Be your best self when when birding, especially if you’re going to be photographed! From representation to practicality, learn the best tips for what to wear in the field when it’s you who’s going to be in the photos (as well as the birds).
Read MoreStyle in the Field: What to wear for summer time birding
Friends, here's an early summer idea download for aspirational birding attire. I'm an unapologetic lover of fashion and these images caught my eye recently.
What makes a good summer birding outfit?
You want ease of movement, layers for changes in temperature, and items that are machine washable. I wear long sleeves (to protect my arms from the sun), light weight layers, pockets (in pants only as buttons can catch on bag and bin straps), a sturdy cross body bag (I like this one) for my bins, phone and sunscreen. I'm a fan of neutrals, and somewhere, someone once supported this color choice, suggesting that bright colors can scare birds (source unknown, otherwise I'd link to it). But you be the judge. I've attracted a hungry hummingbird to my shirt once, it thinking I was a flower.
And a hat--summer is a wonderful time to try wearing a hat.
No links to hats here as I recommend always trying a hat on--they do come in sizes and if you're like me, you might find out that your head is bigger than you think! I try on a hat first before buying it. But check out these hats below for inspiration:
I'm also a bit of a snob when it comes to footwear. Even shoes for tramping in the dirt or walking a trail can be cute, with no compromise on comfort. I've had good luck with various brands of tennis shoes and am not loyal to one in particular although whatever I buy has got to be olive, brown or dark blue (to hide the dirt). Converse has a lot of colors, as does Superga.
I'm not the best person to ask in terms of longevity of a sneaker--I tread heavily and wear my sneaks out quickly, as walking is also my main form of fitness.
This post is not meant to be exhaustive for all summer gear, just your sensible and put together bad self outfit. Have fun!
You might like more suggestions for gear and clothing for a day of birding: Please visit my Birding Plumage page for more inspiration!
BTW, I provide the links on this particular post in the interest of sharing, not making money. These ones ain’t affiliate.
In the Field: Inspo from Winter Street Style
While I'm a serious nature lover, that doesn't preclude me from loving fashion and style, too. That's probably a tired trope by now, anyway; the idea that you can't love the outdoors and love high style simultaneously. So I'm thrilled when fashion puts out things I could imagine wearing all the time. It may not be the intent of the industry, but I'm increasingly seeing form and function merging into beautiful ensembles for time outside.
Behold the quarterly street style marathon that broadcasts out from online fashion magazines. These last few months of photos show hooded jackets, long wool coats, hats, outdoor gear and footwear suitable to a winter hike (albeit in the frost, maybe not the snow).
Here are some images of my favorite get-ups, for the imagination and sensibility of the wearer--any of them are ones I could conceive wearing myself (if budget and blizzards were off the table)!
You might like more suggestions for gear and clothing for a day of birding: Please visit my Birding Plumage page for more inspiration!