Gilets in my wardrobe…
Hello Darlings.
I hope you are all keeping safe and well in what is still a very strange and challenging time. I know for one that I am finding lockdown a mixture of resetting and refocusing myself from my usually hectic life, but equally, I am missing the old ways now, especially riding. It’s challenging not being able to do the things we love, but we are looking after our country and our NHS, which we must keep reminding ourselves when things get tough!
I am so pleased to hear that my blogs are inspiring so many of you at this time, you kind comments are always so heartwarming to hear!
I wanted to put together a blog of some of the gilets in my wardrobe, as a mini style review. Gilets are the perfect layer for Spring/Summer, and as I have quite a few, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on them with you. I am frequently asked about all the items in my country wardrobe, and as a ‘fashion fanatic’ you know I love sharing my thoughts and opinions. I’ve mentioned before that I never separate my wardrobe and pack items away between seasons, I prefer generally investing in clothing that is able to be utilised all year round- and gilets do exactly that!
I hope this gives you some advice if you are looking to add a new layer to your own wardrobe, and which style may suit your needs best!
Schoffel Lyndon Fleece Gilet
What do I love about them?
I have loved Schoffel gilets for as long as I can remember. These aren’t what I would consider the cheapest item of clothing, so for me buying another one to add to my collection has always been a treat – but I think that makes you love an item of clothing that little bit more. Something I love about the Schoffel Gilets is the vast colour range, there really is one for every occasion. I have been through several of the colours and for me they are definitely a country wardrobe essential. I think they are easy to style and go with everything. Whether you require your wardrobe to meet country work, riding, shooting or weekend wear, the Lyndon Schoffel Gilets really will be able to carry you through. I often wear mine riding, and shooting (when I go, I’m not claiming to be a regular here, we all know how bad of a shot I am 😉), as well as styling with skirts and dresses for a more casual look. These gilets are extremely hard wearing. They also wash well too – which is crucial if you are wearing them to the yard or farm!
I currently have 3 of these gilets (which doesn’t feel enough) but I think that proves how much I really respect them in my wardrobe.
Perfectly styled with?
Classic country styling is of course a Schoffel gilet, shirt, jeans and a pair of boots. You cant go far wrong with this look!
The gilets are so hard wearing though, so if you work outside all year round you’ll know what an essential they are – and just how much they pair with (EVERYTHING)!
Any bad points?
I can’t really fault these gilets. I think a possible bad point might just be the sizing is a little out I have always found. I always size down by one size to gain a more fitted look.
Price?
Coming in at a slightly high price point, the Schöffel Lyndon gilets are £139.95.
These are also quite difficult to find discount codes for, so you do usually end up buying at full price.
Where can I find one?
Find me here.
Nattily Fleece Gilet
What do I love about them?
Ever since I first set eyes on the Nattily Fleece Gilets, I have loved them. You may remember this gilet appearing in a couple of my blogs previously too, I do like to shout about it when I can. These gilets are just so much fun, they add a colourful twist to a classic fleece gilet look, which is so popular in the country wardrobe.
The gilets are made from recycled plastic, with an average of 20 plastic bottles making up each gilet. They are warm enough to add as a layer under a coat in the winter, but during the Spring/Summer they are the perfect addition to throw on over your outfit, keeping the chill off.
There are several different colours available, so if the blue isn’t for you, why not try grey! There are four different boldly coloured trims to the gilets to pick from. You can also add a coloured pom-pom to the zip for a finishing touch!
Perfectly styled with?
I absolutely love pairing mine with my Fairfax and Favor Amira boots and a pair of white jeans. The gilets are stand out and really make a statement – speaking for themselves! I tend to pair with more subtle outfits, so that the gilet is the talking point of my outfit.
Any bad points?
The one thing I have picked up on with these gilets is that they come up slightly large. I sized down and it is still a little bigger on me than a very fitted gilet, but there is an elastic in the waist which does mean you can pinch this in to create a more fitted look should you wish to.
Price?
£120.00
Where can I find one?
Find me here!
Sporting Hares Willow Fleece Waistcoat
What do I love about them?
I remember the launch of the Willow Fleece gilet perfectly. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be right in my style, I have been a huge fan of Sporting Hares items for many years now and love the quality and design of their items.
This type of gilet makes for the perfect laying piece and it is warm enough to add as a layer under a jacket, without creating too much bulk. During the winter months I have been wearing this gilet every day as a layer for work!
The Midnight Blue gilet is a thick fleece with a tan coloured velvet suede. I’ve found the gilet to be true to size. There is a draw cord inside the gilet which can be used to create the desired fit.
Perfectly styled with?
I love pairing this with white jeans or a tweed skirt for a simple country look.
Any bad points?
There is nothing to report here.
Price?
£54.99
Where can I find one?
Find me here!
Smokeless Equestrian Technical Padded Gilet
What do I love about them?
Well this is another product that you will have probably seen creeping up on my social media, and in my blogs, several times. I have been a very keen lover of a fleece gilet for some time now, and haven’t branched out too far from this style previously. But then I met this Smokeless Equestrian gilet, and something changed. This gilet fast became one of my favourites in my wardrobe and pretty much everything about it is amazing.
Not only does this gilet look stylish, but it is super practical if you work outside, or spend a lot of time outside. This gilet recently came on holiday to Nashville with me (have I mentioned I went to Nashville?!!), and it was the perfect layer that I constantly found myself throwing on. The gilet is able to fold up so small, you can fold it to fit into your handbag which is really handy – particularly at this time of year when you aren’t sure if you will need that extra layer or not. This padded gilet is without bulk, so it creates a lovely fitted look- which is lovely, some padded gilets can make you look bigger and bulkier but this gilet doesn’t do that at all.
The gilets are also water resistant, and come in a carry bag.
Perfectly styled with?
From wearing to the yard, to pairing with your favourite country outfits, I genuinely can’t think of anything that this gilet doesn’t go with. I’ve worn it to the yard as an extra layer, I’ve also styled it as an essential part of my country wardrobe for days out and holidays.
Any bad points?
If I was to be really picky, just to think of something, the two pockets don’t have zips, but they are quite deep so I have never had anything fall out of them. I really cannot fault this gilet, if they released another colour I wouldn’t even question adding another one to my wardrobe.
Price?
A very affordable £49.95.
Where can I find one?
Find me here!
Fairfax and Favor Elizabeth Gilet
What do I love about them?
Now this little gilet ended up with its own review on the Country Classic Lucinda website, which you can read here. I am a huge lover of everything Fairfax & Favor. If you have followed me on social media for a long time, you’ll know I pursed my first ever pair of F&F boots many many years ago, whilst I was studying at University. Ever since that moment I think it is safe to say I became obsessed with the brand, and continued to make investment after investment!
This is the first piece of clothing that F&F have branched out into, and I have to say – I love it. I think they got the design and quality spot on. The Toscana style of gilet is so popular now, and to complete a country wardrobe, they are a must have. Not only are they a perfect Autumn/Winter piece, but they are a great addition to the Spring/Summer wardrobe by adding some warmth from the chills.
Perfectly styled with?
I have loved pairing this gilet with dresses and skirts. It is the perfect cosy layer to add some warmth to a more Summery look.
Any bad points?
This is definitely not a bad point as such, but I wish I had gone for the smaller size as this does come up a little large on me. This isn’t really a bad point as it is my own fault – and I would say the gilet is true to size, I just didn’t go for the right size!
Price point is the only other comment I have about this piece. It is definitely a luxury investment piece.
Price?
This gilet is priced at £475.00 so it is the most expensive gilet in the collection.
Where can I find one?
Find me here!
Brown Wax Gilet
What do I love about them?
Honestly, I remember purchasing this gilet so clearly. I saw the most elegant lady walk past me at a show and she was wearing one of these brown wax gilets. I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without asking where it was from so I remember leaping into action and bounding over to her to ask where it was from. The lady was so kind and lovely, and had actually purchased the gilet at the show. I was so lucky to be able to head to the stand she mentioned and purchase the last one! Unfortunately the gilet doesn’t have a label, and I don’t remember the stands name, but there are a lot of similar products available.
Perfectly styled with?
This gilet is the perfect Country Show look. Pair with some white jeans, a shirt or roll neck jumper and some brown knee high boots. I would personally then pair with a silk scarf and fedora to finish the look!
Any bad points?
I don’t have any bad points about this specific gilet, other than it doesn’t have a label which is frustrating!
Price?
I have based the price on a Rydale version of the gilet, which comes in at £35.00
Where can I find one?
Although I can’t link the exact gilet, I have linked a similar product from Rydale here.
City Cows Fur Gilet
What do I love about them?
I love this gilet. Navy is one of my favourite wardrobe colours – I am sure you all know this by now. These fur gilets are the most perfect addition to your wardrobe, as they serve a purpose all year round. Whether you’re wanting to dress up an outfit for a meal out or brunch, or whether you want an additional layer to keep you warm when out racing or shooting – these fur gilets are the perfect solution.
City Cows offer a great range of colours and styles of gilet available, and these fur gilets have pockets, which I love! City Cows also attend several shows so if you aren’t sure which style or colour would suit you, there is an opportunity to see their fur gilets in the flesh, and try them on!
I have found these to be true to size.
Perfectly styled with?
Styled up in the evening with a dress, or styled down during the day with a pair of white jeans and some knee high boots.
Any bad points?
I can’t actually think of a bad point for this gilet!
Price?
Currently in the sale for £99.00
Where can I find one?
Find me here!
Vintage Fur Gilets
What do I love about them?
These make a really great insulating layer – they are not bulky in the slightest, so they are really comfortable worn under jackets, or another gilet, but they are really warm. I also love added these to my Spring & Summer outfits as a bit more of a layer against the chills. I find these dress up or down incredibly well. I will often layer them up under my jackets for the races to keep me especially warm, but I equally like to put them over a dress for drinks in the evening – they are extremely versatile.
Perfectly styled with?
I find these go with everything in my wardrobe, and I will often throw one on if I am just not sure what else to pop on top. They look particularly elegant over dresses.
Any bad points?
This isn’t a bad point, but these are not to everyone’s taste.
Price?
Price varies largely depending on type of fur, condition and quality.
Where can I find one?
An exact match can’t be found for these gilets purely because I try to purchase my vintage fur in person through shops or trade stands.
If you’d like to see how all of these gilets look, I have uploaded a video onto my Instagram, @countryclassiclucinda, which you can find here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog of some of the gilets currently in my wardrobe, and my thoughts on them and how to wear them. Look out for the jackets version coming soon!
Lots of Love, Lucinda xo
‘Style and confidence requires knowing yourself and wearing what you feel best in.’
— Ariel Kaye
{Please note that I was gifted the gilets from City Cows, Smokeless Equestrian and Fairfax & Favor, however, these are all part of previous collaborations. The gilets featured here are all part of my wardrobe and I chose to review these with no expectations from any of the brands. As always, my opinions are honest and are not influenced by any of the brands featured. None of the links included are affiliate links}
