Let's get into chic rainwear...

Does it exist?

Firstly, a little thank you for being wonderful subscribers. I am feeling so inspired to write again and was feeling a bit jaded with the relentlessness of social media, so this community has been just what I needed!

Now to the task in hand: what jacket do I wear at this time of year?

Marni x Uniqlo jacket from 2 years ago, my face on the right summing up how I feel about rainwear

This is a question I get asked a lot, it’s April and you need a waterproof coat/thing but all anyone shows you is what they’re buying for summer (that newsletter will also be coming soon, FYI). And I’m all in for summer. Because I hate rainwear. This winter I ditched an umbrella and just insisted on wearing a snood (or my Marni x Uniqlo hooded scarf which is a bit of a gamechanger - sadly can only find them for £70 on Vinted) when it rained, it wasn’t perfect but my bag was lighter and it helped more than an umbrella with keeping frizz at bay.

But I have finally caved on a ‘practical’ coat and settled on a Sittingsuits one (my parents offered to get me one for my birthday because one thing I hate more than rainwear is spending my own money on rainwear). It takes a while to get used to because, as I have realised, it’s actually more of a coat to wear over your existing coat. If you put your hands through the pockets it just goes through to your clothes (so be careful with your keys!), call me crazy but I assumed it was a coat that you don’t have to wear a coat underneath. Anyway, I do love it, it feels like wearing a dressing gown (it is very long though, I’m 5 foot 7 and it already almost meets the floor) and I think it looks good - hoping it will also be useful as an allotment coat for those early mornings and deceptively chilly, windy UK breaks.

Whitstable last week (sidenote: we stayed in the loveliest Air BnB in Tankerton, it wasn’t fancy but great for families - 2 bedrooms, separate bathrooms, balcony, parking (!) and a short walk from the beach - find it here).

Ironically, I was enamoured with the Sittingsuits brand because of their bold styles (they have a giant striped one which I was sure I wanted) but after thinking some more, I went with khaki which will compliment most things in my wardrobe - the fluoro hood is enough boldness). The padding is also made using recycling plastic bottles.

But as the weather warms up, how are we going to do it? Last year Uniqlo did a hooded trench which sold out immediately (so it baffles me why they have not introduced one this year?!). I think this kind of thing is the answer, I am even partial to a good old trench and bonnet/silk scarf but sometimes only practical will do.

Hooded bonnet/scarf: £50, Cos

I saw this in Muji this week, it’s super lightweight, a great shape and it’s currently in the sale (£48.95). The khaki seems to be low in stock online (the stone colour is available) but there were loads in the Oxford Street branch last week. While you’re in Muji, I’d grab some of their cotton pants/briefs/boy shorts, because they are the best.

I would add these are all water repellent as opposed to waterproof, I’m no expert on practicality. Rains is a good shout for more of a purist function and I spotted lots of chic women on bicycles in Amsterdam wearing this cape style, which is beginning to suit my lifestyle. For other options, try this at M&S or this in a longer length from Uniqlo. Or this from John Lewis:

Personally, I think a classic colour like khaki, stone and black are the best for longevity in your wardrobe - you can always liven it up with colour in your accessories. In the current climate I am wearing the Muji raincoat like this (layered underneath a warm quilted coat from River Island 3 years ago):

More styling ideas on how to style the raincoat so it feels more part of your wardrobe as opposed to a practial/essential layer (going for a Marni esque mixed bag):

1. Hooded water repellent jacket: £48.95, Muji

2. Sunhat: £42, Damson Madder

3. Sunglasses: £70, Specsavers (I work with Specsavers, I have also been wearing these nonstop)

4. Organic cotton tee: £17.99, Monki

5. Daily mineral sunscreen SPF 35: £20, Versed

6. Socks: £17, Tabio

7. Culottes: £75, Cos (yes they’re back in stock)

8. Adidas trainers: £79, Foot Locker

9. Quilted bag: £60, Free People

Thanks so much for all your lovely comments on the last post, I hadn’t actually discovered the comments section until last week - so it was a pleasant surprise!