There’s a particular kind of optimism that leads one to leave the house in London without an umbrella.
The forecast warns of light showers, and suddenly I’m convincing myself that “light” is practically Mediterranean. Of course, by 3pm the heavens have opened, my trousers are soaked to the knee, and I’m performing the peculiar British dance of hopping around puddles in shoes that were never built for the purpose, all while fighting a tote bag that’s slipping off my shoulder.
Who hasn’t found themselves caught in such a scenario? Rain isn’t a passing inconvenience here, it’s a season – and often several rolled into one week. But there’s a knack to navigating soggy pavements with both dignity and dry ankles intact.
It starts with abandoning the obvious: flared jeans, which soak up rainwater like a sponge. The same goes for wearing anything suede, for which the weather gods seem to summon clouds on sight. A midi skirt, however, is a sound choice – airy enough to avoid clinging, long enough to keep you warm, and short enough to avoid that dreaded hemline drizzle. Quilted jackets don’t just look the part, but many are insulating and water-repellent, too.
This is not, I should say, about succumbing to the tyranny of “sensible” outdoor gear, as if we’re all destined to look like extras in Countryfile. The joy lies in those clever tweaks that mean you can look pulled-together while still braced for the elements: a trench with a hood (yes, they exist), boots that don’t look like they belong on a Duke of Edinburgh excursion, but won’t dissolve in a puddle, and knitwear that can withstand a dash between bus stops.
London’s rain isn’t going anywhere, so we might as well master the art of dressing for it.
With the right pieces, you don’t just survive the drizzle; you glide through it, umbrella aloft, dry shins intact, smug in the knowledge that your day hasn’t been derailed by an unexpected downpour.
Get ready to reign and shop the best wet-weather ensembles below
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Anthropologie Maeve Patent Chore Jacket
Laugh in the face of dark clouds with this jacket across your shoulders. The reversible design has a warming corduroy on one side and a vinyl that raindrops will slip over on the other, giving you two options to play with. The length will keep your core shielded from the elements.
Buy now £148.00, Anthropologie
Damson Madder Pre-Order Liu Shower Resistant Raincoat
Damson Madder’s cult following comes from its playful designs and sustainable ethos, and the Liu coat is no exception. Made with a shower-resistant finish, it features an oversized check print that adds instant personality to grey days. The relaxed fit is roomy enough for layers, while the detachable hood offers versatility. I love that it sits in the sweet spot between statement and staple – a raincoat that’s practical but refuses to blend into the background.
Buy now £135.00, Damson Madder
Margaret Howell x Barbour Transport Jacket
No one does practical British dressing quite like Margaret Howell, and the brand’s continued collaboration with Barbour feels like a match made in wet weather heaven. The cropped Transport jacket is perfect for slinging on for a quick café pit stop, thanks to its rainproof waxed cotton exterior and sturdy, detachable hood with a wire adjustable peak. It’s also got a classic press-stud storm flap and storm welt side pockets for added practicality.
Buy now £369.00, Margaret Howell
Stylein wide-sleeve jumper
Nothing provides comfort on a dreary day quite like a luxurious, raglan, wide-sleeve jumper. This ink-black option from Scandinavian brand Styelin features a soft brushed texture and a cropped finish – great for wearing underneath your favourite trench coat.
Buy now £412.00, Farfetch
Sézane Raquel Dress
Buttoned dresses are great for providing ease of movement for those who prefer feminine styles during rainstorms. This lightweight option from Sézane can be easily layered with a warm black turtleneck if the rain is more biting and wintry than humid and autumnal.
Buy now £15.00, Sézane
Snow Peak Takibi Ripstop Midi Skirt
This water-resistant midi is one of those rare finds that’s genuinely practical without veering into outdoorsy cliché. Crafted from lightweight ripstop, it holds its shape in the rain and offers just enough swish to keep things feeling polished. It’s equally at home with a chunky knit and boots for a commute as it is with trainers on a drizzly weekend.
Buy now £112.00, End
Sorel Women's JOAN FRWD™ Waterproof Chelsea Boots
Sorel has perfected the city boot with actual weatherproof credentials. This sleek Chelsea has a waterproof leather upper, a sturdy lug sole that grips on slick pavements, and elastic side panels for easy pull-on appeal. In short: they look as good under a skirt as they do with cargo pants, and you won’t be doing the soggy sock shuffle by 5pm.
Buy now £155.00, Sorel
RAINS Sibu Musette Bag
If you’ve ever watched your leather tote wilt in the rain, you’ll appreciate the genius of this waterproof crossbody. The Sibu Musette has a slim, functional silhouette with just enough room for essentials, and its PU-coated fabric shrugs off showers like it was born under a cloud. The adjustable strap makes it an easy everyday piece, while the fuss-free design means it works just as well for commuting as it does for weekend errands.
Buy now £69.00, RAINS
adidas Adicolor Classic Firebird Loose Track Tracksuit Bottoms
If wide-leg trousers are your thing come rain or shine, it’s best to don a pair of stylish and quick-drying adidas trackies during torrential downpour.
Buy now £60.00, adidas
Modern Lovers Pleated Skirt
Modern Lovers specialises in one-of-a-kind, unisex pieces crafted from luxury deadstock fabrics. Given the practicality of wearing a midi skirt during torrential downpours, who’s to say they’re just for women? This navy skirt features structured box pleats that nevertheless provide fluidity, so you can hop, skip and jump across puddles. There are just 47 skirts in this drop, so grab yours while you can.
Buy now £204.95, Modern Lovers
Barbour Mowbray Mid Wellington Boots
Somewhere between a classic wellie and a chic ankle boot, the Mowbray is built for city living. The mid-calf cut avoids the heavy stomper look while still shielding against rogue puddles, and the sleek matte finish keeps them smart enough for office wear. Pair with a midi skirt and suddenly the weather feels more like a styling opportunity than a setback.
Buy now £128.00, Free People
Seasalt Cornwall Penweathers Waterproof Trench Coat
The trench is a staple of British wardrobes for good reason, but Seasalt’s version finally solves the problem of being soaked through by the second downpour. Made from organic cotton with a waterproof finish, it keeps its classic lines while adding practical details like a detachable hood and deep pockets. It’s the kind of piece you’ll wear year after year, because it’s both timeless and actually fit for purpose.
Buy now £170.00, Seasalt Cornwall
Ganni Duchesse Nylon Cargo Pants
Proof that cargo pants can be both practical and chic, this GANNI pair is cut from glossy nylon that repels showers without losing its polish. The relaxed fit keeps them comfortable for long days on the move, while the utilitarian pockets are genuinely handy when you’d rather not juggle bag, umbrella and phone all at once.
Buy now £116.00, End
ReNew Quilted Hooded Liner
Transitional outerwear is all about versatility, which this hooded liner from Everlane practically defines. It’s water-repellent, made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a recycled fill, wear it solo as the mercury drops, then layer it with your favourite oversized duster coat for an insulating boost.
Buy now £220.00, Everlane
Swedish Stockings Franka Check Tights
Sustainably made in recycled nylon, these Franka tights reinterpret a classic heritage check in a satisfyingly autumnal palette. Swedish Stockings specialise in eco-conscious hosiery that doesn’t compromise on design, and this pair brings a subtle touch of pattern to cold weather outfits.
Buy now £18.00, Swedish Stockings
Gant G Badge Corduroy Cap
When winter’s approaching, corduroy is back on the style agenda. So, why not go for Gant’s cap that’s made from the cold weather-ready fabric? An Ivy League-coded winner.
Buy now £50.00, Gant
