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We're sorry, but it's time to bring out your raincoat. Just a glance outside your window will tell you that we've now reached that point in winter where heavy pours are inevitable and your trusted warm coat just won't do. But how to wear a raincoat during this tricky winter-becomes-spring transitional season without looking like you just came back from a hike or a week camping at a festival? In 2026, your raincoat can become a styling piece and a true hero of the transitional season.
When it comes to raincoat style inspo, look no further than the SS26 catwalks, where designers gave us few less reasons to fear the occasional sprinkle. Not typically considered the most stylish garment in our wardrobe, the humble raincoat suddenly got an upgrade. From London to Paris to Milan, luxury brands are giving the technical jacket a fashion-forward spin, not just in the design but also in the way they're styled.
At Burberry for example, models wore knee-length parkas over decadent crochet pieces, playing up the contrast between gorpcore and eveningwear, while Prada upped the ante with a deep grey utility jacket that popped against a frothy butter yellow dress. In London, Ahluwalia showed her glamorous take on functionality, showing that the raincoat is more than just a last-minute weather-proof afterthought. Their functional nature, designers argue, could be a welcome dose of friction against more feminine silhouettes. Chloé's Chemena Kamali showed what's probably the most elevated version of the piece – an ankle-grazing hybrid between a trench, an opera coat and a waterproof parka. It truly doesn't get better than this.
Taking that element of practical style to the next level, Lemaire's recent show for AW26 showed the most luxurious version of a festival poncho. Instead of disposable plastic, they created an oversized, slouchy silhouette in a reflective fabric that feels like somewhere between a coated leather and a lightweight nylon. Completing the look, the model wore a turtleneck in a matching shade and tall black leather boots in a similar textured finish.
Street style experts have already adopted the trend of embracing raincoats as fashion pieces, wearing their everyday sporty parkas with midi skirts and trousers in technical fabrics. Similarly, a statement raincoat can become the focal point of the look. Choose a vinyl fabric in a saturated shade or a transparent piece with a printed pattern, and you're basically sorted. A bold pair of tights and a fun shoe complete the look effortlessly. We all know London's weather is unpredictable even on the best of days, so this ultra-practical fashion look is a welcome trend for the season.
When styling your raincoat, the key is in balancing the lengths and proportions. To pair with dresses and evening looks, pick a mid-thigh or knee-length functional jacket (cargo pockets optional but highly recommended) that complements the colour of the look worn underneath. Another great option is the cropped parka, which is definitely having its own moment right now. Wear with a midi or maxi skirt and some oversized earrings and you're ready to go from office to a romantic date in a blink of an eye. When it comes to colours, a raincoat can easily be the star in a bright pop of blue or red, with the rest of the look staying neutral, or it can serve to “ground” a pattern or floral dress. It's a failsafe combo, really.
And the best thing about styling the raincoat for 2026? Most of these pieces are already in your wardrobe. But just in case you're looking for a fresh jacket, below are some of our favourite picks from this season's new-in.
Shop our favourite raincoats for 2026:
Save when you shop with these lululemon discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
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