As Hunter wellies celebrates 170 years with new Kate Moss campaign, what boots do ‘those

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This week, Kate Moss turned back the clock by modelling a pair of Hunter wellies – just like she’d done 21 years ago at a muddy Glastonbury with then-boyfriend Pete Doherty.

Kate of course looked great strolling through the woods the countryside staple as she marked the brand’s 170th anniversary.

But not everyone gets it right when it comes to dressing for a weekend in the fields and byways. And, as a Cotswolds fashion expert, the item is see people tripping up most over sartorially is – boots.

As every woman knows, shoes make or break an outfit, and nowhere more so than here in the country, where wearing The Wrong Wellies is considered one of the worst sartorial – and social – crimes anyone can commit. But don’t panic, just read on and follow my guide to which boots mark you out as a Townie and which will help you fit in, and you’ll never set a touristy foot wrong again…

Kate Moss wears Hunter wellies in a campaign to mark the 170th anniversary of the brand

In the countryside, wearing The Wrong Wellies is considered one of the worst sartorial – and social – crimes anyone can commit, writes Catharina Eden

Hot (pink) mess

The biggest faux pas when it comes to wellies is anything brightly coloured. Yes, Boden may sell green boots with a hot pink sole but that doesn’t mean you should buy them (the name here is a clue – these ones are called Chelsea Wellies, ie town not country). Remember, in the Cotswolds, earthy tones that blend with our beautiful landscape are your friend.

A pattern of mistakes

It’s not just bright colours, patterns are a ‘no’ too. We love a vibrant dress or knitted jacket, but when it comes to boots, muted is always more. And no, it really doesn’t matter how expensive they are – Burberry‘s Rubber Marsh Stamp might signal a healthy bank account, but they shout ‘Townie’ too.

Trim it back

Ditto anything with a faux fur trim. Just no. (And it’s not because it’ll get soggy.)

Hiking boots

Unless you’re actually going on a Proper Walk, hiking boots are all wrong. And even if you are climbing a particularly tricky bit on the d’Arcy Dalton way, they won’t hold up for a splash in the river, which is why nobody wears them – and instead, we all love the…

Queen of wellies

Le Chameau Women’s Chasseur neoprene lined wellington boot in Iconic Green.

The gold standard, these are neoprene lined which means your feet stay warm and cosy, fully zippable – no hopping about trying to aim your toes into a hole – and in the right colour (which is key). If you can afford them, they are worth every penny, I promise. Also they are always worth retrieving from the Minster Lovell stream should one accidentally fall in…

And the Queen’s wellies…

Hunters are a respectable choice and you can’t go wrong with their Balmoral style, aptly named after the late Queen’s favourite residence. The most coveted pairs are the really old ones that your mother or grandmother might have worn in the 90s.

Mud, glorious mud

Which brings me to something I have to point out – even once you’ve bought the Right Wellies, you can still get it wrong… How? When I was writing this piece I canvassed some of my friends for the top ‘mistake’ they see… The verdict? They were in agreement on box-fresh boots. Wear your mud with pride – and, whatever you do, never clean them too carefully.

Dubarrys always do the trick

Of course, we’re not just about wellies, we love leather boots too and Dubarry’s Galway Country boot in Walnut features heavily around here. Not just because they are durable and comfortable, but because once they’ve been worn-in and acquired the all-important patina from multiple forest walks, they have that balance of practicality with style that is hard to achieve.

I also love their Bray Chelsea boots in Old Rum.

Penelope Chilvers

I’m saving up for a pair of Long Tassel Boots in Conker. The Princess of Wales has a pair, as do countless Yummy Mummies in the Golden Triangle.

Muck Boots

A very acceptable import. Their Originals Pull-On ankle boots are popular as a trainer alternative – they always give bonafide local vibes.

Ludwig Reiter

Now we really are talking. Eye-wateringly expensive, these ultra chic lambskin-lined, bark-tanned leather and suede boots are ridiculously smart. The very essence of country stealth wealth.