs in the countryside or attending an outdoor event, it means you might not need to add an extra layer on top. Wearing a thin T-shirt or vest underneath and a lightweight coat or gilet on top should be enough for cooler days.
A Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt
For a more casual, everyday top, a polo shirt has quickly become an essential for country ladies. It’s a great way to introduce colour into your wardrobe too, whether it’s a bright shade or a jewel-toned style. You might prefer a simple one-colour polo shirt with its emblem, or maybe you want to try a quarter-patterned or striped design to add a pop of extra colour. Wear skinny jeans and knee-high boots to create your go-to daily outfit.
A Tank Vest Top
Another summer option is a tank vest top, an item that many of us live in once the summer comes around. It’s an item that can be worn during colder months as a layering piece, underneath jumpers or a cardigan, so you can still see the design on it. Our new cow pattern vest has quickly become a customer favourite and we’re sure it’ll fly off the shelves next summer again.
A Long-Sleeved Rugby Shirt
For more coverage, a long-sleeved rugby shirt is the perfect item for casual days out with family and friends, but it can be dressed up for smart-casual events, simply by switching your flats for a pair of heeled boots. Just like a polo shirt, you can add a pop of colour to your outfit if you wish, with a range of blues and reds available across our range. Alternatively, country neutral tones of khaki, grey, and navy work just as well.
A Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
You might not consider a quarter-zip sweatshirt a top, but on cooler days, you might want to wear one! We like to wear a tank vest or short-sleeved T-shirt underneath, but it can be your main outer layer when it’s cool but not cold. They’re a pretty casual item, but if you’re heading to the pub with friends, you can always dress them up a little with smart ankle boots.
With ten different types of tops to choose from, your entire wardrobe is set from summer to winter, with a few additional layering pieces for the colder months.