This post started after I’d returned from the school run resembling a drowned rat, again. It seems that the heavens like to open the moment I step out my front door and herding small children, a buggy and copious bags means it really isn’t that easy to hold a brolly. I’m ashamed to admit I do not own a rain coat, not one, hence the ‘just stepped out the shower’ look. Edd has been trying to buy me one for years but I’ve always argued that I don’t go out in the rain that often. I mean, if it’s raining I don’t suddenly have a desire to go for a walk. I fear I may have to fold and make a purchase now.
{Performance}
Edd was trying to buy me a full on outdoors performance coat from the likes of Mountain Equipment or Northface. Full of Goretex technology and the likes. I will normally be found wearing Edd’s old Berghaus coat but it is a bit loose and shapeless on me. Now I’m not adverse to having a ‘proper’ waterproof coat but I’ve just not found one that is that is a little more stylish. This may sound silly as I am well aware that the purpose of the coat is not to make me look like I stepped off the catwalk (!) but is infact to keep me dry.
I do love my Barbour waxed jacket so perhaps I should be looking at their waterproof selection like this Hermit Jacket? More pricey but it looks pretty substantial and I adore a bright pop of colour.
{Scandi}
The first coat I spotted and began lusting after are the beautiful Stutterheim coats. If you don’t want to be tempted please don’t look. They have a gorgeous traditional mac look but with a good dose of style. And any coats that come in a soft blush or pale grey are a winner with me. The problem is the price. They get great reviews and this grey mac is absolutely beautiful.
I’m a bit of a fan of Navy and love the style of this from Zara. It’s a good price at just under £50 and has a bit of a look of the Stutterheim ones about it. It’s got a good hood for keeping my hair dry and I like the back detailing and looser shape.
I may have a thing with pink this season and seem to be adding an ever increasing collection to my wardrobe so this pink Rains mac would blend in seamlessly. It’s got that Scandi styling that I seem to be drawn to and seems to be a good length for keeping the top of my legs dry. Rains is a Danish brand who apparently have more rain than us so I guess they know a thing or two about keeping dry! There are only a few sizes left on ASOS at the moment but you an also order in from Denmark.
Then there is completely the other end of the spectrum where I could just pick up a cheap (er) and cheerful mac from the high street and this light pink one from H&M is very cute.
{Classic}
I rather fancy an old school style fishermans mac and this Joules one comes in a myriad of colours. The yellow would definitely get me spotted on the school run.
Another classic mac is the Black Anna coat from Boden. It’s a timeless shape and would go with pretty much everything. The hood is detachable so I could wear it as a jacket on non rainy days. Plus it’s in the sale for £60 at the moment. Bargain.
{Fancy}
I also had to include this leopard print number for our lovely Lauren. She does love a spot of leopard print.
Or do I go metallic and add a bit of sparkle with this silver number from New Look.
So what would you do? Technology or style? Or the elusive coat that couples both. After looking back through these choices I obviously have a penchant for a classic Scandi style so perhaps that will make my decision for me. Do let me know any raincoat recommendations you have. Also, whilst we are talking wet weather hop over to Rock My Family where I am sharing all my favourite gear for the little ones.
That Stutterheim one in the slider with the pink/white/beige stripes…😍 Who knew raincoats could be so style-y?! X
I know Lisa. I want every single Stutterheim one, they are just gorgeous. I feel I might be making a purchase. Surely I need one for our Devon summer holiday? x
I have the yellow Joules one and I love it. After having worn it during a fairly rainy Lake District break I can vouch for it’s waterproof-ness. Xx
Excellent, thanks Alex. I do love the bright yellow coat and I do always find Joules really great quality so I may have to check it out x
Oo this is great to know. I just bought it this week. Never gone yellow before so it seems quite bright but I’m going to try and style it out!
I returned the yellow jacket last week in favour of the more sensible (boring?) French navy, I’m already regretting it! It’s such a gorgeous colour. Might have to keep an eye out for a sale and treat myself to both – surely justified for the British summer?!
I have the longline version of the Joules coat. I had the shorter version but with a toddler it was a bit short when picking up a small person.
I also have a ‘proper’ Waterproof coat which is a grey NorthFace one in a longline parka style which I’ve had for a few years!
Flipping expensive though aren’t they!
Longline is definitely a good tip. I know, the price is what has put me off when Edd has constantly asked if I want one for my birthday/xmas. Um, I’d rather have a fancy new bag!!! xx
I hav a full on technical walking jacket but refuse to wear it when not in a mountain for feel of ‘looking like a childminder’ as my friend says!
I’ve been eyeing up the Rains ones but just can’t decide on a colour
Love the ‘looking like a childminder’ comment! The Rains coats are so lovely. I am definitely tempted by the blush x
I also have the yellow Joules jacket and it’s hardly been off my back since my son’s arrival six weeks ago – my fave leather jacket just wasn’t cutting it and the hood has become a priority! I also loved it on holiday last year – it was great for folding up and putting in a bag in case of showers, without taking up too much space or looking too wrinkled! X
There is a lot of love for the yellow Joules. I might need to go and try it on x
I got a super one in the sale from Seasalt last season (another great Cornish brand) so do check them out too!
I love Seasalt, so much lovely stuff x
I have the Joules one too, but in last seasons navy with silver polka dots. I love it and can definitely vouch for it’s waterproof-ness. Like you I didn’t own a waterproof before this, but with a 2nd little person in a buggy to push, my husband nagged me into biting the bullet. And to be truthful… I’ve now no idea why it took me so long (although I think it was partly that I was scared of the bin bag cagoule look!?) x
Love the sound of the polka dots Sara. Sounds like are husbands are both intent on keeping us dry!! x
I can’t do the ‘proper’ technical gear, it’s just a bit too functional for my frivolous tastes! I have a yellow Barbour that’s very similar to the one you’ve featured and I love it. It’s properly waterproof and is a very flattering cut. It was pretty pricey though, and the yellow can get a bit grubby looking if I’m honest.
I really like that Zara raincoat, and it has the advantage of being priced at a level where you could leave it in the boot of the car for emergencies and not worry about it getting ruined!
The Stutterheim/Hunter options are also very tempting. I made the mistake of looking at the kids section on the Stutterheim website – must close eyes – I can imagine my husband’s face if I spent £160 on a coat for a 4 year old! 🙂
I’m the same Tracy. I do want it to look less ‘outdoorsy’ I guess. I think Zara one is gorgeous so it’s definitely going in my virtual basket. And yes, you shouldn’t look at Stutterheim, unless you can get away with saying ‘oh, what this £5 thing from H&M kids….’!!! x
Another supporter of the Joules one! I have it in last year’s pale blue and always get comments. Was so tempted by the yellow at the time but it had sold out!
Sounds like I really should be buying the Joules coat! x
Great feature, but huge omission in not mentioning Seasalt. All the coats in their rainwear range are stylish, practical (100% waterproof) and affordable. I have two!
Glad you like it. I actually had a Seasalt coat included until last night but removed it as it had gone out of stock. They have some gorgeous designs so definitely one to check out xx
I got a black goretex coat from Aigle. A bit on the pricey side but looks more professional when I turn up to meetings and not like I’ve been out hiking.