Style in the Field: What to wear for summer time birding
Moi, looking très sérieux! This is my summertime uniform for birding; swapping out those sandals for sneakers if there's a lot of walking involved.
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:
Juliette Hermant from the Atelier Dore blog. No, she's not birding, but her kit could be as one! Cross body bag, sturdy shoes, layers on top, and a fedora.
Juliette Hermant from the Atelier Dore blog. Loose layers with pockets and structure. And the hat!
Annie Novak, urban farmer, writer, illustrator, multi-hyphenate gal of the world, and a birder! Photo by Michael Hanson. Pants that won't ride up, deep pockets, shirt that doesn't show sweat stains, and the hat! Always the hat.
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.