If you’ve ever worn the wrong shoes to an outdoor event, you know the feeling of regret. We spent a recent Sunday trackside at the South of England Horse Trials in Ardingly, watching how the county’s most stylish attendees brilliantly traded city stilettos for rugged equestrian refinement. They made a muddy field look like a Parisian runway, proving how easily we can bring that effortless confidence into our own wardrobes. Striking the balance between functional outerwear and high-end elegance can feel like a guessing game when British weather refuses to cooperate. Let’s dive straight into how you can easily nail this classy look without losing your footing.
The power of a good tweed blazer
A staple in every country girl’s wardrobe is the beloved tweed blazer. Worn at the elbows and once belonging to an old male relative, it stands as the ultimate centrepiece of race day dressing.
Now, how best to style it? A personal favourite pairing of mine is matching it with a soft knit layer underneath to build depth against a chilly autumn breeze. But what if you don’t have an old family wardrobe to raid? Fear not. You can easily track down an authentic piece of country heritage yourself. Take a detour to the charity shops of Chichester or Petworth. Because locals live the rural lifestyle, their donation racks are goldmines for beautifully tailored, pre-loved tweed at an unrivalled price.
Not sure second-hand is your thing? No problem. Take a brief detour on race day to one of the independent local stalls instead. You will find yourself in the hands of passionate experts experienced in selling bespoke jackets made to last a lifetime. Whichever route you choose, focus on structured, rich materials that feel tactile. At the end of the day, a great blazer is your secret weapon; it pulls your look together instantly while keeping you incredibly comfortable.
Weatherproofing with wellies and a wax jacket
When the clouds inevitably roll in over the paddock and a crisp autumn drizzle begins to fall, your sartorial strategy must pivot from pure style to clever weatherproofing. This is where British heritage outerwear truly shines. A classic, well-fitted wax jacket offers the perfect defence against unpredictable Sussex weather without sacrificing an ounce of elegance. The beauty of a wax jacket lies in its ability to age gracefully. As it creases and patinas with use, it adapts uniquely to your movements, developing a rich character that pairs beautifully with a knit jumper underneath. Look for silhouettes featuring subtle waist cinching or classic corduroy collars that soften the utilitarian edge.
True weatherproofing, however, is a comprehensive endeavour that requires equal consideration from the ground up. Navigating sprawling racecourse lawns or muddy pathways means your footwear must be up to the task. I will not let you go through the embarrassing ritual of cleaning mud off a stiletto while balancing yourself haphazardly in front of a well-dressed crowd. Pairing your outerwear with high-quality leather or rubber tall wellies provides the perfect defence. Choosing rich, earthy tones like olive green, deep navy, or chestnut brown allows your boots to blend seamlessly into your environment. This deliberate combination creates a silhouette perfect for navigating damp race grounds while keeping your look grounded, practical, and undeniably chic.
The little things: accessories that elevate your look
My favourite way to dress up a blank canvas will always be in the accessories department. When your foundation relies on timeless, structured staples like heavy tweed blazers and robust wax jackets, it can feel like your personal style is disappearing behind traditions. I find it’s the smaller, deliberate details that add personal flair and separate a good outfit from a truly spectacular one. Accessories serve as the punctuation marks of personal style.
A versatile silk scarf: one piece, three ways
A high-quality silk scarf is one of the most hardworking items you can carry. It offers immediate protection from shifting coastal winds while allowing you to change its functional purpose with a few clever knots.
The protective headscarf: when the wind picks up across the downs, fold your square silk scarf diagonally into a triangle. Centre the long edge along your hairline, drape it over your hair, and cross the ends beneath your chin. Bring the ends around the back of your neck and tie them securely. This keeps your hair perfectly in place and shields your ears from a biting breeze.
The white shirt tuck: for days when the air is cool but not cold enough for a heavy wool scarf, unbutton the top two buttons of a crisp white shirt. Fold your silk scarf into a narrow band, wrap it once around your neck, and tie a simple knot. Tuck the loose ends neatly inside the collar of your shirt. This creates an immediate barrier against drafts while adding a comfortable layer against your skin.
The handbag accent: when the weather is fine and you don’t need the extra layer, wrap your silk scarf tightly around the handle of a structured leather bag—such as a Fairfax & Favour tote. Start at one base of the handle, secure it with a knot, and wrap it uniformly across the leather until you reach the other side, tucking the final end through. It protects the handle leather from oils while keeping the scarf handy if the temperature drops later.
About the author – Emelia Steeden
Bridging my time as a London fashion student with my love for the Sussex countryside has taught me that the best style always merges function with personal flair. As an aspiring fashion journalist, I love decoding how heritage style adapts to modern life, proving that timeless pieces like the humble tweed blazer belong on every country runway. I hope these practical tips help you navigate your next rainy race day with absolute confidence. To read more of my work, make sure to subscribe to my dedicated Substack newsletter @covergirlmimi. Think of it as your ultimate style destination, where I break down the latest global fashion news, write in depth collection reviews, share personal column-style reflections, and curate high fashion editorial inspiration tailored for the modern wardrobe. You can also connect with me directly and follow my daily journalism updates on Instagram @emeliasteeden- I would love to see how you style your silk scarves!
