I'd want one that's longer than those are. I'd look for one that hit me right above the knee. (There's something about wet thighs under jeans that makes me so chilly!) I'd also want it to be a darker color, probably black, but that's because when I travel in the UK I utilize public transportation, which isn't always the cleanest. I'd have marks all over that white coat in no time flat.

Those are cute but I would get something dark to hide wrinkles and spots. Also they look like they might take up a lot of room in your bag. There are lots of cute packable raincoats that might work.

I like the second one and would not want to wear something dark in July.

To me the most important thing would be the weight ---- very, very light --- and that it would not wrinkle. I have one from Mountain Hardwear that I have had for years; it is about as thick as Saran Wrap and indestructible.

Agree with darker and looking for something packable and wrinkle resistant. Rain comes and goes and you may want to stuff it in your bag. That off center zipper is darling but could be a nuisance in a hurry. Be sure to show us what you choose. I will be in Dublin next year.

But if it the synthetic water proof stuff, it is pretty hard to get it dirty, and it just wipes off

I'm very confused about what to look for. I'm not liking some of the sportier picks because I need something that would be suitable to wear over a blouse/skirt or a nice pair of jeans. I don't like lengths lower than above. I do not like jackets that flair out. I do like a nice streamline shape and simple quality if not getting a trench.

I have absolutely no idea what to look for in a rainproof fabric that doesn't wrinkle and is more light weight. No idea! I would not want to spent more than $155. I would prefer something that will not date as easy so I can use the jacket into the future. I have a really nice casual raincoat from Filson that I love but need a double duty jacket. The Filson is too med/heavy and will not make the trip.

Travelsmith

You said you want it to perform double duty with dressier clothes, and personally I think a lighter tan or khaki coat has a much more casual look to it.

Hmm, I think nothing is dressier than a classic trench, in tan. I think it works with everything, always. For this purposes, though, I would just want it very lightweight, unlined, washable, and wrinkle free. Which means synthetic but it can be hard to find synthetics that don't look cheap.

I like that tan one with the black collar a lot. It's longer than I wanted but I think it's perfect otherwise. Would that fall into a light weight and less wrinkle category? Something good for Dublin in July? If so...I want that.

Mtn, where did you find that snappy jacket?

Well, since it is by Travelsmith I assume it is lightweight and won't wrinkle; but I find that not all mfrs include the weight of garments, and it is something photos can't show. I'm often annoyed that i cannot compare weights. I agree that the length and simplicity make it a tad less casual. I just noticed it says it is reversible; that is handy! It only had one review but it is very positive. HTH

https://www.travelsmith.com/product/reversible-water-resistant-raincoat.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&refType=&from=fn&ecList=7&ecCategory=103481

ETA: And I came in $6 under budget, too!

You are a 5 star Mtn! Funny I received a Travel Smith catalog in the mail a few days ago and tossed it in the trash. I don't know why but I was thinking their jackets would be run of the mill.

So Mtn, do you think it looks too dressy for jeans? I do not often wear jeans but when I do I wear a small heal or wedge and nice top.

I'm a little concerned with the length looking more fall than summer. However, I have no idea if that means anything in fashion land. I know nothing of coats.

The second one.

I'm on the CDN west coast (same weather as PNW) and we know our raincoats however you didn't give me a Gortex choice. LOL

I like the second one because it is just a little different. If I only had one raincoat in my wardrobe and wasn't going to wear it often I would pick something more traditional that would last through the years such as a basic trench..

Not black, but the Calvin Klein one that Mtn posted is cute.

Gortex...hmmm, I will have to look that up.

Jterri, I would throw it away too. I perceive Travelsmith as dowdy, but TBH I never looked much. Plus TBH I don't usually choose things for their practicality. LOL

I think it will be fine with jeans, and the length will be more functional if it is really rainy. It is also more useful broadly speaking, post trip. Plus being reversible?

The tell will be in how it looks in person. Some indestructible fabrics are horrid.

There is a difference between water resistant (marginal at keeping you dry in a downpour) and waterproof (ie, goretex and similar brands). I personally would go for a waterproof option with a hood that folds up in the collar when not in use. May not be as "stylish" as some of the ones above, but much more utilitarian. If you have an REI or good sporting goods store, pay them a visit. LL Bean is an online option, Lands End sometimes has waterproof options. Good luck.

Grrr, they don't have the tan/black reversible option. It's one or the other. I really liked the tan with the black reversible side showing at the collar. Without that contrast it's just ordinary looking. I'll do some searching to see if it's on another site.

Edited: I was looking at the wrong coat. It's there and I'm buying (I think).

Here is a store that has some groovy raincoats. This is another site I for some reason thought had dowdy stuff. These are not practical for my needs but I do like.

http://normthompson.blair.com/t/misses/outerwear/pc/1793/1805.uts

Well, I'm concerned about the sizing of the TravelSmith jacket.

I think I'm just going to get this cheapy $59 jacket because it has a pull tie at the waist. It's not good for torrential downpour's though. It's cheap so if it doesn't workout I can go shopping while there . I'm just too confused as to what I want and need. At least over there there will be plenty of selections to touch and try on.

My vote is for #1, a classic trench coat in a classic color is perfect for Europe. I have a similar one in black and it is a versatile travel essential.

Thank you Marie, I will check the coats and site out.

You would think I would have dozens of raincoats being that I have been to England a zillion times...but no. I always bring sunny Florida with me every time I go and have had the best of luck with that. Same with Scotland, I only ever experienced a few moments of sprinkles.

For Ireland I have a feeling I will need a rain coat.

In some ways, I will never be an adult.. because I wouldn't wear any raincoats other than something bright and fun or a trench coat. All others (except the sportier gortex outdoors jackets) just look so grown up to me. frumpy. something my grandmother wore (probably when she was my age!)

I do like this from talbots.. but it's water resistant, not waterproof.

Oh my! I love that reversible gingham one! So cute and would look so neat (as in tidy). I just wish the piping weren't red. Sigh. Don't do red.

ETA:. It is polyester, so I wouldn't buy it for that reason alone (not an environmentally friendly fabric). Too bad.

Bring a poncho and buy something there; that will be so much more interesting!

I've traveled in Europe (in the rain) with this jacket from Eddie Bauer.

After travelling last December to China and looking for packable jackets (of course, getting great suggestions here!), I cannot say enough about the convenience of that vs. taking a bulky coat. I wound up ordering a Lands End packable down coat, and it was awesome. I also ordered a new London Fog trench because I needed one anyways, but i don't ever see myself taking that for travel due to the bulk.

Love that Talbot's gingham!

What goes around comes around! I had a gingham trench in the late 80s that I loved.

Have you ever considered a rain cape? There are many out there that are lovely. When I go to the British Isles, I always bring one and have it folded in my bag. The minute the rain stops, it goes back in my waterproof lined bag.

I pulled the trigger on Mtn's suggestion above.

Although I'm concerned about the sizing I will have time to sent it back. I think Ida's mention of going longer and black was good advice. I really like the option of the tan side or the black. I like the contrast showing as it makes the look seem less standard. Originally I was worried about the length seeming less "summer". However, I have since visited many U.K sites and although not as common as mid or shorter summer raincoats, it is not uncommon. Some photos had people wearing shorts with this length.

Hopefully it will fit.

And, hopefully I will not look like this in the crowd lol. The jacket will fall toward the middle of my kneecap.

lol, uh oh,now I am nervous. It sure seems practical, let's hope it works for you.

The ginghams ones are cute... i love spring lightweight jackets, but people do not seem to wear them much anymore. I think people used to have several for different outfits, and now they have one.

No worries Mtn. I just need some Burberry boots to be super hip lol.

Mtn, I also get nervous when someone here actually listens to my blathering and follows my advice :)

I have a casual short red light weight trench that I wear pretty often. I'm usually in jeans so it always matches. I wear it on dreary days and often get compliments.

I had a Coach car-coat length raincoat, very much classic tan trench, but it had very pale pink leather trim and piping. It finally had to be retired a few years ago. I bit the bullet and bought something I always wanted, a Burberry. Black, 3/4. I love it but it does wrinkle so I do not travel with it. It is cut so well, very flattering, and a nice light weight.

I wrote a long review of my Travel Smith rain Jacket that came today and it disappeared.

Short version ...I really like it! The Medium is Huge. I'm keeping because I can get a big bulky sweater (or two) underneath. I think the small would be more slimming though. I'm sort of torn.

Here it is fresh out of the pack. It's light and seems well made. The fabric isn't shiny and cheesy. This is not near the quality of my heavier Filson rain coat but I do not feel I got ripped off and the price seems fair.

It's cute! Have to tell you though, get the small. After all the work you've been doing, don't hide it!

Also it is summer .... you don't want a big bulky sweater anyway!

Yes, I'm torn. I don't mind the black side roomy but the light side is rather wale-ish. These really run big, arms are long and shoulders wide... so the small might fit a sweater under as well if needed. Forget the sizing chart for this jacket...way off.

Edited: I think the part of my back ( where bra line is) might be snug in a small. And, I'm so silly because what I didn't do in the photo's above is flip the sleeves up to show the contrast like you are meant to. So,the sleeves look crazy long. The light colored side looks real cute pulled over like a trench with a black/golden/tan scarf as a belt.

I think I'll order the small as well before sending the medium back.

I think it looks big also.. but it may just be a shapeless style? It looks like it fits you perfectly across the chest, I am not sure I'd want it to be snug there.

ETA: Meant to say that it's cute!

I have some room in the chest as well. It's that broader athletic part of my back I'm worried about. Anyway, I ordered the small and with coupon it's almost $30 cheaper. Hope small works. That large size sure is cozy though. But you are right one must look stylish with proper fit...even in the rain : )

Funky lol you do have to imagine me with my slim ankle pants and some cool shoes with the jacket.

Crossing fingers!

This will pretty much be my look with the raincoat. I'm pretty casual. I will most likely use the black side more often with a white blouse.

It's really pretty cute, JT! I would also vote for trying the small. I think you'd be happier with the sleeve length, and truthfully, you probably won't be wearing it with a bulky sweater. At most, I'd think you'd have a lightweight top and maybe a fleece or sweater if got chilly and throw that on if it got rainy.