Is there such a thing as a cool/stylish waterproof jacket?!

[runner2]

Going on holiday and need a lightweight waterproof but I cringe at the thought of an anorak/cagoule-type jacket. I bought a North Face jacket a few years ago that was quite expensive but it's a bit on the heavy side and it's red, which was a mistake...should have gone for black. So I've hardly worn it. Any suggestions, please?

Laughing at the jauntiness of Boden rainwear.
I'm buying Ilse Jacobsen for Autumn

Some Rains items on sale here www.workingclassheroes.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=RAINS I've got one of their bags - it's brilliant...smart, backpack, properly waterproof.

Oh crap, I've just ordered a Protected Species one too Good thread!

They are actually quite trendy at the moment. Lots of raincoat chic in the high st shops including Top Shop and New Look, my 16 yr old DD bought one in New Look and I've been trying to get her a waterproof since she was 9 and disowned them!

And baa said the sheep as I've just ordered the protected Species coat too!

I bought this a couple of weeks ago, I wore it at the weekend when it poured it down all day

LOVE this from ASOS!
www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=7375818

Floisme and Bingo, please report back on the PS macs!! (I felt the same about the red, Flo - is that what you got?)

Definitely Ilse Jacobsen. Beautiful.

Laquila yes I've ordered the red - it looks like a dull red so hopefully not too perky. I'll definitely report back. I've been having a look at the company too and they look really interesting - scientists and fashionistas working together! Can't wait to see what it's like.

Oops have just bought the PS mac in blue, bad bad s&b people

I got a Uniqlo block tech jacket. It's great! Waterproof, breathable and stretchy. Packs down small, but doesn't have a trace of 'cagoule' about it.

PetalMetal I personally think it is quite smart, looks quite cool with plain black trousers and a white top I find but also long enough to wear with dresses.

If it's just for a holiday, the New Look one Turtlewoman linked is lovely.

Perfect! Thanks turtle

Placemarking

Oops, I might have also just accidentally ordered myself a new mac.....

La redoute have some nice waterproofs in including a long Trevi parka with hood and some rubberised coats in jolly colours

www.laredoute.co.uk/pplp/100/157878/201/677/cat-681.aspx#shoppingtool=treestructureguidednavigation

What sort of holiday is it?

For camping/seaside/sightseeing wear whatever you like.

For hiking/outdoors sports stuff, it is never cool and stylish to wear a fashion mac instead of a waterproof walking jacket. The hardcore mountaineering types like DH's mates will point and smirk, of course there might be a perverse satisfaction in winding them up!

Your North face jacket might be a winter one if its heavy, there are loads of really lightweight packable walking jackets.

loads of bargains around

Floisme, has your mac arrived yet? If your weather is anything like ours, it'll be a good trial for it.

I have a Rains coat and it's fantastic.

I've got this, not sure if it's properly waterproof though:

www.jigsaw-online.com/product/rosier-long-parka/J32362_GN077

I have been after another Nike waterproof coat for ages. I have a Stormfit in black, comes to my knees and it the best waterproof I've ever had. Alas, I was very poorly when I bought it which means I was very skinny, and now I'm better it's a bit tight and I can't put a jumper under it anymore. It has a padded liner jacket too which is removable. If I could find it again, I would be so happy. It was a TK Maxx bargain.

I think the issue is that stylish often means not waterproof, and waterproof means you look like you're off to do Snowdon rather than a bit of shopping or a dog walk.

Water repellent does not mean water proof. Proper waterproof means goretex or similar and taped seams.

That fashion jacket looks the same as the practical ones so might as well buy something useful for less money.

I have a longline waterproof from Joules. A bit pricey at £130 but had it 3 years and it's still great.

Recently got one similar to this in the Zara sale.... totally waterproof..... and I spend a lot of time standing at the side of a football pich in Manchester so it's been well tested!!
m.zara.com/uk/en/woman/outerwear/water-repellent-parka-c269183p4760113.html

It's coming on Monday Sock - shame as could have given it a good workout today! I'll check in then and report.