Checking the weather at this time of year is like a lucky (or unlucky) dip. Will it be blazing sunshine? Light showers? High winds? Will the temperature hit the 20s or will it drop to single figures? It seems to change by the minute, making outfit planning something of a challenge.
And outfit planning is something you may want to do, given the upcoming bank holiday weekend. Many of us will be hoping to spend some time outside, which demands practicality and comfort. Perhaps you’ll be hosting your first barbecue of the summer; maybe you’ve planned a stroll and a picnic at a National Trust property. Even a trip to the local farmer’s market will be more pleasant in the right attire.
The good news is that preparing for every meteorological eventuality is less daunting than it sounds, and the other good news is that there’s no need to compromise on cool factor. Whatever your plans, these five essential pieces should get you through the long weekend in style.
As for the bad news? Let’s leave that to the Met Office.
The sunglasses
Essential, and not just because we’ll take the merest glimpse of sunshine to justify putting them on – even that small act feels like a moment worth indulging. Buy a decent pair, though, because a classic style won’t date, and they need to do the business when it comes to protecting against UV rays.
Women: Euphoria sunglasses, £59.75, Le Specs; Men: Cubitts x Oliver Spencer Conduit sunglasses, £210, Oliver Spencer
The waterproof
The high street is full of jackets that look waterproof, but are actually anything but, so read the small print when choosing something new. For women, a cropped trench with a swingy silhouette like this Boden version will look great with almost anything. Men will find something sleek and classic to be most versatile – this Barbour jacket will be great off-duty, but could be worn over a suit if required.
Women: Cropped trench jacket, £155, Boden; Men: City Chelsea waterproof jacket, £209. Barbour
The extra layer
A Breton top is the most spring-like way to do extra layers, which you need at this time of year, because the chill can hit when you least expect it, and feeling cold can really sap the fun out of your time off. The original Breton brands, Saint James and Armor-Lux should be your first port of call. A striped knitted polo is also a strong option. For women, this Navygrey jersey has a particularly good fit – it can be worn tucked in or out, on its own, or over a shirt without feeling too bulky – a true trans-seasonal multitasker.
Women: The Breton jersey, £120, Navygrey; Men: Groix fisherman jumper, €99 (£85), Armor-Lux
The all-occasion trouser
Because it may be a little premature for actual bare legs. Start with an ankle and take it from there. Chinos are the ideal spring trouser because they’re comfortable and practical, but also look like you’ve made a little more effort than if you were in jeans.
Women: Ali wide chino trousers, £89, Hush; Men: Regular fit stretch chino, £175, Sunspel
The shoes
Flat, obviously. If you love a trainer, try a ballet/football boot-inspired pair in a bright colour, which looks fresher than white these days. The flat ballerina or Mary-Jane look is another winner; it’ll make everything else you’re wearing look more current.
Women: Leather Mary-Jane flats, £159, Arket; Men: SL 72 RS trainers, £80, Adidas
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