Countryside Chic: Functional Turned Fashion Forward
By: Preneet Kashyap
Lila Moss’s Spring 2024 Vogue feature, set in the picturesque English countryside, is reminiscent of the nature that envelops Middlebury, offering students the perfect stage for the return of ‘countryside chic.’ This fall/winter 2024 mantra blends rustic charm with bohemian sophistication, defining countryside chic as a style anchored in nature and timeless pieces elevated by a bohemian love for layered textures and patterns. With its resurgence, Middlebury’s campus becomes a playground of personal style, where students reinvent their wardrobes with creative flair, turning everyday looks into expressions of individuality.
Middlebury’s pastoral setting offers an ideal canvas for countryside chic, seamlessly drawing inspiration from the rural landscapes that define Vermont’s charm. Herringbone patterns, earthy palettes, and natural fibers mirror the rich hues of the surroundings, blending effortlessly with the existing campus aesthetic. This fashion fad’s focus on timeless simplicity reimagines the campus’ inherent ‘granola’ aesthetic, elevating its casualness with an effortless allure. The countryside chic transcends the utilitarian ‘crunchy’ style, evolving into a refined aesthetic that celebrates individuality and intentionality while deeply rooted in its connection to the natural world.
The countryside chic formula celebrates essential pieces like waxed or barn jackets, which have made a striking comeback this season, turning a once-humble workday staple into a coveted fashion statement. Timeless classics such as Fair Isle sweaters, Hunter boots, and corduroy trousers serve as the foundation of this look, offering both practicality and enduring charm. Meanwhile, bohemian accents like leopard patterns and bold materials such as leather introduce a playful sophistication. This fusion of rustic tradition and contemporary flair creates a deeply rooted yet refreshingly modern style, effortlessly bridging functionality with elegance.
The interplay of textures and colors finds its truest form in the art of accessorizing, a crucial element that ties together the bohemian spirit of countryside chic. Buckle belts, statement bracelets, and leather clogs are the perfect accents. This aesthetic takes inspiration from Chemena Kamali's debut show for Chloé, where accessories became central to storytelling, adding depth to every look. The fall/winter 2024 seal of approval is all about balance, earthy shades like olive, khaki, and bottle green paired with bold embellishments. And if there’s one defining detail this season, it’s studs… on belts, bags, and jeans, offering a daring edge to this otherwise pastoral trend.
Embracing this formula on campus while staying true to the existing style can be a balancing act, but integrating a few key pieces from our closets makes it effortlessly achievable. The essence of this aesthetic lies in layering, not just clothes but textures, colors, and accessories to craft a cohesive, dynamic look. Think rust brown and deep green, blue with crisp white, or burgundy balanced by casual denim. To add depth, experiment with leather jackets, suede outerwear, and patterned details.
Functional fashion has entered the spotlight, not because it’s being prescribed by brands or dictated by magazines, but because it aligns with the growing desire for authenticity and practicality. The irony lies in its newfound status as a trend item once overlooked for its utilitarian roots, like waxed jackets, hiking boots, and wool sweaters, celebrated for their timeless appeal and inherent versatility. What was once deemed purely functional is now embraced as fashion-forward, as people gravitate toward pieces that serve a purpose while still making a statement. This shift highlights a redefinition of style, where practicality and aesthetic value no longer exist in opposition but complement each other, proving that fashion can be wearable and aspirational.