Fashion Worth Falling For by Country Classics
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Caroline Gray
Autumn has arrived in Hunt Country and with it, cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and — perhaps most exciting of all — fall events. Between the Virginia Fall Races at Glenwood Park, the Middleburg Film Festival, and opportunities to tailgate, apple pick, winery hop, and more, there is no time like the present to invest in an updated wardrobe.
However, when considering what to wear, one might heed the advice of English fellwalker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, who in his 1973 guidebook “Coast to Coast” stated, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Mother-and-son team Diane and Rod Rigden of Country Classics would tend to agree, but add that you can dress for weather and comfort, and look good doing it. When asked for their thoughts on autumnal attire, the duo offers a plethora of sage advice and stylish ensembles.
Rod says, “Due to our area’s venerable heritage of foxhunting, horse racing, and other traditional country pursuits, there have always been strong ties to the United Kingdom, and our unique local style reflects that. Especially in colder months, British country clothing is perfect for keeping us comfortable while looking appropriate.”
Diane adds, “You can’t go wrong with tweed. Tweed is rain or shine. It’s a natural fiber, it’s flexible, it’s comfortable, durable, breathable, water-resistant. There’s a reason why it’s traditional — because it works.”
Colors play an important role too. When thinking about what to wear to local equestrian events, Diane insists, “Don’t wear black and stilettos.” Her husband, Colin, interjects, “Don’t be a blot on the landscape.”
Speaking of the landscape, the colors of Hunt Country often inform the hues the Country Classics team weaves into their fabrics. “The colors in Virginia throughout the year are the best source,” Diane explains. “Every time I get in the car and drive down Route 50, there is an extreme variation of green on the trees, on the bushes, on everything — a thousand different greens. And a bush that might have had a green leaf in the summertime turns into a red russet in the fall. It’s beautiful.” Rod expands, “I love adding fall colors like oranges, reds, and tans.”
Diane points to a specific tweed they have on offer. “It’s a brown tweed with a cobalt blue and very light lilac. If you have a dark fabric, you need to give it some life. You need a good balance.”
Rod adds, “With so much variety in patterns, colors, and weight, tweed allows a person to express their personal taste at the same time.”
While almost everyone can appreciate a pretty color palette, putting the pieces of an outfit together can present more of a challenge — especially in cooler weather when more layers are required and at events with an unspoken dress code.
For men, Rod says, “The men’s three-piece suits are ideal for the higher echelons of fall events like an NSA-sanctioned race, especially the Gold Cup, where the crowd loves to pull out all the stops. However, the suit can be worn as separates; mixing and matching with other items from a gentleman’s wardrobe creates a myriad of options for fall outfits.”
He continues, “There is no reason ladies can’t have the same versatility afforded to them as a gentleman with his sport coat. This is the reason our ladies’ two- and three-button sport coats are always popular. Designed, cut, and manufactured specifically for ladies, these tweed coats can be dressed up with a skirt and silk scarf or worn casually with jeans.”
Specifically, Rod highlights the Glen coat, an evolved car coat for women that is designed to be worn daily and utilizes a fabric he and his associate Thea Green developed last year. He also calls out the Harriet jacket, which is based on old military designs.
For both men and women, “a good wool or cashmere sweater is a must. The extra insulating mid-layer can save the day when it gets cold.”
Outfits can be further refined and inclement weather tackled with accessories. “A silk scarf always elevates a ladies’ outfit. The same scarf will also add a level of warmth and protection in inclement weather,” Rod shares.
And mother and son both emphasize the importance of “practical and sensible shoes,” as Diane puts it. “Going to the races is all about standing in a field all day. You definitely want to wear comfortable shoes.”
From new jackets and elegant accessories to traditional suits and more modern cuts — all made in the U.K. — Country Classics has everything one needs to dress comfortably for fall while still looking fashionable and authentic. ML
Published in the October 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.