Cheery wet weather clothes: Stay dry in style

Unsettled is a word we are getting used to this summer, being doused so regularly with rainwater instead of sunshine. It makes stylish dressing in these holiday months a real challenge and looking good in bad weather isn’t easy. Some get it right. Bright colours help to lift the spirits – particularly yellow – while fun rainhats and zany umbrellas put a roof over the head and make conversation pieces when summer events, outings and weddings don’t go according to plan. And is there anything worse than the sheer misery of soaking footwear – the squelching, the weight, the discomfort.

Rain-friendly clothes have to be good cover ups to protect the suit, the dress or whatever is worn underneath. The best are those with maximum impact and capaciousness in cheerful colours and prints and not just plastic disposable ponchos that do nobody nor the environment any justice. A sorry sight on Dublin streets these days are sodden tourists in their hastily acquired macs trying to sort out directions on their phones or maps in downpours.

A better investment is the hardy trench coat that works all year round and never goes out of date – a fail-safe buy that can be found in a range of prices. Elsewhere, check out sailing brands for well-designed GoreTex jackets in classic navies or nautical stripes or cycle shops where waterproof gilets, shorts and jerseys cater for all weather performance wear. It is worth noting the difference between showerproof and waterproof. The former means a fabric that resists water – it just rolls off it. A fully waterproof garment must have specially sealed seams and a protected zip.

[ The Cladóir sheep, presumed extinct, has rejoined the close-knit Connemara fashion flock ]

Here is a selection of jackets, boots, hats and umbrellas, from a light-hooded jacket for €28 up to €1,950 for a Moncler x Richard Quinn collaboration, cheery wet weather warriors for these inclement times.