The English love to chat weather, and what a feast of talking topics this last week has provided us with.
The last few days has reminded us that British weather is a beast of extremes. Serving up sun one minute, downpour the next, gale force winds to follow, and the meteorological anomaly known as ‘thunder snow’ by tea time.
In these transitional times we call Spring, one must prepare to layer up and invest in a sensible, water-resistant piece of outerwear. ‘Waterproof’ isn’t the sexiest of searches, but here’s a selection of weather appropriate wear for every budget:
For the Lowballer
For those shopping the high street, our amigos at Zara consistently put together on-trend collections at affordable prices. This wax-coated jacket, at £79,99, is one of my favourites. Not quite as ‘talley-ho’ as the Barbour or the clay shooting jacket, this is a budget-friendly light-weight jacket, with corduroy detailing. Available in dark khaki, I will be pulling out my denim shirt, a top-knot and statement lip, and be braving the climes as I head to ‘A little bit of What you Fancy’ for some nosh. No hood so grab yourself a beanie a la Fred Perry and protect your barnet.
For the Baller
The Tommy Hilfiger ‘family’ campaign is everywhere. Capturing the American dream in an image, this campaign is all red, white and blue, US melting-pot and nautical stripes.
This season’s tailored, short-overcoat entitled the Lukas coat is available in French blue and is both sophisticated and understated. The logo flag-pin plays peeks-a-boo from underneath the lapel collar so passers by will know you’re channelling British prep by everyone’s favourite US brand. Retails at £300.
No hood so an inappropriately large umbrella will be necessary. For sophisticated shelter check out the Duck Head Umbrella from London Undercover.
For the High Baller (you know who you are)
Oh Loro Piana! Just the name conjures up visions of days spent in Capri sipping your spritz at 6pm in a stylish cafe as you overlook a scene of yachts swaying upon turquoise waters.
Around since 1924, but entering the world of luxury fashion a few decades ago, this iconic Italian brand is all about fine fabrics and indulgent textiles. Quality at its best, those looking for solace from the elements by means of cashmere and goatskin suede need look no further. The Storm System cashmere-lined raincoat is crease resistant and effortlessly sophisticated, so ideal for when you’re jetting off on a cheeky weekend away after a business lunch downtown. One of the finest Italian imports since the Barolo and Monica Bellucci. Price? Irrelevant. Hood? A few drops of water between the restaurant and the car won’t hurt.
