How Fashion Insiders Stay Dry Without Sacrificing Style

Elegant alternatives to the classic umbrella

At upscale venues, men often greet guests with large umbrellas, offering both shelter and a visual flourish. While effective, the practice is impractical for everyday use, according to the associate fashion editor.

Umbrellas are dismissed as cumbersome, and the flimsy versions that fit in a handbag are described as “profoundly depressing.” The editor also notes that umbrella spikes are “borderline sociopathic,” reinforcing the desire for alternative rain solutions.

Detachable hoods and functional design

The editor recommends a hood that can be removed and stored in a bellow pocket, allowing the coat to stay sleek when not raining. A trusted old Barbour, similar to the current Carville style, exemplifies this approach. The piece is highlighted as a potential hot item after being spotted on Celebrity Traitors this season.

Choosing the right jacket for the setting

In the countryside, a 20‑year‑old Berghaus Cornice jacket provides “bone‑dry” protection and breathability, though the editor admits it is “pretty ugly.” In urban environments, a rubberised‑cotton black railway jacket from Levisons is described as solid and dry, albeit “like a portable sauna.” A compromise Barbour jacket is used for forest walks, with a note that prices have risen since purchase two years ago.

Practical attitudes toward rain gear

The editor admits to rarely wearing waterproof trousers, despite owning a pair from Berghaus, often forgetting or opting out when rain starts. Headwear is also downplayed; even with a cagoule, the hood is usually left off for the “good feeling” of a wet head.

Finally, the editor humorously suggests that umbrellas should be banned in city centres, underscoring a preference for more streamlined rain solutions.

Detachable hoods, low block‑heel boots and vintage rain jackets form the core of a chic, rain‑ready wardrobe.

Embrace practical style and let the rain become a runway.