The French called it the "English" style and by the revolution (French that is), it was all the rage in Paris!

Who knows what the English called it? But, they sure were proud of it (even if they were old enough to grumble about the new slack attitudes to dress these youngsters had). From greatcoats to riding frocks, the English of all ages and both genders wore their country fashions like badges of honour. As a nation enamoured with the sporting life, the fashions of the estate became the norm for both casual city and rural estate attire.

This is not to say that the English were as simple as word "country" implies. Yes, rustic wool and leather were staples of the fashion, but the variety of materials and styles could range from velvet greatcoats to silk waistcoats.

Many costume historians maintain that the English were the sole champions of the country style. This is a solid theory but the whole of fashionable and sporting Europe were to enthusiastically embrace the style as much as they embraced every new fashion trend.

SS.