Don’t rain on my parade

Rihanna's umbrella

Written by Kayleigh Walker

So to start us off we have the classic bright yellow sowester and wellies combination. Now I know you may be thinking Sowester = Fisherman, but trust me the fashionista’s love the nautical look and as the alternative seems to be lightweight waterproof cagoules, in such appealing colours as ‘moss green’, I think you’ll agree with me it’s the right choice.

A word of warning, however. As tempting as the matching hat may seem, never indulge: overstepping the Fisherman boundary will leave you firmly in Paddington bear territory.

As for the wellies, in an ideal world we’d all be wearing a pair of classic Hunter boots a la every single celebrity who's ever been snapped in the rain at a festival, as well as generations of farming folk. Trouble is prices start at £55 which isn’t exactly student loan friendly.

Frankly it just doesn’t seem worth it unless you’re going to make an actual effort to wear them from September through to March. If this is you, however, then you really can’t go wrong with a pair of Hunter originals. Slipper comfortable with a cushion lined foot bed, these wellies are not only sturdy but effortlessly cool. Go for classic colours such as green or blue for maximum rural effect.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far then check out

Wellies

Ryedale Clothing which is currently running a two for £25 offer on all wellies, including Hunter ‘rip-offs’ which seem to be exactly the same as the originals except that the badge across the front says ‘Rydale’ - but who’s looking anyway? If you want to branch out into more colourful patterned territory then the offer also includes some very bright striped and checked designs. Perfect for people who like to make a statement with their wellies.

But if wellies just aren’t your thing then leather boots are the only other way forward when it’s wet underfoot. Thankfully I’m not talking about the hideously ugly ‘rain boots’ that some designers would have us think are stylish. They’re not and they never will be; they look like some strange interbred species incorporating colours, kitten heels, wellies and pointy toes - never a good combination.

Paul Smith Rain Boot = Ugly

Sticking to good old flat boots is by far the best option, just remember to tuck your jeans in; crusty, flaky mud on the bottom of your jeans is never attractive.

Now all that remains is the umbrella. Buying expensive umbrellas seems ultimately futile as it’s a well known fact that umbrellas are sprung from the devil and trained to either blow inside out whilst you are walking down a particularly crowded street, or haphazardly snap in the middle of a downpour.

Thus cheap and cheerful umbrellas are the way to go and you don’t get much cheaper than Primark. Stock up on as many as possible and laugh in their faces. Well it’s either that or you could acquire the latest in celebrity endorsed products and treat yourself to one of Rihanna’s 'umbrellas, ella, ella, eh’?

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