Chatting Style, Painting and Living in the Lake District with David Ev – Genevieve Sweeney

David Evans is perhaps best known as Grey Fox Style, thanks to his inspirational Instagram account and blog, where he serves sartorial sustainable style while being a huge advocate of British brands. Proving that style inspiration doesn’t just come from the younger generations, 70-year-old David always looks sharply dressed, whether he’s visiting the city or out painting and walking in the fells.

We caught up with David to chat about how living in the countryside has influenced his signature dapper style, his newfound love of drawing and painting, and his favourite spots in the Lake District.

How would you describe your style?

Traditional with a bit of a twist. While I don't like to stand out I like to feel quietly well-dressed – stylish rather than fashionable.

How does your style differ depending on whether you're in the city or the countryside?

I tend to dress up a bit to go into town – something tailored and smart. I don't subscribe to the 'no brown in town' rule and will often wear tweed and brown suede shoes.

Countrywear demands something more practical in response to the demands of the weather. I like to use materials that reflect the natural surroundings and are robust and traditional – good knitwear, tweed, denim, corduroy. Extremes do demand modern waterproof materials as long as they are sustainably made. Footwear is obviously more robust – boots with grippy soles rather than suede loafers!

Has living in Cumbria influenced what you wear day-to-day?

I try to wear local materials where I can. The traditional Cumbrian Herdwick sheep's wool is generally thought to be harsh for cloth, but I have a Herdwick tweed jacket that I wear a lot. Otherwise it's lots of knitwear from chunky to fine Shetland and cashmere. Warm clothing is needed for seven or eight months of the year, so that governs my choice of daily wear.

Do you have any favourite local walks, landmarks or places to eat?

I do and my favourite places are top secret, but there is huge scope for anyone to discover their own hidden places. Although Cumbria is only about 25 or 30 miles square, the terrain is so rough that it can take a couple of hours to travel the length of the county, but there is a huge range of types of walk to be found from gentle lakesides to tough scrambles in alpine conditions.

Cumbria has the largest numbers of Michelin stars per head of population and there are many pubs and restaurants that serve local products. Fine dining has become a source of pride in Cumbria from Simon Rogan's L'Enclume in Cartmel in the south of the county to more modest pubs like The Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills and the Drunken Duck near Ambleside.

How has your painting journey been influenced by where you live?

I started drawing and painting only two years ago and have tried most forms of art and materials in that short time. However, I keep returning to landscapes and there is no doubt that the beauties of Cumbria have inspired this preference. I carry a sketchbook wherever I go and love drawing en plein air, painting outdoors in all weathers. I've filled some 25 sketchbooks since I started and am always trying to capture the variety, mood and feel of the landscape.

What would be your capsule wardrobe essentials for spring/summer?

Linens, suede shoes, shorts and good knitwear for our variable weather. I have a couple of summer suits, linen and seersucker, which provide useful jackets and trousers that can be worn together or separately as needed.

What other British brands do you love to wear?

Community Clothing Co, Hebroco for denims and workwear, Dege and Skinner on Savile Row, Loake shoes, Lock & Co hats, Budd and Co shirts, Cordings of Piccadilly for tweeds and traditional British country wear, Johnstons of Elgin and many more. I've collected many British brands in my Instagram profile and find there is increasing interest in British made.

What are your three favourite GS pieces?

I love the Lunan brushed wool sweaters, especially the nutmeg and blue example which is a regularly worn favourite. The cardigan is a useful piece that can be worn with jeans or tailored trousers. The grey Nethan wool sweater looks great with anything.

I also love my GS socks - they must be the best socks I’ve come across, robust and comfortable. The walking socks are perfect for my walks on the Cumbrian fells.