Wherever you live it’s likely to rain or shower (or worse) in spring and summer. I always love the look of a trench coat but most of them don’t have hoods and to me, going out with the risk of rain and without a hood is a complete no no. The exception to this is Burberry’s packable hooded trench coat which tops the list as far as I’m concerned, although 
will it take me walking on the downs? I’m not so sure…..So I’m always looking for jackets that are reasonably smart, will keep me dry and have a hood and love those that will take me from country to town, although that is tricky.
If you are going to buy just one lightweight summer rain jacket you need to think about where you are going to need it the most. It doesn’t have to be smart if you live in the country and don’t go to town much, but if you’re going to be spending much time in the city there are jackets that just shout ‘country girl’ which just don’t work – as I have found out whilst travelling.
Best of all have two lightweight rain jackets, one for casual and country and the other for town and city travel. Moi? I’m sure you know the answer to that, I’m a collector…….
Notes: Don’t be tempted by anything with quilting or padding unless it’s detachable – you will almost certainly boil and it’s easy to wear layers underneath which you can take off.
Also: Printed rain jackets – there are a lot of those around. You absolutely can’t look smart in these although you can in almost anything else provided you’re dressed appropriately. I have a sincere dislike of printed rain coats and jackets – but that’s just me.
