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Windbreakers are the chicest way to stay dry during an El Niño autumn: 12 to shop now, from £48
We're shopping our waterproofs early
Just as our summers are getting hotter and drier, our winters are set to become warmer and wetter. And Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met Office, has just predicted the ‘strongest El Niño event in living memory’ this autumn, which is set to bring more storms and rain to our shores.
An El Niño event occurs when sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific rise to 0.5C above the long-term average, and they’re currently over 2C above normal, so it’s time to brace for downpours.
Which does mean we have an excuse to invest in one of the stylish windbreakers we’ve been spotting all over the high street in the pre-autumn collections. Every cloud and everything.
Lightweight, water-resistant and often windproof too, the sporty nylon rain jackets are the chicest way to prepare for El Niño, and they’re also a great option for our current in-between weather, worn with tailored culottes, capri pants and more.
You’ll probably need to add a bit more waterproofing, plus an umbrella and wellies when the actual wet weather arrives, but snap up one of these jackets now to kickstart your storm-kit.
Uniqlo excels at functional fashion so it's our go-to for affordable waterproofs. The hooded blouson jacket is coated in a water-repellent finish and also has a windproof film to keep cold air out.
Barbour Audrey Showerproof Bomber Jacket
Barbour Audrey Showerproof Bomber Jacket
Barbour's showerproof jacket is built to withstand downpours, thanks to the cuffed arms that keep wind and rain out, the detachable hood, and drawcord hem. It also looks great, with a red gingham print and sit-down collar.
M&S Contrast Piped Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket
M&S Contrast Piped Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket
M&S's windbreaker comes in a poppy red with contrast piping, so you can look good while staying dry. The funnel neck and elasticated cuff sleeves will keep wind and rain out, making this a fresh, modern and practical buy.
This utility-style khaki jacket is made from a nylon fabric that's durable and water-resistant, so it's a good pick for changeable weather. The minimal design with hood and adjustable drawstrings will look good with jeans or tailoring and it also comes in burgundy if you prefer.
Nobody's Child Balloon Sleeve Murphy Jacket
Nobody's Child Balloon Sleeve Murphy Jacket
The blouson style of this windbreaker sets it apart. With balloon sleeves and a concealed zip fastening, it's a chic take on the windbreaker trend. This one doesn't make any weatherproofing claims though so we'd grab your umbrella, too. Wear with black jeans or capri pants for a chic monochrome look.
To really stand out in a storm, you need this orange hooded anorak from & Other Stories. It's lightweight, with a clean, modern design that will work across the seasons. It looks great with a pop of red underneath, too.
Another bold red design, this one is going viral on social, so we recommend snapping it up if you spot your size. It's water-repellent, with a high collar and padding. The striped drawstrings are a nice touch.
Damson Madder Liu Shower Proof Raincoat
Damson Madder Liu Shower Proof Raincoat
This Damson Madder raincoat may just be the chicest way to survive a shower. A little longer than the others on our list, it has a flattering cinched waist and cuffed sleeves. It's made with breathable, durable and water-repellent fabric to keep you dry if (or should we say when) the heavens open.
Sainsbury's TU Brown Check Print Hooded Bomber Jacket
Sainsbury's TU Brown Check Print Hooded Bomber Jacket
Pick up your raincoat on your weekly shop with this stylish bomber-style jacket from Sainsbury's TU. The checks and funnel neck make it perfect for autumn 26 and the cuffed sleeves and drawstring at the waist will help to keep light showers at bay.
Arket's shell jacket has a chic, boxy shape, raglan sleeves and that very A/W26 funnel neck. We love the dark blue colourway, which always looks expensive and can be mixed with red or yellow to tap into the bold colour-blocking trend next season.
Regatta Women's Bayletta II Waterproof Jacket
Regatta Women's Bayletta II Waterproof Jacket
For those who love leopard print, this is a great waterproof jacket you can just throw on if the rain starts. It's really lightweight, so you can just pop it in your shopper, plus it's breathable and completely waterproof with taped seams.
Full disclosure, this one doesn't make any waterproofing claims, so it's more just a fun layer for in-between days, but we can't resist a polka dot, so it had to make the list. It looks great with black capri trousers and ballet pumps for autumn.
The bomber jacket gets a tailored update
Barrel leg trousers get a cord update for winter
The Princess of Wales looks chic in tartan
Cosy and colourful jumpers are a must-have
