Is there such a thing as a tasteful cagoule?

[beanandspud]

I need a waterproof. Desperately.

I have managed so far in this horrible weather with an umbrella and a mac but don't think it would be quite the thing for an outdoor 'activity weekend' with some work colleagues.

Can anyone recommend a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably bum-covering and not girly pink/lilac) that won't make me look even more old and frumpy than I already am (work colleagues are all young and stylish).

tries to erase image of orange cagoule with an elasticated strap for putting it round your waist and school trips

I bought a fab khaki lightweight waterproof parka from Top Shop last year and is stylish enough to wear with anything and not look like a total dork. Might be worth seeing if they have something similar this year?

Cotswolds are really good for bright coats without being either too functional or too fashionable. I would take my Barbour or my goretex mountain jacket. It would be better if you could borrow a proper one.
IMO, if you buy a trendy Topshop jacket you will stick out like a townie sore thumb and might get picked on to do the most onerous tasks.
Try to blend in with gear that looks like you use it. Don't forget leggings (waterproof trousers), good boots or wellies and decent socks! And a couple of bottles of wine in your luggage.
Also, if you are going to be in the hills at all, remember it is much colder, even in June, so pack those layers. Think comfort, not looks for clothing, but no reason you can't wear waterproof mascara and lipgloss - I do and I am outside most of the time.

I have this and I really like it.

yes Warehouse had a lovely subtle grey leopard print one, under bum length with a drawstring waist

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4291515&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[263006|208526]&noOfRefinements=1

Glad you posted this as I am going to need something for when my papers turn up for my work bike! Can't see it being especially helpful having to carry a dry set of clothes everywhere.

Desigual? Different and expensive mac's (very few with hoods). Look different enough that somebody comments but in a good way.

Lands end have a good selection of waterproofs.
I her mine from Patagonia mostly, but the prices make all but the most hardened outdoorsy folk shudder.

Just found this one which looks actually fairly respectable, good price. I already have a waterproof coat but I want something a bit more flowy for biking!

If you are going for an activity weekend in these gales / storms / rainy times then you don't want to worry about what it looks like, but if it does the job. You'd be much better off borrowing a proper one off someone outdoorsy, than buying a 'fashion' one which is unlikely to be anything more than showerproof.

Not sure how tasteful this is, but funky, yes

shop.danefae.dk/women/rain-jackets.html

Desigual is loony

This one:
www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=3977951&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200

Or this one:
www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5622561&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200

I bought this the other month to wear on the school run after getting soaked day after day in this fine weather summer of ours. Some of the colours are not my bag but I have the mushroom which is lighter than it appears on my screen. Got 25% off it - always lots of LE discount codes about - and am really pleased with it.

You'll probably all vomit at the suggestion but Primark have 'parkainapocket' they are £9 and come in various colours, khaki and black are the better ones.

They are 'shower resistant' mine kept me dry when it hurled down last week.

Thanks for the suggestions and good advice, I am veering towards the Trespass/Cotswolds/Lands End ones in the hope that I'll look a bit more 'out-doorsy' and hopefully get a bit more wear out of it.

Would love to splash out on a Patagonia one but hard to justify...

mrsbo what is the sizing like for LE?

Can't see me in a Desigual coat but they made me !

Check the sale section on the LE website, alot of coats on there. I have a stormraker for summer rainshowers.
Sizing is American and fairly generous so if you are inbetween sizes, size down.

I have last winter's version of this: Craghoppers Jacket which came with a fleece which zips in (I guess this is the summer version). It's totally waterproof, really warm, and quite a nice shape - it has a drawstring inside the waist, which helps. They have some nicer colours than some places I think. I have brown, which came with a green fleece.

be very careful with the 'bum coverage' - generally i'd say that young and outdoorsy waterproof jackets are shorter whereas 'mumsy' 'rambler' waterproof jackets cover the bum.
i think this is because shorter jackets come from the world of climbing (to accomodate a harness) and longer ones from hillwalking.

you might be lucky to find a longer line one that isn't too 'ramblers' but it'd be safer to go shorter.

OP agree that LE are generous. I'm a petite size 8. Ordered the petite XS and it's plenty roomy enough.

I was a 14 abd could almost ram self into a 10