The Great British summer can never be truly relied upon – often in just one day we can have scorching temperatures and blue skies followed by a heavy downpour so it can be hard to choose an outfit, especially as we head towards the end of the season. Because the forecast is a bit all over the place, it's worth having a lightweight and shower-proof jacket ready and waiting to keep you covered if the heavens open just as you head out the door.
When it comes to the best waterproof jackets, there are plenty to choose from, but if you're unsure about where to start, I urge you to take note of Billie Piper’s latest weather-ready look and opt for a checked cover-up. The star was spotted at Wilderness Festival, wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit, but added a practical-meets-high-fashion spin to her classic combination with a printed car coat by much-loved British heritage brand, Barbour. The longer length and straight cut jacket looked fabulous on the star, and the patterned design made a style statement while still being very wearable for everyday.
A printed shower-proof coat will keep you covered now and right through autumn, and although Billie’s exact coat isn’t currently available, I've rounded up some similar lightweight jacket styles below.
Shop the Look
If you are on the hunt for the best trench coats in the run up to autumn, this one should be on your list. The checks give the classic cover-up a fresh twist.
This lightweight parka has a sporty feel to it that is perfect for a low-key weekend. Wear over you favourite sweatshirt and leggings.
If you prefer a minimal amount of checked print, this navy piece with a contrast trim will be a wardrobe winner.
Checks will bring a countryside-y, vintage vibe to whatever you are wearing. Add this coat to anything from butter yellow to neutral hues and it'll work.
A shorter length will sit particularly well on petite frames and this rain-ready jacket will do the job nicely.
A micro check is a more subtle take on the grid pattern and will work nicely over fresh white or soft caramel outfits.
When it comes to prints, a heritage style check is timeless and will always look and feel chic, so if you invest in this type of patterned piece now, I guarantee you will get years of wear out of it. You can pull your coat out of the closet on repeat without any chance of it feeling dated, and although checked items can look a little busy, they work surprisingly well over most prints and colours, delivering a polished finish.
