Country Life

I've been in rural Virginian horse country for over seven days now, so I can tell you firsthand there's nothing like a week in the country to open one's eyes to a whole new set of fashion possibilities and requirements. As usual, I was glad I'd overpacked, because my urban staples- the black uniform, acid brights, goddess drapes, standby cocktail gear, all of it looked hopelessly inappropriate. Too staid, not fresh enough for the bucolic setting. Which is not to say that one must resort to Nelly Olson gingham dresses or tablecloth-esque checkers. Enter this season's tongue-in-chic country ensembles. Florals and prints are just exaggerated enough to pop, shapes and materials are new. Wish I'd packed the items below. As it happened, I lived in my fitted denim jacket and Purple Liberty-print fringed scarf.

Roberto Cavalli took watered-down Liberty prints and transferred them to silk chiffon. On the hanger, this shape looks a little mumsy, but try it with bright turquoise panties underneath for a daring look that'll give the local cows palpitations. For more toned-down occasions, such as lunch at the Keswick Club, may we suggest a flesh-toned bodystocking or your trusty Spanx?

Cherry prints? Overdone. Black cherry anything? Cloying. But when the cherries on the print are literally black silhouettes, well, it takes the classic right into acceptable country garb for hipsters. Jill Stuart created this adorable sundress this season. Try it with red platform sandals for dinner in pseudo-urban Charlottesville and stand out from the UVA sorority girls who are mysteriously all dressing in black halter tops and jeans this season.

Red gingham micro-shorts are totally Dukes of Hazzard, but these sequined red-checked beauties by Philosophy di Alberta Feretti are dressy enough for even the most formal barbecue. Be sure to wear them with a loose, modest peasant top and chunky heels to keep the look on the appropriate side of racy.

Sundresses in general are a country staple, but when one lives in the city, it's sometimes difficult to summon the required ingenue attitude. This sundress by cool Spanish label Hoss Intropia is perfect country seersucker that will not look out of place with even the super-preppy Garden Week crowd at Somerset, but the red embroidery work lets your urban self shine through.

What to wear for cool country nights? Cashmere seems contrived, leather is out, stiff jackets are a no go. Chloe has come up with the perfect hand-knit topper: with its irregular stitching and soft dove grey color, it could pass as a hand-me-down, but its sleek length and soft texture makes it unquestionably designer for those in the know. And in terms of packing light, it's a real treasure. It goes perfectly with all the looks above, and when it comes time to decamp back to your urban playground, it'll also keep you toasty on the plane.