April showers: the best kit for bad weather
Our tastemaker knows how to look chic and stay dry on even the rainiest of travel days…
Words: Alice Tate
What the UK boasts in lovely coasts, great pubs and awe-inspiring history, it lacks in, let’s say, reliable weather. Spring showers are to be expected (and summer, autumn and winter ones, too), so the best thing to be – along with optimistic – is prepared. To that end, here are nine essentials to keep you out and about whatever the weather, all the while looking fresh and staying dry.
MERRY PEOPLE BOOTS
You don’t think of Wellington boots being one of those things so comfortable that you don’t ever want to take them off, do you? Enter: Merry People. Its ankle-height gum boots (£99.95) are made of natural rubber with a soft neoprene lining that makes them impressively comfortable and bouncy. The Tully style is a personal favourite, with its chunky platform-style sole that helps elevate any outfit, while the ankle height is much comfier and more versatile than your traditional knee-length boot, and better for all weathers. No sweaty calves this summer!
FINISTERRE RAINCOAT
Not all raincoats are created equal. Some feel sticky. Some say they’re waterproof but aren’t. Some are great except for the water that pools in the pockets. Finisterre’s Stormbird jacket (£250 – available for men and women) is different. It is, in fact, a really, really good raincoat, designed to perform well in the worst conditions thanks to breathable recycled fabrics, taped seams, an adjustable hood with a curved peak, deep pockets and a thoughtfully curved bottom hem, so your bum doesn’t get the brunt of the rain. I’ve sized up mine so there’s room for layers underneath without compromising on the moving and bending of the arms. It’s well travelled so far!
TOAST RAIN HAT
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. And that makes a case for this functional and chic rain hat from Toast (£85). Modelled on the classic fisherman’s hat, it’s made out of waxed cotton so the rain drops just glide right off. No drowned rats here!
UNO SPLASH
Picture this: you’re on a soggy walk doing your best to boost the group’s morale. You stop in a pub to wait out the rain. Luckily, you packed your UNO cards. Better yet, you thought ahead and bought the waterproof edition (£21.34) so they aren’t all wet and crumpled. Better get another drink in – your damp afternoon just started looking a lot more fun.
GO TRAVEL WET BAG
Sometimes, you just have to accept that things are going to get wet, but being prepared can really help. Do yourself a favour and before you pile all those wet socks and damp jeans into your suitcase, bung them in this dry bag (£7.99) first so the wet things stay wet, and the dry things stay dry. Simple but game changing, it means everything else doesn’t smell and feel damp for the rest of your trip. (Perfect for those wet togs on the beach too!)
TWEEZERMAN EYELASH CURLER
I’m yet to find a mascara that really works for me, let alone a waterproof mascara, so instead of looking like a panda on a rainy day, I always vote for an eyelash curler (£15.50). It does most of the work anyway and makes you instantly look awake. For real staying power, give the curler a quick blast with a hairdryer first so it’s like heated rollers for your lashes.
LONDON UNDERCOVER UMBRELLA
I find umbrellas to be a bit Marmite: some of us can’t imagine ever leaving the house without one, while others find them too cumbersome. Assuming you’re in the first camp, why not upgrade your humble brolly into an iconic accessory? London Undercover celebrates our inclement weather with its handcrafted umbrellas (£95) that are built to last, using always entirely recycled PET fabrics. And whether it’s timeless or eccentric you’re after, there are styles to suit all personalities.
SEALSKINZ WATERPROOF SOCKS
Sometimes, the British rain is out to take no prisoners and for that we need to call in the reinforcements. Cue: waterproof socks – an excellent option for those particularly wet days when you don’t want the weather to scupper those outdoor plans. With a bamboo inner layer and an Aquasealz outer membrane, these Sealskinz lightweight socks (£40) will keep your toes fresh and dry.
RAINS WATERPROOF TOTE BAG
Keep all your essentials from getting soggy with a reliable waterproof bag. The Rains waterproof tote (£65) is as functional and trustworthy as it is timeless and chic. With a coated zip and performance polyester fabric, it has a detachable shoulder strap and a surprisingly spacious main compartment so nothing needs be left behind. It’s as perfect for long travel days as for toting around a city.
