Unlocking Smart-Casual Dog-Walking Style: Expert Tips from a Stylist

Receive Free Fashion Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a daily digest of fashion news straight to your inbox. Stay up to date with the latest trends and styles.

Elevate Your Dog-Walking Outfits

Looking to step up your game during dog walks? We’ve got you covered with some outfit suggestions. Dog-walking attire should strike a balance between practicality and style, ranging from super casual to smart-casual. Here are a few outfit formulas that I swear by when walking my beloved cocker spaniel.

1. Track Pants with a Tee, Knit, and Jacket

This combination is my go-to. It’s comfortable, versatile, and easy to put together. Start with a pair of track pants and pair them with a simple tee, a cozy knit, and a lightweight jacket. It’s a perfect look for a leisurely stroll in the park.

2. Leggings with an Oversized Top and Coat

Another effortless ensemble is leggings paired with an oversized top and coat. This combination is both stylish and comfortable, making it ideal for long walks with your furry friend.

3. Baggy Khakis with a Slim Sweatshirt and Bomber Jacket

For a more laid-back look, try baggy khakis with a slim sweatshirt and a bomber jacket. This combination exudes a cool and casual vibe, perfect for those days when you want to look effortlessly put together.

Consider the Weather and Start with the Right Shoes

Before putting together your outfit, check the weather forecast and select appropriate footwear. Nobody likes unexpected squelching ruining their white trainers. I personally opt for trainers during this in-between weather. Nike Air Max 90 in pink is a great option for medium frames (£94 on sale, available at nike.com). Meanwhile, New Balance’s 574 provides a lightweight and colorful choice for those with smaller frames (£95, available at newbalance.co.uk). If you prefer a more neutral look, Veja offers a suitable option (£120, available at harveynichols.com).

Choosing the Right Bottoms

For my regular park and river walks, I always go for track pants. They are quick to throw on, easy to clean, and can be easily styled. I avoid jeans as they seem to attract muddy dogs that jump all over me. Two of my favorite track pants are the Gary from Sweaty Betty (£90, available at sweatybetty.com) and the DayFlex high-waisted leggings from Tala (£59, available at wearetala.com).

Layering for Temperature and Walking Speed

The next layer will depend on the outside temperature and how fast you walk. If you tend to do brisk speed walks, you might find yourself shedding layers quickly. Embrace the styling trend of tying your layers around your waist for a fashionable touch. However, remember not to go overboard and end up looking like you’re wearing a lifebuoy.

Start with a light and cotton-based tee as your base layer. Ninety Percent’s organic tee is a great choice (£45, available at net-a-porter.com). Layer it with a sweatshirt or light knit. Opt for a slouchier fit on top when pairing with leggings or slim track pants. This creates a more casual and stylish look. Navy, grey, or dark green are great color choices for the top layer. Navygrey offers one of the best sweatshirts out there, available in both Relaxed-fit (£130) and Vintage-fit (£120) styles (available at navygrey.co). For additional warmth, consider adding a scarf. Extreme Cashmere’s mini triangle scarf is a stylish option (£255, available at matchesfashion.com).

When it gets colder, switch to wool, cashmere, or mixed-yarn knits. Alabaste’s cashmere Le Sweatshirt is a personal favorite (£325, available at alabaste.com). Layer with a big scarf for extra insulation. Arket’s Triangle wool scarf is perfect for this purpose (£67, available at arket.com).

Choosing the Right Outerwear

Pair your track pants with a shorter jacket, such as a grey zip-up hoodie or a wool coat if it’s not raining. Weekday offers a scuba-style hoodie as an affordable option (£57, available at weekday.com). Gant’s cropped wool jacket is a chic and practical choice (£310, available at gant.co.uk). If you need a rainproof option, Barbour is a reliable brand. Check out the second-hand selection on Vestiaire Collective for more affordable options.

For a longer coat, Aligne’s relaxed Kinny coat is a versatile choice suitable for smart-casual occasions (£229, available at aligne.co). And for the ultimate dog-walking look, consider investing in a Marfa Stance parka or quilt. The beauty of Marfa Stance coats is their versatility. You can change up the look with different hoods and collars each season, and remove the liner for a lighter layer. They also feature roomy pockets, eliminating the need for a bag (£1,245, available at marfastance.com).

Accessories and Final Touches

If you prefer a bag, choose a cross body bag made of wipeable materials such as nylon. Arket offers a suitable option (£67, available at arket.com). Complete your outfit with the right footwear. Sorel insulated waterproof boots are perfect for frosty mornings (£125, available at sorelfootwear.co.uk). Alternatively, Stella McCartney offers waterproof hiking boots that are both functional and stylish (£170, available at stellamccartney.com). Finish off the look with a hat. A leather-peak baseball cap adds a sporty touch. All Saints offers a fun option (£59, available at allsaints.com). For a touch of French insouciance, opt for a soft cashmere beanie (£119, available at johnlewis.com).

Now you’re ready for your dog walks in style. Enjoy the fresh air and quality time with your furry companion!

Anna Berkeley is a London-based personal stylist and the founder of the Think Shape app. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, including working as a buyer for Selfridges and Prada, as well as consulting for Margaret Howell, Anna offers expert advice on fashion and what to wear. Have a question for Anna? Email her at [email protected].

Reference

Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
DMCA compliant image

Leave a Comment