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What to wear when it rains: 8 items to have on standby this autumn


From windbreakers to leather biker boots, here are the essentials to have on hand


Jeanette Friis Madsen seen wearing black laced body top, black blazer jacket, light blue laced denim jeans pants, Maison Margiela beige leather pouch bag, black leather belt, black leather boots and  black umbrella, outside The Garment,© Getty Images

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Hello Fashion
Chloe GallacherStyle Writer
Tania LeslauFashion Features Editor
Updated: September 3, 2025
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Living in the UK, rain is inevitable regardless of the season. Granted, we may get a month or so of sunshine here and there, but the raincloud never seems that far away. On the other hand, temperatures are on the rise and haven’t plummeted us into freezing cold, so it’s quite the conundrum on what to actually wear in this sort of weather. We appear to now be at that dreaded in-between summer and autumn humid stage.

Which is akin to fashion Mordor. Knitwear is too hot (there is nothing worse than feeling flustered on the tube) while the plain white tees are too chilly. Longline skirts run the risk of sagging into puddles, while jeans can weigh you down when wet. Soggy denim? No thank you. 

To get ahead of the rain game, it's worth nailing a few outfit formulas for yourself to feel prepared, so if we get that unexpected downpour at the last minute, it doesn’t need to ruin your entire day. Not to mention, 'gorpcore' is always on-trend, meaning waterproofs, hiking gear and cargo pants are very much in vogue. Perfect for combatting the inevitable drizzle in the utmost style. 

The Jil Sander SS23 show gave us a lesson in chic dressing in the rain© WWD
The Jil Sander SS23 show gave us a lesson in chic dressing in the rain

Plus, say goodbye to clunky, ugly umbrellas that clash with and ruin your chic outfit. Head of Marketing of Blunt Umbrellas, Fee Cortis explains: “When it rains, style doesn’t need to take a backseat. We believe umbrellas are more than just practical accessories, they are statements of our personal style. Gone are the days of drab, uninspiring, poor-quality umbrellas. We collaborate with global fashion brands, artists, and designers to curate styles that resonate with every taste.”

Grece Ghanem delivers a timeless outfit ensemble© Edward Berthelot
Grece Ghanem delivers a timeless outfit ensemble

Rainproof your autumnal wardrobe and discover our go-to outfit concoctions for when the weather isn't playing ball below.

Rain-ready items to have on standby this autumn:

  1. 1/8

    Cocoa Classic blunt umbrella

    Cocoa Classic

    Blunt Umbrellas

    Available in a dazzling array of different colours and prints, there's a Blunt Umbrella to suit every outfit. The handy accessory features a high-tensioned canopy that provides full comfort and shelter, making for a functional fashion statement. 

  2. 2/8

    Milestones Windbreaker Jacket Brown

    Milestones Windbreaker Jacket Brown

    Nude Project

    Lean into 'gorpcore' dress codes with a helping hand from Nude Project. The brand is saturated with waterproof gems like this chocolate-hued windbreaker which are as practical as they are stylish. 

  3. 3/8

    Fine rib knit cardigan

    Fine Rib Knit Cardigan

    Mango

    Affordable and easy-to-style, Mango's button-down light knit is a cream dream. We'd wear ours with patent classic brogues for a chic in-office finish.

  4. 4/8

    Brandy Snakeskin PU Midi Skirt

    Brandy Snakeskin PU Midi Skirt

    French Connection

    Don't let the weather rain on your parade (pun full intended.) Faux leather materials are water resistant - and we'd opt for a striking snake print option to give off a high fashion edge.

  5. 5/8

    Ren Cropped High-Rise Wide-leg Leather Trousers

    Ren Cropped High-Rise Wide-leg Leather Trousers

    AGOLDE

    Allow the raindrops to simply roll off with a timeless pair of leather trousers to take you from autumn to winter. AGOLDE's Ren Trousers are crafted from supple leather, making for a sleek, comfortable choice. 

  6. 6/8

    Leather Biker Boots
other stories

    Leather Biker Boots

    & Other Stories

    Stomp and splash to your heart's content in a pair of chunky biker boots - ideal for combatting puddles post downpour.  

  7. 7/8

    Media Image

    Quilted Padded Ripstop Jacket

    The Frankie Shop

    The Frankie Shop instigated the resurgence of the quilted jacket and the fashion world went wild for it. This jacket has quickly become a cult favourite amongst fashion insiders and its easy to see why. We love its oversized silhouette with contrasting green tones.

  8. 8/8

    Tote Bag Mini
rains

    Tote Bag Mini

    Rains

    In need of a waterproof bag? Look no further than Rains - our go-to for when the forecast isn't looking promising. 

How we chose:

  • Style: When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best dresses, we made sure that each of our picks were chic, flattering and practical for a rainy day.
  • Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a piece in your price range. We've curated our graduation dress edit using a mix of high-street brands and luxe designer labels.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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