Country Cousin Core: The Two Shirts I’m Wearing Everywhere

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My love affair with Patagonia started the way most of my obsessions do – somewhere between a Pinterest board and an overnight hike in 2023 that I was wildly underprepared for. Since leaning into hiking and camping (I know, who is she?!), I’ve found myself deep in the world of functional, technical gear – something I never would’ve researched in my regular day-to-day life. 

These days I’m subscribed to more outdoorsy YouTube channels than I care to admit, and somewhere along the way I realised: Patagonia gear is superior. It’s technical, beautifully made, and just makes sense. That yellow fleece jumper I picked up a couple of years ago? It’s become my entire personality. And I just want to wear their stuff all the time.

The aforementioned 2023 hike: the origin story of my bushwalking alter ego

I know Patagonia’s a lot more mainstream these days – with those hilarious references on Betoota Advocate and The Aussie Corporate – I’m not sure when finance bros became so bushwalk-ready – but beyond the puffers, they’ve got an incredible range that’s perfect for layering now that it’s getting cooler.

Enter: the Flannel Shirt and the Farrier Shirt – two slightly rugged, definitely warm, and surprisingly chic shirts that have found a permanent spot in my winter wardrobe. Sure, it gives “your cousin who just moved to the Southern Highlands and won’t shut up about it” energy but they’ve also slotted in seamlessly for the office and school runs. Basically: Stars Hollow, but make it smart casual.

Patagonia shirt (sz S), Arket tee (sz S), Henne jeans (sz 27), Adidas sneakers, Dragon Diffusion bag (also here and here), Status Anxiety sunglasses*

This one’s a classic for a reason. I did a fair bit of research (read: fell down a Reddit rabbit hole) before buying it, mostly because a lot of the glowing reviews came from people living in proper winter climates – like Canada. (Meanwhile, I start complaining the minute it dips below 20 lol) But the Fjord Flannel lives up to the hype. It’s made from thick organic cotton, has a brushed flannel finish that feels like a hug, and while it comes in all the good plaid combos, I opted for a subtle khaki – less lumberjack, more “yes, I can get away with wearing flannel to the office” energy. I’ve been layering it over tees and my merino wool tops so far and I’m envisaging buttoning it up when the temperature drops even further (and I want to look like I’ve got my life together). It works just as well with leggings and boots for a weekend bushwalk as it does with trousers and loafers for the office. Winner winner. 

Patagonia shirt (sz S – similar here), Arket tee (sz S), Free People jeans* (sz 26), Adidas sneakers, Dragon Diffusion bag (also here and here), Status Anxiety sunglasses*

A slightly more robust older sibling to the Fjord, the Farrier is just as warm and sturdy, but with a more streamlined silhouette and a subtle workwear edge. I went with the new season mustard corduroy, and I’m obsessed with the “country cousin” energy it brings. I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks, but it’s already proving its versatility—styled loose as a jacket for now, with plans to wear it buttoned up over trousers once we hit peak layering season.

Both shirts are doing double duty – outdoor-ready, yet perfectly office-appropriate – and the best part? They’re built to last. If you’re in your slow fashion meets seasonal layering era, these are absolutely worth a spot in your winter rotation.

As always, thanks for stopping by!