That winter coat thread, is there a summer equivalent?

[nextphase]

On the basis of your excellent knowledge I bought an merrell ellenwood for this winter. Its fab, I love it to bits, but think it might be overkill for a brittish summer.

I think its still cool in the UK, but I'm currently doing high teen temperatures and tropical rain in DH's old cagoule..

What are the best waterproof summer weight coats around (please don't suggest boden - I've seen the mac mentioned on here, but i really don't want stripes / 60s flowers or white!)

Cheers

[ToastedTeacakes]

I've been searching too, but no luck yet. I'm after something light but suitable for alternating weather, like a parka or mac with hood. Not seen any nice ones yet, sadly.

I would recommend Penfield (google penfield uk or see some of their stuff at Asos). They do fab quality jackets that perhaps might suit you, def worth a look!
I would have bought the 'Vassan' already but I want something to cover my arse a bit more.

Here it is:

www.penfield.com/uk/s13-wmns-vassan-navy

[Annianni]

I've just got a Gap neon parka in navy. It's fab and I can see myself wearing it a lot this year.

I can't link yet on this new daft phone. But it comes in yellow and a brighter blue too (and is in the sale)

[QueenCadbury]

No anni don't link it. I haven't decided yet whether to buy it and I don't want it to sell out

I've been looking for a while for a stylish summer jacket with the technical abilities to not leave me soaking wet on the school run. I'm quite liking that one toasted.

There is a plain navy boden one instead of the garish colours but I'm not convinced it will be totally waterproof.

Otherwise I'm stuck with my purple north face cagoule which is fine for throwing under the buggy for if you unexpectedly get caught in a shower but last summer I had to wear it virtually every sodding day.

[teta]

I eventually found a couple at TK Maxx after ordering and returning about 5 coats online.A navy light weight Parka with leopard lining for casual and a really lightweight burnt orange trench for smarter days.Worth a try.

[CambridgeBlue]

I've just bought the Gap one as well - was delighted to find it in the sale! It's hard finding a coat that's both practical and reasonably stylish especially when you need to wear it so often!

[nextphase]

How waterproof is that gap one? I quite like the look of the bright blue. Is that a fashion faux pas since its reduced more than the others? Don't usually buy from gap, as there isn't one near me. Whats the sizing like? Especially over bust, as I'm between sizes!

Liking the look of the Penfield, Toast, if not the price!

[CambridgeBlue]

I'm hoping mine will arrive today so will report back on sizing and waterproof-ness. I've ordered a M and am size 12-14 so the fit should be about right (fingers crossed).

[carrie74]

I've actually got the non-insulated Wakefield (pre-cursor to the Ellenwood) for summer rain (bought it last ?May thinking it'd be handy for Autumn, and then wore it all through last summer).

Other than that I have a rather garish cag in a bag from Milletts, which is great when in hot tropical climates, as it can be whipped out for short sharp rain, then packed away again.

I also have a lovely classic trench from Banana Republic, but with no hood, it's not great for actually being in the rain.

[iMe]

School gate style blogger liked to a site last week, I think it was called target dry or something like that, and she got a parka from there & said it might be her summer equivalent of the merrel Wakefield. Sorry can't link because I'm on my phone.

[nextphase]

Yes, found a target dry light weight parka on her blog - not available til the 15th tho, so will have to remember to look again when I get back to the UK.

What do folks think to this offering from target dry?

[CambridgeBlue]

My Gap neon parka has just arrived and I'm very pleased with it - good true fit, flattering shape (there's a drawstring on the inside so you can pull it in to fit) and the fact it was in the sale is a nice bonus. The lining is VERY bright blue (like the blue of the other neon parka) but that doesn't bother me.

I liked the SGS one but thought it was still a bit outdoorsy/practical rather than something you could wear with smarter clothes. That may just be me though!

[aoife24]

I like the look of a few of the coats Toast has on offer; the prices not so much.
www.toast.co.uk/category/coats+and+jackets/coats.htm