Sing in the rain
Published:
SUNGLASSES or umbrella? If there are two basics you need for your handbag right now, it’s these polar opposites of the accessories spectrum. With April showers and spring sunshine on the way, even the most style-savvy weather forecaster can end up baffled about what to put on in the mornings.
But rest assured when the heavens do open, even if only for a couple of minutes, you can stay prepared with the most stylish of all-weather pieces. Bin that boring black umbrella, store away the woolly winter coat and stride through the spring months with bright and beautiful waterproof essentials.
Hey, who cares if it’s only a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it April shower? Get your booties and umbrella out and make a splash in the best of fashion’s rain gear.
MAC MAGIC
If you buy just one spring essential, make it a mac. Single or double-breasted, it will be the one wardrobe staple that transforms your outfits in an instant – and protects you from the changeable elements.
Those who favour “safe” or neutral fashions, or have to wear a uniform, should brighten up their act with a super-bright mac or trench coat to really celebrate the arrival of the new season. For the best in bright macs try Kaleidoscope red belted mac, £50; Evans hot pink short-sleeve mac, £55; Per Una yellow button cuff mac, £65, or Red Herring green belted mac, £50 at Debenhams.
If you’re a fan of bright clothes or can’t get enough of prints, tone down your outerwear with a classic neutral mac in black, navy or cream. It’s a timeless piece that won’t date after one season. Go for Next neutral mac, £65; Wallis white trench mac, £65; Joules Amelie mac in Jet, £59, or ASOS navy double-breasted mac, £65.
Fashionistas who really want to make a statement in the rain will cause a stir in this season’s print macs, but they are only for the very brave. Try Matalan monochrome printed mac, £18, or Star by Julien Macdonald zebra-print mac, £80 at Debenhams.
UMBRELLA BRIGADE
With floods and gales battering Britain, your umbrella may well need to be put into retirement for working overtime during the winter months, so replace with a brolly that has fashion credentials.
Who wants a dull umbrella to match the dismal sky when the heavens are about to open? Brollies come in a variety of pretty prints and candy colours that will keep you feeling bright even when the weather’s grey.
If you don’t mind carrying your umbrella proudly in hand, you can even go retro with your choice. Try Graham and Green retro dotted umbrella, £14.95; Dotcomgiftshop black polka dot ruffle parasol, £12.95, or Beyond Retro vintage floral umbrella, £45.
Prefer something more modern? Put some panache into April showers with a show-stopping print umbrella. Look to Joanna Wood butterfly umbrella, £23.50; Celia Birtwell Candy Flower umbrella at Millets, £14.99; Radley green spotted umbrella, £22 at Debenhams, or Blacks floral umbrella, £12.99.
WELLINGTON BOOTY
Don’t relegate your wellington boots to the broom cupboard until festival fever arrives. Celebrities such as Peaches Geldof, Alexa Chung and Kate Moss have all put wellies firmly on the fashion radar over recent months.
When the rain descends from April showers to drenching downpours, fling your open-toe heels in your handbag and create a storm in those wellington boots.
You don’t have to go for the classic green Hunter. Just like umbrellas, wellies come adorned with quirky prints echoed on the catwalks, such as spriggy florals, stripes and polka dots to make you stand out from the crowd.
Keep tootsies super-dry and stylish with Brantano stripe wellingtons, £20; Fulton rainboots in Gardening, Kaleidoscope or Handbag prints, £35; Graham and Green monochrome print wellingtons, £37; Celia Birtwell Posh dot wellingtons, £29.99 at Millets; Peter Storm wellies in psychedelic or leaf print, £19.99 at Millets, or Tamara Henriques patchwork wellingtons, £49.
Readers' Comments