5 Stylish rain jackets that work for their space in your travel wardrobe
One of the most frequent travel related questions I receive, is how to pack with a minimum of items and fuss. After many years of travel for business and pleasure I feel I might finally have the formula down pat.
In my dreams I am a sophiscated traveller. One of those beautifully put together women we see in fashion pages – the ones that cut a swash through airports, leaving jet lagged, travel crumpled mortals in their wake.
My reality tends to show another picture. I am not blessed with sitting in the pointy end of the aircraft on the majority of trips – I try for comfort and style – not so much glamour, as practical.
I endeavour to keep it lean on the packing front, a lesson learned from many, many years of mistakes. I used to be a dreadful over packer; lots of ‘just in case’ items made it into my suitcase, where of course they remained (unworn) until I returned home.
I now know what I wear time and again for various destinations; black and layers for urban trips, colour and flowing and silk for the tropics. My ski gear remains clean and ready to go year round. Some items come with me shine or rain…a good rain coat being one of them (I also love trench coats, however I generally find them too heavy for travel, a lightweight spray or rain jacket is more versatile for me).
A stylish travel rain jacket can take you from downpour to dining out;
keep you warm and dry and even serve as a ground cover (Indian trains anyone….). This innocuous item has passed muster on so many trips – I splurge on my raincoat (on a cost per wear basis I am almost down to cents not dollars). However many less expensive options also look fabulous (the cost can be fabric related, so be certain what you are buying if you really want your garment to be waterproof).
1. ASOS
This 100% cotton coat looks uber cool and on trend (I think I need to place an order). Whilst not waterproof, it is easy care and would work well as an extra layer for warmth or shower protection – ASOS Rain Parka AUD$108.You might also want to check Arc’teryx Atom AR Hooded Insulated Jacket $371.
2. Burberry
The investment piece with all the trimmings. A lightweight jacket in beautiful technical fabric – the devil is in the detail. Zigzag stitch detail, drawcords at the hood, waist and hem and checked lining. 100% polyamide and dry cleanable. Peaked Hood Jacket AUD $990. How about Women’s Burberry Brit ‘Knightsdale’ Belted Drop Tail Hooded Trench Coat $1,190.35?
3. Target
My mother bought a rather gorgeous steel grey, Target spray jacket a number of years ago. Try as I might I have never been able to hunt one down. This anorak could be the one that ends the search. At first glance the lighter colour might not seem pratical, however I love giving a lift to my mainly black wardrobe and this shade would go so well with many other colours. The Stone Anorak is a snip at AUD$79, or Columbia Stone Creek Hooded Anorak Jacket at $49.99.
4. Lululemon
I am in love with navy at the moment, wearing it with white jeans, black silk pant, jeans. This jacket definitely works for the money, it is waterproof, loads of vents keep you cool, and it has a flattering ‘bum covering’ scalloped back (don’t you love the zip detailing…). Better still is the name, Fo Drizzle Jacket AUD$229. Another bang for your buck is Penfield Rochester Rain Jacket
5. North Face
This jacket comes with accolades, Editors of Backpacker Magazine awarded it recognition for the eco-conscious construction (made of an environmentally friendly fabric), the waterproof, breathable outer layer will absolutely protect you from rain. The fit has been updated so the classic jacket has a more flattering cut (I have had my jacket for 9 years and counting, virtually indestructible). The Venture Rain Jacket AUD$104.97 (currently on sale at Paddy Palin).
WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING DO YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH?
