What to Wear in the Cotswolds in Spring
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IN THIS GUIDE ✺
What to Wear in the Cotswolds?
Puffy Sleeves
Flower Detailing
Pink Pastels
Denim Overalls
Natural Fabrics
Femme Bandanas
Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds region is a picturesque haven which perfectly captures the charm of the English countryside with rolling hills, quaint villages, and renowned historic architecture. The essence of Cotswolds fashion thus lies in the unparalleled opportunity this destination presents to fully embrace the cottagecore aesthetic, with the ideal travel ensemble complimenting the pastoral landscape and timeless charm of provincial scenery.
The region's rustic beauty promises a serene and delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, which you can reflect when visiting the Cotswolds to seamlessly blend in with the idyllic scenery. From puffy sleeves that add a touch of whimsy to floral details that echo the lush countryside, each outfit recommendation in this comprehensive Cotswolds style guide is carefully selected to align with the local surroundings.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, let this guide be your go-to resource for packing the ideal wardrobe for the Cotswolds. Embrace the timeless beauty of this enchanting region and step out in style, ready to explore all the wonders it has to offer.
Spring Climate in Cotswolds
March in the Cotswolds brings the early signs of spring, with a mix of cool, crisp air and the occasional sunshine breaking through the mild, springtime weather. While winter’s chill lingers, the countryside begins to wake up, with budding flowers and greenery starting to emerge. The weather is quite unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for both sunny spells and rain showers as you explore the charming villages and rolling hills.
During March, daytime temperatures in the Cotswolds typically range from 45°F to 54°F (7°C to 12°C), while nighttime temperatures can dip to a brisk 35°F to 41°F (2°C to 5°C). While the days gradually become longer and the sun makes more frequent appearances, the weather can still be quite chilly, with cool air present especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
Rain is more frequent in March than in later spring, with about 12 to 15 rainy days throughout the month. The showers are usually light but persistent, so packing a waterproof jacket or umbrella is a best practice. The countryside's lush greenery and blooming flowers owe much of their vibrancy to this consistent rainfall, so while it may be a bit inconvenient, these sporadic showers also contribute to the region's stunning beauty. Snow is less common in March, but it's not entirely unheard of, especially in higher elevations. Wind can also be an environmental factor to consider, particularly in more exposed areas such as open fields and hilltops. Checking the weather forecast before your trip can help you prepare for any last-minute changes, ensuring you have appropriate clothing to spend the majority of your travel experience outside.
Despite the potential for inclement weather, March also offers glimpses of the coming spring, with occasional sunny days that can be quite mild and pleasant. This month in the Cotswolds offers about 11 to 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset close to 6:00 PM. The days may feel shorter, but the early spring light is perfect for appreciating the region’s quaint stone cottages, meandering lanes, and open fields. With the muddy ground still soft from winter rains, sturdy footwear is essential for countryside walks. Dress in cozy layers and maybe even carry a winter scarf into this gradually warming season to enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere as the Cotswolds transitions from winter to spring.
What to Wear in Cotswolds?
Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeves add a romantic, whimsical touch to your outfit which echoes the historical pastoral fashion of the region. These voluminous sleeves can be found on light airy blouses, dresses, and even lightweight sweaters, providing a nod to the elegant styles of the past while remaining entirely contemporary in their modern application. The beauty of puffy sleeves lies in their ability to create a sense of drama and femininity that contrasts beautifully with the simple, tailored lines of the rest of your outfit. Perfect for wandering through charming villages or enjoying a countryside picnic, ensure your Cotswolds spring wardrobe evokes a sense of charm like the nostalgic damsels in distress of provincial fiction.
Flower Detailing
Incorporate delicate floral and botanical details into your outfits to blend seamlessly with the lush meadows of the Cotswolds. Whether through embroidered patterns, printed fabrics, or appliqué designs, these details add a touch of nature-inspired beauty to your wardrobe allowing you to embrace the region's vibrant flora in your fashion choices. Look for designs that feature intricate stitching and delicate patterns—reminiscent of the blooming gardens you'll encounter during your visit—to add a subtle yet enchanting touch to your spring outfits. These accents create a harmonious connection with the natural beauty of the countryside that feels right at home among the blooming fields and historic villages of the Cotswolds in the spring.
Pink Pastels
Soft, muted tones like creams, greens, soft pinks, and browns are perfect for complimenting the natural world of the Cotswolds. These colors are not only flattering but also versatile when viewed as an earthy neutral palette, making them an excellent choice for your travel wardrobe. Pink pastels, in particular, can add a touch of warmth and femininity to your outfits, creating a gentle and inviting aesthetic. A pastel pink blouse or sweater can be a great starting point for building your Cotswolds wardrobe as a warming layer. The softness of the pastel pink will complement the organic tones of the countryside, allowing you to avoid overpowering the calming essence of spring.
Denim Overalls
Classic denim overalls practically reflect the region's rural charm and versatility, while also serving as the perfect element for layering to add visual interest to your spring wardrobe. Overalls bring a timeless, rural-inspired aesthetic that reflects the hardworking spirit of countryside life, while still feeling stylish and modern when crafted out of contemporary textures like corduroy. When selecting denim overalls, consider styles that allow for easy movement. A relaxed fit with adjustable straps ensures a customizable fit, while pockets provide convenient storage for small essentials. Pair your playful overalls with a simple t-shirt or a lightweight blouse for a casually effortless look that transitions seamlessly during days spent exploring the winding paths and picturesque fields of the Cotswolds.
Natural Fabrics
When selecting pieces for your Cotswolds travel wardrobe, consider natural materials that are breathable and comfortable, making them ideal for various weather conditions. Cotton and linen are recommended lightweight choices for rustic daytime outfits, while wool and silk are ideal for layering and adding warmth during cooler days. These fabrics can be easily mixed and matched with other natural textures, creating a versatile and adaptable wardrobe which reflects the deep earthy tones of the charming countryside. Whether you’re wearing a cotton blouse, a linen dress, or a wool cardigan, natural fabrics evoke the simplicity and beauty of Ballerina Farm-inspired style, giving your outfit a timeless, grounded feel.
Femme Bandanas
Femme bandanas featuring whimsical motifs from nature are a charming accessory that can make you feel like you've stepped straight out of a storybook. These versatile pieces can be tied around your neck, worn as a headband, or even used as a belt, with these practical applications highlighting the value in adding a bandana to your travel wardrobe. For a classic look, tie a bandana around your neck and pair it with a simple blouse or dress. Alternatively, wear a bandana as a headband to keep your hair in place while exploring the countryside. Bandanas can also be used as a stylish accessory for your bags or hats; tie one around the handle of your bag for a personalized touch, or wrap it around your hat to add a colorful pop of pattern.
How I Styled Cotswolds Outfits
Embarking on a day trip from London, I toured four quaint villages in the Cotswolds during a chilly spring day in March. Our heated minibus transportation was conveniently provided by the tour company, and at each stop I descended in my bright pink, cottagecore attire to embrace my inner Belle from Beauty and the Beast. In actuality I wore a wool trench coat over my dress during most of the day, but the moment this iconic photo was snapped I took it off to reveal:
The perfect pink pastel, gingham cottagecore dress ($95) with puffy sleeves and ruffled pockets from Astrior. I had originally joked with my best friend who I was preparing to travel with that a Ballerina Farm-inspired dress like this would be absolutely perfect for the Cotswolds aesthetic, and then I happened to lay my eyes on this exact item at the Smorgasburg weekly market—proving luck was really on my side here since this is primarily a street food exhibition! I don’t think I could’ve envisioned a more perfect gown for this activity, and I truly felt like a pastoral princess frolicking along the cottages of Arlington Row.
Not wanting to draw too much attention to my footwear, I wore neutral white and tan Club C 85 Shoes ($85) from Reebok, which were generally covered by the length of my skirt when I wasn’t posing and holding it up.
Not pictured is my tan faux wool trench coat with pockets from Zara ($65) I used to stay warm in between photo shoots, which is a few seasons old at this point but you should be able to find something similar on their website today!
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