Planning a 'country house' weekend and can't think what to pack? Jane Garner has picked some great looks for this autumn, to suit rural residents and visitors alike. 

An invitation to join friends for a country house weekend is an exciting prospect - but extremely demanding on your sense of style and packing skills.

If it's a bona fide 'huntin' shootin' fishin'' weekend, and you're not a regular country gal, the most important consideration is getting your outdoor gear right. Everything should be warm, waterproof, thornproof and built for practicality without abandoning style. Hats, scarves and gloves are essential; suitably sturdy footwear a must; and even indoor clothes should be ready to cope with draughty corridors, cold stone floors and frosty bathrooms.

Of course if your weekend is taking place at an upmarket country house hotel, the amenities will be first class - but your dress requirements are likely to be the same.

If you are a townie, avoid giving yourself away - you should be happy to be outdoors until tea time, umbrellas are cheating and new country clothes are a fearful faux pas!

A Short History of the Wellington Boot
Bedtime reading: Just for fun take along a copy of Adam Edwards' A Short History of the Wellington Boot (Hodder & Stoughton £12.99) which explains how the humble wellie, favoured by everyone from royalty to rustics, "has been at the epicentre of global affairs ever since its invention in 1817".

Barbour
Be prepared: You can't go wrong with 'official' country kit - Barbour, www.barbour.com , 0191 427 4210

Basler
Country chic: Basler's fashion collection has plenty of stylish separates for a weekend in the wilds... Basler, 020 7323 2373

Betty Barclay
Bags of colour: this autumn's hottest fashion colours include great shades of brown, olive and oatmeal, all worked beautifully into classic and contemporary country styling. Betty Barclay Bags, www.bettybarclay.com , 0161 430 6968

CC
Hot property: Sweater dresses are most definitely 'in' this season - Selina Scott shows us how to relax in this luscious red design from CC. www.ccfashion.co.uk , 01845 573 120

Chianti
Cosy up: A comfy cardi doesn't have to be sensible to work well - and if you add a belt it's even warmer! Cuddly cardigan by Chianti. 0845 345 1914

Claire DK
Posh plus fours: Cropped trousers are hugely fashionable so you can wear your plus fours in the country and back home... Jacket, cardi and pants from Claire DK. Claire DK, 020 7381 2811

Cotswold Country Boots
Suitably booted: Another fortunate fashion trend is flat, slightly military boots to tuck trousers into - all by Cotswold Country Boots. www.cotswoldcountryboots.co.uk , 01367 860798

Dents
Cap it all: If the day is warm enough to abandon your quilted jacket, still don't set foot outside without appropriate accessories. You could be miles from the main house when the drizzle starts... Hat and scarf by Dents. www.dents.co.uk , 01985 212291

GOLD by Michael H
Dress for dinner: A proper country house weekend won't all be about dressing down. You might be asked to dress for dinner or a smart Sunday lunch before departure. Separates from GOLD by Michael H. www.michaelh.ie , 0207 636 2789

Gray & Osbourn
Smarty pants: If you want to stay smart but warm, build tailored layers - shirt, waistcoat, jacket and jeans-style trousers by Basler from Gray & Osbourn. www.grayandosbourn.co.uk , 08702 400 030

Henry Cane
Cosy toes: Cold feet make you miserable so keep smiling whatever the weather in Henry Cane's cuddly faux-fur-lined wellies. Henry Cane, www.henrycane.com , 0207 937 8751

Jacques Vert
Dress to impress: If one is invited to a terribly smart weekend party, be prepared with an appropriately glam evening gown - sequined dress from Jacques Vert. www.jacques-vert.co.uk , 0191 521 3888

Joules
Blue makes a comeback: Returning for autumn and looking good on this sleek quilted jacket - blue from Joules. Joules, www.joulesclothing.com , 0845 6066871

Kettlewell Colours
Simplicity itself: On its own or layered under knits or jackets, a long sleeved t-shirt (or three, or four) and a great scarf (choose a colour that really suits you and works for day or evening) are a must for the weekend packing list. T-shirt and long scarf in a wide choice of shades from Kettlewell Colours. Kettlewell Colours, www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk , 01460 282 917

Marks & Spencer
Theme your wardrobe: One must ensure that one's accessories follow the country theme. Buckle bag from Marks & Spencer.
Boots made for walking: If you're not keen on totally flat Wellingtons, find a pair of heeled horsy boots like these from Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com , 0845 302 1234

Musto
Get technical: If you're serious about country life you need to invest in clever technical fabrics which will stand the test of time, plus wind and rain and mud... Musto's new Teflon-coated technical tweed jacket. Musto, www.musto.co.uk , 01268 495830

Olsen
Wild at heart: If your weekend destination is more chi-chi than classic country, prepare for your expedition into the wilds with a cat print bag from Olsen. www.olsen.co.uk , 0161 430 6968

Passigatti
A neck ahead: Express your personal style and stay warm at the same time in a fabulous Italian scarf from the Passigatti collection. Passigatti, 01743 709342

Rohan
Outdoors expert: If you want that magical combination of lightness and warmth, head straight for a specialist collection like Rohan - this is their Northern Lights corduroy parka, which is windproof, waterproof and breathable. Rohan, www.rohan.co.uk , 0870 601 2244

The White Company
Upstairs style: any self-respecting guest knows that the country house rule is Downstairs Dressed, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on suitable night attire. Plus those nocturnal trips to the bathroom and bare floorboards demand slippered feet. Jim-jams and fab footwear from The White Company.The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.co.uk , 0870 900 9555