With summer fashions fast becoming a memory, Heather Barron finds out how to still look stylish in the countryside now the colder weather's here

SARAH Thomas has seen a revolution in country fashion in the 19 years she has been with Sam Turner & Sons at Northallerton, and she has enjoyed every minute.

“I’m very lucky,” she admits. “I love my job – every day is different. I love the customers, and I love working for Sam Turners.”

Sarah has always been in retail, initially with the British Shoe Corporation, and then with racing trainer Mark Johnston when he set up a small clothing shop in Middleham.

Now, as the Clothing Department Manager who helps ‘young’ Sam Turner buy stock for their outlets, she has seen trends come and go, but is amazed at the way that everyday work-wear has morphed into a variety of popular fashion lines.

When the business first started in 1931, the only clothing sold by the company was aimed mainly at farmers, and the stock comprised wellies, overalls, and work-wear. Now, established names such as Barbour, have become synonymous with the more fashion-conscious, across a whole range of ages and styles.

Women’s and children’s wear has come a long way, and attracted other players, with long-standing reputations for quality, into the arena to try their hand at selling more than just work-a-day essentials.

Joules and Hunter have become ‘lifestyle brands’, and, over the past few years – alongside the explosion elsewhere in cheap, disposable clothing – there has been an increasing trend in providing more quality choice for more customers.

Sam Turner & Sons has recognised that trend and is harnessing it by offering customers traditional, quality names with extended choice through the seasons.

Our model, Selena Blain, has a thriving beauty business, Cocoon, in Darlington and loves the Sam Turner range. She likes the casual, but fashionable, selection, and appreciates the quality that comes with established names who know their market.

She says: “Sam Turner’s autumn range is warm and comfortable - ideal for country life, while still being ‘on trend’.”

It’s all a long way from kitting out the farmers in the far-off days of 1931.

To see more of the Sam Turner clothing range, click here