New 'Allotment chic' aesthetic urges fashion lovers to make most of their pre-loved wardrobe

Post-pandemic, the cottage-core trend blossomed, with over two million posts made on TikTok highlighting the joys of being one with nature in a digital era, dressing like a milk-maid and how to get the best of out foraging. The trend essentially made everything reminiscent of a "British country garden" the height of fashion.

However, this spring, cottage-core has been knocked off the top spot by a new trend - 'allotment chic' - which is sprouting up as the latest sartorial sensation, with chore jackets, dungarees, and linen shirts becoming the relaxed yet stylish uniform for the sartorially savvy.

The roots of 'allotment chic' stretch back further than you might think, with luxury brands like Dior and Hermes cultivating their runway shows with garden-inspired installations crafted by top garden designers.

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Fashion's entwining with horticulture is now more apparent than ever, with influencers and content creators branching out into 'garden-Tok' and donning their finest threads at the Chelsea Flower Show rather than Fashion Week.

Fashion pundits are now digging into how to master the 'allotment chic' look this season.

What exactly is 'allotment chic'?

Straying from the well-trodden path of classic cottage-core, 'allotment chic' adopts a more hands-on approach to style – it's about dressing as if you're genuinely off to do some , not just lounging amongst the blooms.

Fashion guru, celebrity stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor describes '[Allotment chic] is more a gentle nod to the practicality and inherent beauty of the gardener's . '.

She elaborates, "Think of it as the equivalent of composting in cashmere. It nods to gardening life, without needing to get your hands dirty."

How to make the most of your pre-loved wardrobe

The beauty of this trend is that it centres around classic, pre-loved wardrobe pieces rather than new, cutting-edge styles, making it a sustainable fashion choice that champions second-hand.

"It's not about chasing the latest trends, but about pieces that have been worn, loved, and carry a bit of their own story," shares Sheridan-Taylor.

To nail the 'allotment chic' look, there are some essential items you'll need – with a focus on durability and practicality. "A well-tailored dungaree with ample sturdy pockets, or oversized dad jeans cinched in with a chunky leather belt – a vintage hand-me-down Fair Isle jumper adds a genuine touch of authenticity," advises Sheridan-Taylor.

"A functional plaid overshirt, and if you're feeling a bit flush, a pair of Le Chameau wellies – [they're] pricey but absolutely timeless and a definite staple for your wardrobe."

"To city-proof the look, take the essence – natural fabrics, muted tones, comfortable shapes – and refine them," says Sheridan-Taylor. "Pair a classic moleskin jacket with a crisp cotton blouse peeking from under a chunky jumper – think Fair Isle again – wide-leg linen trousers in a muted shade, a beaten-up leather belt and a 'worn-in' pair of brogues.

"Add a vintage silk scarf tied with insouciance, and a woven basket bag to complete the look."