Being from the Pennsylvania Wilds, it always tickles my funny bone when I see high fashion’s take on rural-coded trends or traditional country styles. However, in a world of fast fashion and quick trend cycles, it can be a comfort to get back to timeless, classic pieces. Hence, the resurgence of countrycore, defined by barn jackets, riding boots, plaid flannels, and gingham-ed everything.
Of course, traditional style doesn’t mean boring or even necessarily rustic. This go-round of countrycore finds folks adding touches of sophistication and styling with a contemporary edge for a modern, countryside chic aesthetic.
Let’s break down the elements of the current country craze and ways you can incorporate this trend into your everyday looks.
For a cool and classic approach to countrycore, look no further than tartan. A tartan piece, such as a jacket or skirt, gives its fabric weight and richness that easily elevates any ensemble. The key to giving the pattern a fresh feel is to style it with modern silhouettes, colors, and textures. Lands’ End has a variety of plaid skirts from an A-Line Below the Knee piece to an Above the Knee Plaid Side Pleat Skort, both of which combine an air of collegiate prep with the timelessness of countrycore when paired with a cable knit sweater, sheer tights, and suede Chelsea boots. Or wear tartan up top with
Ann Taylor’s Plaid Relaxed Double Breasted Blazer. This jacket feels very countryside chic when worn with a chambray shirt, jeans, and cowboy-esque boots.
Speaking of boots and calling all horse girls (yours truly included), the riding boot is countrycore in full swing, especially if you make your boots the focal point of your outfit. Tuck in your straight-leg jeans in the shoe’s shaft for an unexpected silhouette, and wear with a brown leather jacket. Naturalizer’s Rena 2 Riding Boot in saddle brown can easily be worn with tucked-in jeans, as well as a midi-skirt, or even a knit jogger for a contrast in texture. Another classic option is Jack Roger’s Adaline Riding Boot in a black and brown two-tone. Keep the equestrian theme going with either pair by wearing a button-up and tailored blazer up top. Or go for a more laidback, stable vibe in a striped long-sleeved shirt and barn jacket.
If equestrian-like pieces aren’t up your style alley, you can achieve the sought-after countrycore aesthetic with a monochromatic olive-green look. Check out Old Navy’s V-Neck Shaker-Stitch Cardigan in “dried herb” for a cozy country knit, and pair it with a casual military green pant like Loft’s Monroe Wide Leg Twill Pant in “evening olive” for a rustic weekend outfit. A head-to-toe outfit in any autumnal shade—burgundy, rust red, mocha mousse will bring an outdoorsy sensibility to your take on countrycore. Leather accessories, like belts and handbags, further play up this style.
Going back to the barn jacket, the epitome of current countrycore. Take this classic, hardy workwear and give it a modern twist by pairing it with contrasting pieces like a silky skirt and fitted turtleneck or luxe cashmere knit and tailored trousers. I’m a sucker for The Vermont County Store and their Original Vermont Barn Coat. This is an investment piece for sure and would pair easily with a sweater and jeans or transition to a fashion-forward countrycore look worn with a little black dress and heeled loafers. For a more budget-friendly option, look to Amazon seller BQDCQB’s Oversized Barn Jacket in khaki, navy blue, or olive green. Pair any shade with a henley shirt, cargo pants, sneakers, and a baseball cap for a countrycore meets sporty style mix. Or throw it over a maxi dress with boots and a knit beanie for a more bohemian take on countrycore.
As winter rolls into spring, one of my favorite countrycore pieces for transitional dressing is the trusty flannel shirt. If possible, borrow one from a special guy in your life. I’ve co-opted my husband’s Grizzly Mountain Men’s Flannel Shirt Jacket from Costco and like to throw it on over matching sets or jumpsuits with hiking boots for weekend jaunts. Of course, a flannel and cuffed jeans are the PB&J of casual countrycore looks. However, if you’re up to challenging your style sense, pair a shirt like American Eagle’s Oversized Plaid Flannel in blue plaid with navy, high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and leather flats.
Lastly, gingham. Depending on the fabric, like with flannel, gingham works as a transitional piece from spring into summer. I’m particularly drawn to Quince’s 100% European Linen Button-Front Dress in khaki and black gingham. (Full disclosure: I have this dress in olive green and wear it often to work during the summer.) A linen gingham dress works in early spring with a barn jacket and riding boots. As summer rolls around, wear it on its own with a flat sandal and straw handbag.
You probably already have some of the key pieces that speak to the core of these country looks. The rural aesthetic resonates with people seeking comfort, simplicity, and a connection to nature, especially in our swiftly paced and online world.
