There’s something so frustrating about seeing the shops fill up with sizzling summer and not having the weather to wear them.
The challenge for every style-conscious woman is, of course, how to look good and fend off the elements during the unpredictable weather. Let's face it, whether you're a hippy chick or a classic dresser, you don't want to look like a drowned rat if there's a downpour. Whatever you wear, make sure you can adapt it to whatever weather comes your way with outfits that can be transformed in a flash to suit rain or shine.
Here’s my pick of the essential items you’ll need to survive the Irish summer.
Take a look at our gallery of high street picks here.
WELLIES
Wellington boots have been making a comeback, particularly around the summer festival season, when trainers and flip-flops can't cope with the mud. Pennys have a great selection of wellies for budget conscious ladies, with patterns such as leopard print and little florals - all for under ten euro. For our high-end fashionistas, Burberry, Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo offer sleek and functional rain boots.
MAC MANIA
As long as the summer remains a state of mind rather than a state of weather, a light coat that will keep you protected from the rain remains a seasonal essential. There's a reason why the trench coat is a fashion staple on almost every designer's top 10 list, and also why every high-end designer has their own variation. Trench coats can be worn at any time but are especially useful in the rain. Their waterproof shell and windproof exterior offer a fashionable and extremely functional means of looking good in bad weather.
STATEMENT UMBRELLA
Umbrellas aren't just to shield you from the rain - fashionistas know your choice of protective gear reflects your personality. Forget the latest arm candy it bags, and bag yourself a stylish umbrella to shield you from those pesky showers. Okay, so trusty black might match with all your outfits, but add a bit of colour to your brolly to make a statement on the rainy streets. For a vintage feel, look to Beyond Retro's vintage floral umbrella, 23 euro, or Penny’s cute floral designs for just 6 euro. And Billy Bag umbrellas, 45 euro ( from Clerys), brighten up any dull rainy day, especially since they're printed with cute designs like ditsy bugs and butterflies and this spring's hottest theme, flowers.
HATS OFF
You don't have to wait for a rain shower to don a stylish hat - and they're light as a feather to tuck away in your bag for blustery bad weather. Opt for colour if you want to work the hat look in the run-up to summer. Try Accessorize's neon contrast floppy hat, 30 euro, for a style that shields your face from storms or sun rays.
