24 hours in London- practical coat or pretty coat?

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

Short 24 hour trip to London this weekend and I have two coat options:-

• smarter, longer, thick, no hood, heavy material. V pretty
• shorter well fitting puffer jacket, black with hood, v warm. V practical

Neither are waterproof so I'm hoping wine bars and a brolly will see me through any rain showers.

Our plans are - lots of walking, some cocktails, a show (fingers crossed not cancelled!) and dinner out.

warm. it'll be cold and wet!

It's not going to be particularly cold here but it is going to pour on Saturday! Walking about might be a bit miserable without a waterproof coat, but if that's not an option then I'd wear the pretty one and a few layers underneath.

Or whichever dries quickest...

If you need a brolly anyway then I vote pretty coat.

Neither - you describe the first as heavy wool and the second as very warm

Unless it's a cold, crisp day where you're walking miles (it's going to piss with rain) neither are suitable

I live in London and I've never needed anything but a light jacket with a jumper underneath unless it's dry and very cold

With all the rain you will be in and out of places, on and off the tube and you may just be too hot

Yeah I'd make sure you have a waterproof (even of you have to buy one if those cheap ones that look like a plastic bag!) It's going to be wet based on my weather app.

Interesting alternative! I have a shower proof coat but not particularly waterproof.

If you’re on and off the tubes a lighter, waterproof is often better as it is roasting underground. Trickier if you’re planning to walk a lot: I’d go for the long pretty option as sounds like you’ll need a brolly regardless.

Lighter waterproof one is better if on and off tubes but if you’re walking a lot put an extra layer on.

The puffer can at least be rolled up and stuffed into a bag or tied round your waist if you're in a warm shop.

F

Definitely lighter, shower proof coat. I lived in London for about 10 years and never wore a "proper" coat. It's so sheltered that the wind never seemed to bite - and a heavy coat is a pain to carry on the tube.

Won't the pretty one get ruined in rain? Dirty puddle splashes

Whichever one you can roll up and shove into a bag when you're at the theatre.

I usually opt for a leather jacket plus a packamac type thing, which I can wear over the jacket if it pisses down. It's always much warmer in London, but also when it rains it seems to REALLY rain!

Whatever is easier to carry if you get hot or you're inside. I'd go showerproof personally.

I live in London and I wear my North Face Parka from October through to March, including on the tube and last weekend when it was a balmy fifteen degrees. Warmth is a personal requirement.

However, next weekend should be reasonably mild. I'd wear the pretty wool coat, and pack a small brolly and thermals.

The only time I've ever been to London before it's been midsummer so v hot. I didn't consider how enclosed and sheltered it all is to the elements (apart from rain as is suggest above!)

Maybe I could treat myself to a trench coat which would be a suitable middle option