Get the Land Girl Look

Fashion often takes inspiration from people throughout history, whether that be a military style jacket, combat trousers, flapper-style dresses of the 20’s or 60’s inspired vintage dresses. This season, Joe Browns has brought the Land Girl look back to life, to represent the women who stepped up in the UK while men were drafted to the army. 

Commonly known as Land Girls, the Women’s Land Army was a civilian organisation created during World War I and revived for World War II to replace male workers called up to the military. Feminine utility wear paired with lightweights, cottage checks and traditional delicate floral elements of repair and patchwork in 40’s silhouettes bring the Land Girl style together, now mixed in with a classic Joe Browns twist this season.  

Read on below to get the Land Girl look.  

Garden floral prints in pale floral colours such as lemon, pale pinks, and blues offsetting a backdrop of deep, earthy tones are your go-to this season. Land Girls were often horticulturalists working hard on farms with enhanced food production, so it’s no surprise florals make an appearance. 

The ditsy print never goes out of style. Offering a wholesome cottagey look, you can find prints like these in most vintage styles. Items to shop are vintage collars, blouses and skirts, which look classically darling when paired with pastel shades of knitwear.  

Not just your average check, cottage checks have wonderful colours and tones interwoven into the fabric, such as lilacs and leaf greens, lemon and blue hues for a feminine palette. Earthy, neutral tones such as tweed also work incredibly well for the Land Girl look.  

The tea dress is a classic style often featuring floral, feminine patterns, and sometimes collars. This timeless silhouette originated in the mid-19th century and was updated with collars, shorter hems and different fabrics and patterns as fashion changed over the decades. 

Try The Martha Tea Dress for a stunning print that’s both floral and modern. This is the perfect item to try out without going all-out Land Girl, as the polka dot and floral print add a modern twist to this vintage style. 

Another stunning choice is The Elouise Floral Tea Dress. With a classic Land Girl palette, this 1940’s inspired tea dress has a ditsy blue all-over print, puff sleeves and a fabric belt to go along with the iconic lapel neckline and floaty skirt to create a stand-out Land Girl Look this season.  

Pair your dresses with a piece of knitwear, such as the Ravishing Ruched Sweater or rock it up with a leather jacket and peep-toe kitten heels for a fabulous out-out look, or a simple pair of ankle boots in a neutral tone to stylishly carry you through the day-to-day.  

Most people nowadays would associate the shirt dress with the classic Kate Middleton dress. This timeless silhouette originated in the mid-19th century and was updated with collars, shorter hems and different fabrics and patterns as fashion changed over the decades. 

Try our Lovely Land Girls Shirt Dress inspired by the land girls of the Second World War. On a classic backdrop of military green with a lovely floral print, this dress has a fabric belt, button cuffs and chest pocket detailing that brings this look together with classic Joe Browns character. 

For a knockout look in ravishing red, you can’t miss out on The Erin Shirt Dress with an all-over polka dot print. Complete with a full, midi length skirt, collar and belt, this shape is easily modernised with a pair of pumps for a casual vibe, along with a knitted cardigan to carry on that Land Girl look.  

Take the classic land girl style and bring it right up to date with a denim dress. Style yourself and stay sustainable with the Ravishingly Retro Zip Up Denim Dress, complete with a collar, short sleeves and a self-tie belt. This piece is made from stretch denim for the perfect fit.  

Another classic option is The Birdie Denim Dress, with voluminous long sleeves, utility embellishments in the patch pockets at the front and a self-tie belt. Each dress, no matter your choice gives off the land girl vibe and looks classic paired with a chunky black boot to elevate your look.  

The Land Girl era was one of the first times where it became acceptable for ladies to wear trousers due to the practical nature of their jobs during the Second World War. High waisted cargo pants, loose leg trousers and dungarees were often synonymous with the countryside life of the era. Take a look below to see how you can replicate this look.  

For a more practical day-to-day look, our Embroidered Cargo Pants are a Land Girl style essential. With a classic utility style incorporating practical black flap pockets, front and side pockets, you can expect an added twist of personality in the embroidery detail throughout the design. In the classic military green colour, smarten up this look with a white blouse or dress it down with a knit sweater.  

Stylish and laid back, a wonderful Land Girl-esque choice in The Relax Jumpsuit. This design won’t be going out of style any time soon, and the 100% cotton material ensures this will last for years to come. The relaxed fit and wide leg shape is wonderfully comfortable, and the all-over grey colour allows you to jazz up the look as much as you like! 

Ditsy floral prints, tie-necks, collars and cuffs all give off the Land Girl vibe. Aim for pinks, blues and lemons to give off the classic look, such as the Dreamy Ditsy Top with an all-over ditsy print and full-length cuff sleeves. These are everyday staple items to have handy in your wardrobe, and pair perfectly with your favourite jeans.  

For a statement collar look like no other, The Florence Ditsy Blouse is your go-to. The dramatic, oversized collar and long sleeves with button cuffs give off a charming vintage silhouette that pairs well with both trousers and knitwear or even a pair of dungarees to complete the light utility look.  

Retro skirts are all the rage this season, so put some frills on your Land Girl look with a retro skirt in a classic 1940s pattern. Try our Retro Reflections Gingham Skirt to bring together the cottage checks and lemon tones to create a true vintage style like no other. Dress this up with a white cardigan and classic white pumps for a feminine, romantic look.  

Another skirt in classic cottage vibes that brings the lilacs and pink tones in is the Jackie Retro Skirt. A classy, short skirt with a structured design is the perfect piece to add a smart touch to your everyday style. Complete with faux pocket flaps with button detail, this beautiful boucle fabric pairs up with the double-breasted matching jacket to elevate your Land Girl look even more. 

The ultimate item that can elevate your Land Girl look is knitwear. Women of the era were usually experts with the art of knitting, embroidery and sewing, so naturally knitwear was a huge wardrobe staple.  

Try out The Sandy Fine Knit Sweater with vintage vibes all-round! This gorgeous top boasts an oversized collar with stunning contrast scalloped edging and a gently ribbed cuff and waistband to hug the figure in all the right places.  

Try our Beautiful Bobble Cardigan in pink for a go-to cardigan that looks wonderful with a collared shirt. It's made from a super soft yarn to stay snug and you can expect all the usual Joe Browns detail to turn heads. With a wonderful bobble design, cable knit pattern, cute flower buttons and stunning silhouette thanks to the puffed balloon sleeves, this is one you can't miss.

The Romany Girl Embroidered Headband is a head-turning piece with a satin knotted bandana effect and embroidered floral print throughout to add a little spark to your wardrobe. 

Joe’s Bandana is a wonderfully versatile piece that looks great no matter how it’s styled. Wrap around the neck for a ravishing retro look or alternatively use as a hair accessory to add that vintage ‘working girl’ edge to your ensemble. 

If you feel your outfit needs a collar, wear your favourite top and add an extra bit of pizzazz with a detachable Vintage Style Tie Collar in black or white. This simple step can elevate your outfit and transform your existing pieces to create a totally new look.  

Look no further than a side satchel-style bag. Our Land Girls Cross Over Bag is casual and chic with a classic twist, gorgeous embellishment and customisation in typical Joe Browns style. With washed, distressed canvas and super soft leather, this bag is the ultimate accessory to completing the Land Girl look.