The coolest store this summer? MILLETS!
RAIN, rain, rain, rain, rain. It’s official: there’s never been a June in Britain when we’ve had to contend with such downpours. Forget those mimsy ‘shower-proof’ trench coats and those flimsy cotton macs, that’s anorak-force weather out there.
Not to despair, though, for with a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder, I bring you the unbelievable fashion news that, right now, there’s nothing so utterly stylish as proper rainwear. yes, outdoor utility coats from brands such as North Face and Helly Hansen: the sort of no-nonsence garb you might wear to scale Kinder Scout.
At Dior’s show at Blenheim Palace, the look was chiefly freezing and bedraggled. If it’s summer on paper, then women will insist on bare legs, sleeveless dresses and platform shoes — whatever the weather.
Men, on the other hand, were onto something. As the downpours continued, I began to notice a steady stream of brightly-coloured jackets flitting in and out of the palace doorways, and I realised this wasn’t a surrender to the weather, but rather a style statement. Basic hiking and climbing kit, but worn over natty tailoring and neat shirts.
Seeing all those jackets reminded me that this autumn, menswear has influenced womenswear and oversize utility outerwear is a thing. In fact, it was the centrepiece of the Paris catwalk show from luxury label Balenciaga.
AS IS so often the case, menswear tends towards the sensible and its effect on our wardrobes could not be more timely. I am not suggesting you rush out to buy one of the luxury fashion takes on the cagoule but rather that you have a browse in your local camping shop.
Not so much Balenciaga as Blacks. Less the luxury of Paris fashion house Maison Margiela, more Millets.
The red waterproof jacket, £84.95, from Joules (joules.com) is exactly right and I also like the W Voss jacket, £50, from Helly Hansen (hellyhansen. com). Similarly you can’t go wrong with the yellow Seafolly jacket, £89.95, from Seasalt (seasaltcornwall.co.uk).
In terms of how to accessorise your utility rainwear, anything streamlined will do, and this summer’s cropped shape are a good bet for avoiding troublesome puddles. Personally speaking, before I go shopping or even log on to my favourite online stores, I’ll be rummaging around my own coat pegs. I do love it when fashion suddenly gives status to some old thing we already own. Take, for example, the turquoise Patagonia jacket with an orange lining I use for running, which has often made me put on a sprint for the nearest bush, should I see someone I know coming towards me. Not now. I’ve realised it has possibilities for being repurposed in polite society. For one thing, it’s the right block colour. (I would caution against ‘fun’ prints on utility wear.)
Do also explore the wardrobe of the men in your life. This weekend, my husband came into the house with a £15 Peter Storm nylon hoodie from the Nineties he’d disinterred from the boot of the car. Its next trip will be to the haute couture shows in Paris next month.
So when the heavens next open, hold your nylon-hooded head high in the knowledge you’re sporting the last word in chic, while making the best of bad weather. And what could be more quintessentially British than that?