Early Fall is the ideal time to invest in rainwear – either a waterproof jacket for ‘just in case’ days or a longer raincoat when rain is forecast.
With hundreds of eye-catching styles and colors on the racks right now, it can be difficult to look away. But bright colors are difficult to wear as we get older. They can seem to wear us, instead of us wearing them! And they are so difficult to integrate into our wardrobes.
Bright colors go out of fashion quickly and, whilst they are envigorating when we first see them, we can quickly tire of them. Classic colors will stay stylish longer.
It’s no surprise that older women look better in classic clothes. They often have straighter lines that help camouflage any unwanted extra curves we’ve picked up over the years. But classic shouldn’t mean boring. Just think of Paris chic style – it’s classic with a French twist.
The raincoat that’s trending this Fall has been a classic for decades – but it’s anything but old-fashioned. Plaid rainwear is having a new lease of life this year. And it’s perfect for us.
Whether you go for a traditional plaid or an updated check, the look is always attractive. Choose from autumnal all-over pattern or just touches at the cuffs and collar. Look for simple lines or traditional silhouettes that add some structure to your outfit.
Here are some of my favorite Fall raincoats that are definitely worth a second look, especially if you’re over 55.
The lines of this trench coat work well for us older women. The extra layer on the rear of the top section hangs away from the back, making the line of the skirt section look slim in contrast. I’m not a fan of unhemmed pants but the wide legs look good against the straight coat. Note that here the trench is fastened but the belt is not pulled tight – this helps to disguise any bulk (human or sweater!) beneath.
I love the contrast collar – we’ve seen this on the 2025 barn jackets. Again, a straight coat but car-coat length. Super easy to style over jeans or, as here, a pleated skirt. The skirt in this picture is, if I recall correctly, a mini. We’d be wearing a similar pleated number, but to the knee, or just over, this Fall.
Barbour is the first brand Brits think of when they are looking for a plaid lined or cuffed jacket. In this year’s iteration of the waterproof jacket the olive check is outside with a toning darker area across the shoulders. I love this jacket! I like the wide, not too long, hem that hides larger hips and I like the focus given to the shoulder area which makes the legs look slimmer.
Less is often more where checks and plaids are concerned. Lots of coats and jackets are lined with plaid. So just turn up the collar, or turn back the sleeves, or leave the jacket open to show a delightfully restrained hint of this season’s style. Very classy!
This useful shower-proof jacket has this year’s barn jacket look – contrast collar, large pockets, straight cut. It has a minimal use of check. You’ll see a strip when the jacket is open or the cuffs turned back. I like the clean workwear lines which go so well with blue jeans.
Joules specializes in casual country-style clothes based on British style. This plaid raincoat ticks lots of boxes. It has a straight widish cut with a useful drawstring at the waist for bad weather when function trumps style. The sleeves are roomy enough for a thick sweater and the gathered cuffs ensure it’s water-proof. There’s a hood and an extra panel across the upper back which both help to make the skirt of this coat appear less wide. Perfect to roll up and pack for a country walk or a city-break holiday.
This relatively inexpensive checked reversible coat is plus-size. Great length for every day and an interesting check. The A-line swing makes it ideal for anyone with larger hips. But what I love most is the graceful collar which gives the outfit a beautiful silhouette, whatever size you are.
Boden always offers great colorways. So if you want more color then Boden is your retailer. This bright plaid raincoat is a good look for early Fall, with a simple fine-knit sweater picking out the pink, teamed with some straight ivory cords to add lightness to the outfit.
If you enjoyed this post why not take a look at my post on adorable short sleeved cardigans perfect for older women
Landsend had the rain jacket for me. Because the fall warm colors look terrible on me, I found a true blue one which I can wear. It is replacing a twenty year old Sierra Design jacket that is still good but I’m tired of it. I will keep the old one for yard pickups for the dog in drizzle weather which is rare here in southern Colorado. It is finally cooler in mornings but still in the 80s F daytime. I hope the weather is enjoyable where you are in France. It is always good to hear your ideas for practical yet stylish clothes for us mature women.
Hi Sydney. Our temperatures have dipped quite a bit and we are now definitely in early Fall here in central France. I like lots of items at Landsend too. I must remember to show their clothes more often in my round-up ‘shopping list’ style posts. Joni