One minute you’re mulling over kebab skewers at your local B&Q, the next you’re watching your flower beds slowly turn into a swamp. What is it with this weather? It makes it almost impossible to get dressed at the best of times - and don’t get us started on festivals and birthday parties in beer gardens.
This is why Alexa Chung’s collaboration with Barbour, available as of Sunday, has been met with the kind of jubilance usually reserved for royal weddings. It’s a capsule collection of classic waxed jackets and Glasto-ready macs, all in pleasingly lo-fi pastels - and, naturally, some mud-proof neutrals. As if that wasn't exciting enough, Marc Jacobs has collaborated with Stockholm brand Stutterheim on a few fun rubberised macs.
It also got us thinking about the other ways to reality-proof your summer wardrobe to take in wind, rain and nose-diving temperatures. Here are the five hacks to have on your radar now.
Sensible, Stylish Outerwear
A pac-a-mac might be space-efficient when you’re glamping, but it doesn’t exactly say ‘stylish’. Look, instead, for a hooded parka that has pretty details like ruffles and a gentle flare to its shape - so much more flattering when you have to bundle layers underneath at night.
The Little Knit
Isn’t a little knit, either something short-sleeved or cream-and-fuzzy, the best idea for beating summer evening chills?
The Sun Hat
A sun hat with a handy under-the-neck tie is the only way to ensure you don’t have to chase yours down the beach or retrieve it from underneath someone's car.
Chunky Shades
A chunky pair of sunnies will serve you better than dainty cat-eyes on the festival circuit. Choose something in a classic shape that will do double duty for summer sporting events and the school drop-off.
A Shirt Dress
You can’t go wrong with a shirt dress for a garden party or office summer 'do. They naturally lend themselves to the office but Tessa Thompson also recently proved that stretch-jersey can work for the red carpet at the Men In Black: International photocall in Lanvin.
SHOP: Everything you need to 'realityproof' your summer wardrobe
SHOP: How to 'realityproof' your summer wardrobe
1 of 13J Crew, Crewneck Sleeveless Sweater, £78
2 of 13American Vintage, Cardigan, £135
3 of 13Moncler, Luxembourg Down Parka, £835
4 of 13Barbour by Alexa Chung, Pip Waterproof Breathable Jacket, £249
5 of 13Me+Em, Textured Woven With Sheen Shirt Dress, £299
6 of 13Uniqlo, Cover-Up Shirt Dress, £24.90
7 of 13Gucci, Rectangular Acetate Sunglasses, £455
8 of 13Weekday, The Sail Cat's Eye Sunglasses, £20
9 of 13& Other Stories, Square Frame Sunglasses, £29
10 of 13Monki, Chunky Shades, £10
11 of 13Cult Gaia, Mia Straw Sunhat, £95
12 of 13Ganni, Seersucker Checked Hat, £60
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