Country Living Style for 2025’s Summer Festivals

Summer in the British countryside brings with it a unique kind of magic – rolling green fields, rustic stages, local ales, and the unmistakable charm of a country crowd. Whether you’re heading to The Great Yorkshire Show, Black Deer Festival, or a village folk fair tucked away in the Cotswolds, your outfit speaks before you do. And in 2025, country living style is making a proud, refreshed return.

So, dust off your boots and tip your hat – here’s how to dress the part with timeless rural style (and a few modern twists).

Start at the Top: The Hat Makes the Look

In true country fashion, your hat isn’t just an accessory – it’s the centrepiece. It frames your look, offers sun protection, and instantly sets the tone.

This summer’s standout choices:

• Wool felt wide-brims – soft, shaped and elegant, perfect for elevating a festival outfit without losing practicality.
• Waxed cotton caps – a nod to the countryside’s farming roots, with a heritage feel ideal for more casual days.
• Straw fedoras and wide brims – lightweight, breathable, and ideal for hotter days with a smart-casual feel.
• Feather trims and statement bands – subtle embellishments that make your hat feel personal and polished.

A hat from a specialist like The Mad Hatter of Durham doesn’t just finish an outfit – it anchors it. It’s one of the few accessories that manages to be both stylish and storytelling.

Build the Look: Functional Meets Fashionable

2025’s country festival style isn’t about standing out for the sake of it – it’s about timeless pieces made to last. Think utility with elegance.

For Women:

• Printed midi dresses – florals, gingham or toile, paired with boots and a belt.
• Linen shirt dresses – cool, comfortable and ideal for layering with knitwear or a tailored waistcoat.
• Well-cut wax jackets – Barbour, Dubarry or independent heritage brands, especially in olive, navy or rustic brown.
• Layered knits – a soft merino cardigan or sleeveless jumper thrown over a tea dress offers texture and warmth.

For Men:

• Checked shirts and light gilets – traditional with a relaxed fit, perfect for warm days and chilly nights.
• Tweed jackets or lightweight utility coats – offering structure and style that still allows you to dance in a field.
• Tailored chinos or relaxed moleskins – practical, breathable, and easy to match with almost any footwear.
• Leather or canvas belts – especially those with subtle country detailing like brass buckles or stitched patterns.

Don’t Forget the Footwear

The UK countryside has a reputation – and rightly so – for unpredictable weather. That means footwear has to be dependable as well as stylish.

Top picks for 2025:

• Brown leather ankle boots – classic, hardwearing and age beautifully.
• Stylish wellies – opt for tall, structured styles in neutral colours or with country branding.
• Sturdy Chelsea boots – perfect for smarter countryside festivals and easy to wear with anything.

Accessorise Like You Mean It

Details matter in country fashion – especially when they’re subtle, textural, and rooted in tradition.

• Feather pins or hat brooches – easily clipped onto a felt brim for added charm.
• Woven or leather crossbody bags – perfect for keeping essentials safe while keeping your hands free.
• Neckerchiefs or silk scarves – tied loosely at the neck or through a belt loop for a dash of character.
• British-made jewellery – think hammered silver, copper cuffs, or small pendants with country motifs like hares, horses, or oak leaves.

Colours to Watch in 2025

This summer’s palette reflects the earth:
Moss green, barley beige, oat milk, clay red, storm grey, and pale bluebell. These tones sit beautifully together, offering a look that feels intentional and grounded.

Country Style is More Than a Trend

Dressing for a summer festival in 2025 isn’t about fleeting fashion. It’s about embracing something slower, more rooted, and more personal. Whether you’re browsing artisan stalls in your waxed coat or dancing in your wide-brim hat as the sun sets, every piece you wear should feel like part of a story.

And if you’re looking for that perfect hat to bring it all together, there’s no better place to start than with the experts – The Mad Hatter of Durham knows how to top off an outfit with timeless style and countryside character.