HOW TO STYLE OUT THE STORMS
By Gemma Champ
UMBRELLAS are out, but while the showers are welcome after a long and arid summer, they bring the perennial problem of warm-weather rain. How to enjoy a last gasp of late-summer fashion while also staying dry in the downpours? The answer rests on two items: a raincoat and a pair
of chunky boots. but not grown-up trenches and mud-crusted wellies — rather, designs that will make you want to let loose your inner Christopher robin and splash through the puddles.
Channel blue skies and sunny days with Hunter’s bright yellow wellies and a vibrant coat from
Joules (above, far left). Worn with a summer dress, the effect is more latesummer cloud-burst than autumn drizzle.
In a similar vein, a classic yellow Breton fisherman’s jacket inspires Parisian playfulness when worn with cream trousers, a navy jumper and short wellies from Joules (third from right). The look is perfect for the seaside or the city.
Meanwhile, the return of the vinyl mac recalls a 1960s sensibility. River Island’s orange design (right) plus a patterned suit puts the Pow! back into power dressing.
If you’re a minimalist, a navy waterproof is a versatile piece. Go for an unbelted shape, like Asos’s version, and add some interest with white boots and a hat from rain experts Stutterheim (second left).
Of course, sometimes you just want to shrug your coat over whatever you’re wearing. Luckily, this season the eclectic, eccentric look is encouraged. For optimum versatility, choose a neutral, checked trench, as found at Asos (third left). Draped over a sweater and loose trousers, it’s the epitome of laidback autumn style. And you won’t need a downpour to look stylish in it.