Light summer coat, hold me back from the floral raincoats!

[Paperbagsaremine]

Like other posters on here I'm trying to be more strategic about what I buy and wear, spending more on good quality clothes which won't look cheap or dated in a year.

(Though I suspect the long padded gilet I bought may date - but I've got a metric shittonne of wear out of it, so I'm still happy!).

I need a long, lightweight coat for rainy spring/summer days. Please stop me from buying the Orla Kiely waterproof macs
https://www.regatta.com/orla-kiely-waterproof-mac-navy-passion-flower/
as they are pretty but would make me look like an oversized three-year-old!

Aside from wanting to be steered towards something suitable for a grown-up woman, the other issue is that I have a classic British pear shape, I'm not overweight but nor am I willowy.
So belted trenches I'm a bit wary of ;)

I do spend a lot of time outside so it has to be genuinely well made and weatherproof.

Sort of thing a head of Finance or Legal might wear for a rainy June walk back to the station or taking her mother's ancient dog out for some exercise?

Another Protected Species convert here. I’m also pear shaped and had never spent so much on a coat (even with the MN discount). But this PS Commuter coat has, at cost per wear, beaten every other one in my wardrobe by a mile.

It manages to be just right for every season, rain and wind proof, worn on muddy dog walks/windy beaches/city breaks. It gets crumpled into a suitcase and yet nothing seems to phase it or stick to it. The hood in the collar is discreet but useful with a little peak that keeps rain off your face.

The material is lovely and drapey while the shape is forgiving and comfortable but it still manages to look pretty smart even on my most dishevelled days (which, let’s face it, is most to the time). Thankfully it looks as though it’ll be good for quite a few more years yet but when it does finally fall apart, I’ll probably cry.
https://www.protected-species.com/product/waterproof-commuter/

I came onto recommend Protected Species too. As the above poster says they're so versatile, I throw them into the back of the car, roll them up in my bag and they still come out looking like new. I've the trench, parka and city jacket and I love them all.

Marks & Spencer's are doing an Icon range if you want something more classic?

I love my Protected Species khaki Tour jacket. Mainly because it doesn't look like a rain coat, as it's a fluid material and I feel good in it. The customizable buttons & belt mean it adjusts to a perfect fit. Plus it's very effectively waterproof and it has a hood that works. It's knee length on me.
I also have a couple of simple M&S Stormwear Mac's in beige & leopard print, which look really good, but don't have hoods.

@BansheeofInisherin @whitesnowflake @Cantonet @Floisme I am tempted by a Protected Species trenchcoat, but always feel a bit nervous about buying "on spec" and then returning what doesn't fit or suit.
Did you all get the right size and colour first time, or can anyone reassure me about ease of returns?
I have been sitting here measuring myself in and out of coats this evening and still not confident about whether to go for S or M, and never mind what colour! Eek. But a light trench coat looks, on the face of it, to be what I should try first (will avoid that 'skirt poking out of coat' look if I have a dress on).

But if my skirt doesn’t poke out of my coat, I always worry I look like a flasher 😬

Dont get why people are suggesting short lenght for a rain coat. That doesnt keep you dry if you are outside in rain, does it.

Sezane have some nice trench coats

Yes!!!!

Stutterheim raincoats are amazing. The Mosebacke long style is a flattering a-line shape or the Stockholm is more straight up and down. They're £280 but they do have sales.

Don't like the Orla Kiely one at all, sorry, looks like someone who listens to a lot of commercial radio and describes things as "jolly" (although I love Orla K prints on e.g. duvet covers.)

If you get knee length or longer you get soaking wet legs because the water just drips off the end of the coat onto your trousers.
You’d think that the longer the coat is the drier you’d be, you’d be wrong.

Omg yes, me too.🙈

My raincoat is from Sweaty Betty - it’s oversized and looks cool. They have a good mix of fairly conservative and more interesting shapes. Sweaty Betty.

I also have a Barbour X Alexa Chung jacket which is beautiful but I wear more for when it’s damp/drizzle. I wouldn’t wear in really rainy weather.

Otherwise I think Rains and Stutterheim are both good for simple and well made raincoats. I like them as they can go over casual wear but you also wouldn’t look out of place wearing them over work wear.

I have a Lighthouse parka I love. Very waterproof. They do longer length ones, but I find the parka long enough.

My Rains coats are fantastic. Really light but actually waterproof.

I have a coat from rain sisters and love it. Comes down below my knees so keeps me dry, nipped in at the waist so flattering and they do some lovely floral
prints that are a bit less twee/toddler. I got mine from Wolf and badger in the sale.

I didn't know I was missing a good, light rain jacket. Now I'm thinking I need one too .....😄

I have this one in Green and Navy. Flattering and 100% waterproof without getting sweaty!
www.ilsejacobsen.com/en-ie/products/10-rain37-3-4-raincoat-033

https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/rain-coat-matte-black?variant=37873574117572&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh6qg0trg_gIVr59oCR2ltAnbEAQYASABEgI6BvD_BwE

I'm gutted that you can't currently buy Ilse J direct from their website in the UK.

I recently bought the Rain Rebel rain coat from Lululemon and so far I’m very pleased with it. It is properly waterproof, has good pockets and you can draw the waist in which gives it a different look.

Recently bought a Rainsisters coat a bright colour (I look live an oversized red riding hood )but that suits me just fine 😁

They do have some beautiful black /dark ones and as they are nipped in at the waist and full skirted they are super flattering and very good quality .

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st551868/693927#693927

I've just bought this Utility Parka | UNIQLO UK

I bought yellow because I love yellow!!

It's really nice quality and looks good on.

Me too, I recently got this in Olive and I love it. Very tempted to get another colour.