Long Live Heritage Style
As the air cools, we’re drawn to reimagining the British countryside through a modern lens with fall textures and colours. Think Barbour waxed jackets, tweed, cords, cable knits, and plaid - rich textures, prints, and hues that evoke woodland living with a hint of romance.
We love Highland inspired dressing for its earthy functionality, effortless elegance and nod to heritage styling.
The Barbour Legacy
When it comes to heritage style, Barbour reigns supreme in evoking highland inspired dressing. Family-owned for five generations, Barbour remains our north star for authentic heritage style.
Originally from Scotland, the Barbour family settled in South Shields in northeast England, supplying dry goods to maritime workers who faced the brunt of British weather. With over a century of experience outfitting people for the outdoors, Barbour’s deep connection to the environment shows through in every design. Functionality is always front and centre, balanced by timeless design cues drawn from heritage and natural surrounds of the highlands.
Barbour collaborated with tartan specialists Kinloch Anderson to create the Classic Tartan, inspired by the Ayrshire District where the family originated in the 13th century. Woven in colours that reflect the British countryside, the tartan often lines Barbour jackets, peeking through cuffs, collars, and pockets. A subtle nod to highland tradition.
Our favourite way to wear Barbour and achieve that touch of heritage style, is through thoughtful layering: tall riding or rain boots, a cozy cable knit tucked into jeans (or worn loose) with a simple brown leather belt. Top it off with an earthy green Barbour jacket lined in Classic Tartan. The generous pockets fit your phone, keys, wallet, and gloves - proof that functional outerwear can be effortlessly put together for the highland lifestyle.
At Hill’s Dry Goods we are proud of the relationship with have with Barbour and to carry the largest selection of Barbour jackets in Canada. See our favourites below.
Tweedle-Dee
Tweed is another texture we adore this time of year and is the epitome of heritage style. Made from durable wool, it’s ideal for those who love the outdoors but still want to look polished and feel comfortable. Known for its warmth, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, tweed is traditionally woven in herringbone, twill, or plain patterns. Its timeless appeal feels quintessentially autumnal. Think crisp campus days and countryside escapes.
Originating in Scotland and Ireland, tweed was designed to withstand harsh climates. It gained popularity in the 19th century when the British aristocracy adopted it for hunting and fishing attire. Each weave tells a story, with regional variations carrying cultural significance. Donegal Tweed, for instance, hails from Ireland’s County Donegal and is easily recognized by its colourful flecks of yarn.
Our favourite contemporary take on this is the Prescot Sweater from Rachel Comey. The grey tone makes this a perfect neutral and an easy go-to while the flecks of colour in the yarn is a lovely nod to heritage style. Pair it with relaxed or slim cut jeans or tuck in into a skirt for an elevated look.
Below are our favourite tweed pieces, to achieve a heritage styled look.
Cable Knits
At Hill’s Dry Goods, our knitwear collection is curated with care and pride. Each season, our buyers source beautiful, high-quality pieces that inspire slowing down and getting cozy. Whether you prefer quiet evenings indoors or crisp outdoor adventures, the right knit is essential and this year, we’re loving cable knits.
First developed for fishermen and farmers on Ireland’s Aran Islands, early versions were made from wool and carried symbolic meaning. The twisting cable stitch represented the ropes used by fishermen, a nod to strength, connection, and livelihood. Like tartan, these patterns became associated with families and clans.
There's nothing quite like wearing a cable knit during the colder months and holiday season. This season we're loving One Grey Day's Aster Cable Cashmere Cardigan and the Mel Cashmere Pullover. There's something about a cable knit that evokes an elegant confidence and these OGD sweaters nail it. We love that they're in a neutral and with endless styling options, you'll be wearing this staple season after season. For care tips, check out our Knitwear Care Guide for a refresher.
From durable wool to delicate cashmere, cable knits remain a seasonal staple. Below are our favourite takes on this timeless heritage style.
Plaid Through the Ages
There’s something undeniably wholesome about plaid. Though deeply traditional, it has been reinterpreted across cultures and eras. Originating in Scotland over 3,000 years ago, “tartan” was originally dyed with natural pigments and worn by riders for warmth. Over time, specific tartans became identifiers for Scottish clans, symbolizing pride and belonging. We love Frame's modern take on a classic heritage style.
From 18th-century army uniforms to 20th-century aristocratic fashion and the punk rebellion of the 1970s, plaid has evolved from heritage fabric to statement pattern. Luckily for us, designers are often drawn to interpreting this classic pattern and release their take on it year after year. Our favourites this season are the Silk Check Shirt and Gillian Top from FRAME. Crafted out of 100% silk, these semi-sheer blouses are beautifully delicate at first glance, but the classic houndstooth pattern gives this blouse a boost of confidence and strength not unlike how the Scots wore their tartans in battle.
Plaid is endlessly versatile. When a full plaid shirt feels like too much, a tartan scarf may be the perfect finishing touch.
Explore our favourite plaid pieces below.
Strike a Cord
Few materials balance texture and nostalgia quite like corduroy. This season, we’re seeing it everywhere, from Barbour collars to tailored blazers to timeless trousers. Its ribbed texture and rich hues add warmth and depth to fall wardrobes.
Corduroy’s roots trace back to Ancient Egypt, where it originated as ‘fustian cloth’. British textile makers refined it in the 18th century, making it affordable and durable.
By the 1950s, corduroy became a favourite among intellectuals of the Beat Generation - think Jack Kerouac, campus cafés, and New York poetry readings. By the 1970s, icons like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot had embraced it, cementing corduroy’s status as a fashion classic. Whether as a full ensemble or just a hint on a collar, corduroy always strikes the right note.
Discover our favourite pieces below.
Fall and the holiday season is the perfect time to embrace heritage style, rich textures, meaningful craftsmanship, and silhouettes that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re layering a Barbour jacket, slipping into soft corduroy, or reaching for a favourite cable knit, these pieces add depth and story to your wardrobe.