Marks Spencer has hit the mark with its killer collection making the most of country chic

WITH THE NATIONAL hunt season in full swing, it’s time to discard flimsy frocks and fripperies typical of prevailing Irish racetrack dress codes and change into thoroughbred winter winners like these. There’s a crossover mood as fashion looks to the country for urban wear, with capes, coats, gilets and shearling defining current trends. Saddle up a red riding coat, a faux fur gilet or a battle worn trench with boots and chunky scarves, or team cashmere separates with tweeds for extra polish. Layering and mixing textures is an alternative to the more clean-cut look of a tailored coat whether military style or full skirted, a smart cover up for chilly weather. Here we show how to do it affordably, with blueblood style. Marks Spencer is on a winning streak this winter and ticking the boxes with inexpensive versions of the main catwalk trends. Typical is a standout red coat for €135, a plaid cape with black leggings and boots (total cost just over €200) and cashmere sweaters in camel, the season’s hottest colour, for €80.

Photographed at historic Ballymacoll House and Stud in Co Meath, birthplace of Arkle, with thanks to Peter and Wendy Reynolds and Caroline Ledwith and staff Aonghus Ryan, Aishling Bean and Lisa McDowell (and the dogs, Ben and Con)