The rain has been RELENTLESS here in the UK this winter, so I thought if you can’t beat it, why not join it?
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I’m writing this as I look out onto yet another rainy day in the UK. We’re so used to it raining non-stop that any brief dry spell – or that even rarer phenomenon, SUNSHINE – makes us wonder what the hell is happening. Everything from our gardens to our dogs’ paws are so saturated and muddy that I can’t even imagine what nice weather and grass that doesn’t squelch underfoot is like anymore.
But in true British ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ spirit, I thought I’d turn the rainy negative into a stylish positive by looking back on some of my favourite rainy day outfits from the archives and finding some great waterproof items to buy online… colourful raincoats and wellies, anyone?
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At the end I’ve included fabulous wellies and raincoats that are currently available that I think you’d love if you’re looking for something a bit different to your usual black wellies/stone raincoat combo. DO NOT let the wet weather dampen any desire you have for bright colour and pattern!
Let’s hang on in there (hopefully in a dry way) till spring…
What are your wet weather dressing tips or favourite pieces to wear? Tell us in the comments!
XOXO
1. A floral hooded raincoat with coloured walking boots
One of my favourite-ever raincoats, this floral number is from wet weather experts Seasalt Cornwall. I wear it on a regular basis as it keeps me warm and dry, and it’s such a happy print it never fails to brighten up any wet weather outfit. Original post >>
2. A bold, metallic raincoat and brights
Another fave raincoat: this one gets me compliments whenever I wear it. The rose gold colour and metallic sheen look fabulous with all the warm colours I love. Original post >>
3. All the colours in a ton of layers with wellies
Despite this potentially being a boring outfit as I started with black wellies, the multitude of colours and layers mean it’s anything but. Wellies CAN work with a skirt – in this case, a midi skirt with knee-high wellies so there’s no gap showing between them. Prefer short skirts? Simply make sure there’s a significantly bigger gap between skirt length and wellies and add tights. Original post >>
4. Practical but stylish navy raincoat with a Fairisle knit
Lots of navy blue here, but the raincoat (Seasalt again) has a bright blue lining and there’s plenty of texture with the Fairisle knit and corduroy trousers. Although they’re not wellies, the Chelsea boots are showerproof and incredibly comfortable – perfect for long walks along Cornish clifftops. Original post >>
5. Colourful striped wellies and a floral raincoat
My lifesaver, darling striped wellies! I featured my Wide Wellies* last year with a contrasting, floral print raincoat (that I’ve worn loads) and an equally bright tomato red sweater. Proof that wet weather dressing does not need to be boring. Original post >>
6. A French chic outfit of classic stone raincoat and Breton stripes
If all this colour isn’t for you, then you should definitely invest in a good quality, classic stone raincoat. Although I wore mine here with black jeans and black wellies, I added something a bit unexpected with the sequin stripes. Yes, it’s a classic French look but all the sparkle makes it a little more dramatic. Original post >>
7. Boiler suit with layers and a bright umbrella
The layers kept me warm on that rainy day and the Orla Kiely umbrella added bright colour and pattern, but suede ankle boots seemed a silly choice… Luckily I use waterproof spray on all my suede(tte) boots so they don’t get ruined in wet weather. I wouldn’t recommend them for wading through puddles, however. Original post >>
Bonus outfit…
I’ve not included this outfit in the 7 picks because it was actually fancy dress for the Blade Runner Secret Cinema event we went to in 2018. Ironically, it took place during the early part of the Summer 2018 heatwave but it rained heavily indoors at the event (that was the whole point, it being a Blade Runner reconstruction). I just included this as it’s one of my favourite fancy dress outfits ever (with a pretty cool raincoat and glowing umbrella)…! Original post >>
SHOP RAINCOATS:
SHOP WELLY BOOTS:
I started following you around the time of the striped wellies!!! Seeing the archives my favourite color/cut combo on you is by far the current!!!
I live in Phoenix Arizona, so we get two days of rain a year but I have my beloved Hunter boots (although they where a present from my hubby and of course he choose grey ) but now I am on the hunt for a raincoat!!!
Author
Oh gosh Pilar I wish we could have some of your dry weather – you’re welcome to half of our rain!! Thank you for the lovely comment sweetie 😀
Looking very nice and would be willing to send some of the rain this way. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Author
Thanks Patrick – and yes you’re very welcome to it! Give me your address and we’ll send it all your way!! 😉
England really has been getting pounded! I am thankful I live where it rains 4 inches per year. But as coincidence would have it, we are getting rain today. LOL! If I ever again live where it rains a lot, I’ll have to study your outfits. They are fantastic!
Michelle
Author
Ughhh the WHOLE of the UK and Ireland has really been getting it, Michelle… I’m in the South West of England but the North of England and Wales has had it much worse overall. And now the North has snow, just to add insult to injury!!
Thank you for the lovely compliments x
Thank you. I especially like the more classic looks such as the fairiske jumper outfit but thar yellow floral brolly is my favourite item. I want that brolly, haha.
Muttonstyle my over 50 fashion life
Author
Thanks Anna – yes as you can imagine when I saw that brolly I thought I HAVE to have that because it’s SO fabulous…!
Hi, Catherine – Wow, I never would have thought someone could come up with so many unique and cheerful outfit combinations to wear in the rain! Thanks for showing us how beautifully this can be done – Angie, yourtrueselfblog
Author
When it rains as much as it does/has done here, Angie, you HAVE to get creative!! 😉
I hope the rain stops by next Saturday, because that’s when I arrive in London! In case it doesn’t, thank you for the outfit inspo 😉
Cheryl Shops
Author
Oh wow hope you have a fabulous time, Cheryl! Seems like there may be a few showers but also some sun – you never know it might just be okay for you (I hope so)! x
You look darling in all, but OH MY GOSH look at All That Hair in #3! I might not have even recognized you !
I don’t think I’ve ever in all my life had a proper dedicated raincoat. It’s always on The List but I’ve never found The One. And you have so many good ones!
Bettye
Author
Hmmmm I know, I had a LOT of hair back then (2012 or 2013 I think?) Bettye – it was a very dark red as well! Thank you my lovely x
Thank you for hosting the link party. I especially like the #4 Fairisle sweater with the raincoat. A classic and lovely look.
Author
Thanks Debbie – I wear that raincoat such a lot, and I’m sure the sweater won’t go out of style anytime soon #thumbsup x
Great and timely post, though I do believe its actually dry outside at the moment …though as some famous American comedian once said ‘ if you don’t like the British weather……wait a minute ‘!!!
All great outfits on you Catherine, but my favourite is the classic trench and breton one…..perhaps because I am a conservative dresser – though I love your style and you so suit everything xx
Author
Thank you Karen! I always like to include at least one classic outfit in my roundups if I can – I know not everyone goes for the crazy colours that I go for (and sometimes I like doing head-to-toe neutrals… but you can make the outfits just as interesting with a variety of texture 😀 ) xx
These are all such stylish rainy day outfits! My favorite is the one with striped rain boots and floral rain coat. But they all look fantastic!
Thanks for sharing and for hosting the linkup!
Author
Thanks Ellibelle – yes the striped wellies are fabulous, aren’t they 😀
Rain rain rain..sick of it…..
Author
I know, Hilda, I know!! 🙁 (sobs quietly into her hands…)
It’s the complete opposite here. We’ve had nothing but sunshine all winter and I am bored with it. Send us some rain. I’d be glad to have it. Love your colourful wellies.
Author
Lorna TAKE IT!! Take it all!!!!!! There’s been so much terrible flooding all over the country, it’s been really sad to see so many people with flooded houses 🙁
Glad you liked the wellies, the striped ones are my faves x
I love the trench with the Breton stripe shirt. The Blade Runner event must’ve really been something!
I’m in SoCal with a closet full of raincoats,trenches and slickers (8!) And 2 pairs of rainboots with no chance to wear them. Maybe one or two days a year and even then rarely necessary for the whole day! Proves what a clothes horse I am. I bought the boots because on the rare occasion it does rain here it pours for days and we often get large puddles and minor flooding, so the boots are justified.
If I was in England right now I would enjoy the opportunity to traipse around the block in a different raincoat everyday! My favorites are my Joules floral wellies and the matching floral and striped knee length slicker (wine & navy blue colored.) Perfect for California because it is large and unlined and goes on over any outfit without adding warmth. I also have a matching Joules puffer coat that can be worn under the slicker. (So, I am all set but with no inclement weather. Virtually no opportunities to wear this outfit!)
Author
The Blade Runner event was really something, Liz… an experience we’ll never forget!
What a shame you don’t get to wear your wet weather gear that much – move to the UK one winter and you’ll wear them out for sure!
Thank you for the lovely comment x
What a gorgeous post! We’ve had a lot of rain over here too, and I feel like I’m living in black boots – so this is a glorious pop of cheer. Now I’ll treat myself to your link-ups…
Author
Thank you Mary Katherine – I’ve worn all my boots SO many times this winter, I’ve almost forgotten what shoes are…!
I love your attitude Catherine, you have such a positive disposition that shines through even on a wet and cloudy day. Absolutely adore seeing your different hairstyles too!
Author
I just don’t know what else to do, MT, when I look out Every. Single. Day. and it’s raining AGAIN. A day without at least some rain is unheard of… I cannot WAIT for spring!!
Thank you my love, I rather like seeing how the hair changes over the years too 😉