After what's felt like a long, hot summer of never-ending heatwaves, rain is finally on the forecast. And we're not even mad about it. The cloudy skies and below-75-degree temperatures are a welcome reprieve, plus the grass in our local park is in dire need of a good watering, currently resembling trodden-down straw rather than any form of lush greenery.
But what does the weather mean for us, fashion-wise? Namely, that we need to be prepared. Say goodbye to your flip-flops in favor of closed-toe footwear and ditch maxi dresses and potentially dragging hems. Most importantly, make sure you have a raincoat always to hand–and there's no better option than Uniqlo's UV Protection Pocketable Parka.
When shopping for a raincoat, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, we want something that protects us from the elements. As well as repelling light rain thanks to its water-repellent finish, Uniqlo's design also has UV protection technology, ideal for wearing now in late summer. Perhaps our favorite feature, though, is the fact you can pack this raincoat away into a handy space-saving storage pouch and keep it in your bag in case of emergencies.
It's one of the rare instances where an item's functionality outweighs its sartorial standing, but luckily this practical parka delivers on both. The boxy silhouette and lightweight fabrication add a fashion feel, and it's available in six stylish shades. Our favorite is easily the wine colorway, with burgundy returning as fall 2026's It color to know.
In fact, you can wear this design rain or shine thanks to the windbreaker trend we saw emerge earlier this year. Simply style it with a floaty white midi skirt and ballet flats for a fashion-forward look, or stick to jeans for a more subtle sporty-inspired ensemble.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
