The Outerwear Edit, Vol. 4: Weatherproof Jackets (That Actually Work)

Geelong me – so glam right now

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As I type this, I’m in Geelong visiting family over the school holiday period – and let me tell you, this is not the place for “nice-to-have” outerwear. This is survival weather, and that calls for jackets that actually do things. The kind of jackets that block wind, repel rain, and don’t make you question every life decision as soon as you step outside.

Proper technical outerwear can be pricey, and there’s a reason puffers and weatherproof jackets are considered luxury items. Being warm? That’s the ultimate flex. And while the high-end market is filled with sleek puffers and tech-forward coats made from fabrics (with fancy patented names), there are some excellent mid-priced options out there too – whether you’re after a chic cocoon, a sporty bomber or something a little more Scandi-leaning.

In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the best weatherproof pieces out there right now. Whether you’re braving the school run, heading to Pilates, or just trying to survive a cold front while visiting family in Victoria, there’s something in here for you.

collage of puffer jackets featured in blog post sharing outerwear edit and waterproof jacket suggestions

The Very Warm (Very Worth It) Puffers

There’s a reason puffers have reached icon status – once the temps drop and the wind picks up, there’s no substitute. Consider these your winter MVPs – warm, practical and, dare I say, chic!

(from L to R, starting from the top)

  • This longline down coat from Arket’s Upcycled Down collection, this one goes the distance – both literally (in length) and practically. Like being wrapped in a doona, but make it fashion.
  • The cutest puffer shirt jacket from the latest Uniqlo x Anya Hincmarch collab – this one’s cute! Quirky! Limited edition! And heavily discounted at only $49.90! The iconic embroidered eyes appear on the sleeves for a subtle nod to Anya Hindmarch’s signature design.
  • A sleek black puffer from Viktoria & Woods – I’ve once read that there’s no such thing as a stylish puffer jacket, and this style is proving that statement wrong. It balances function with a healthy amount of puff, pockets and a hood, but can also be belted for when the mood allows.
  • Toteme’s take on the puffer jacket – a minimalist dream in one of the signature chic cuts but reworked in quilted down. If you’ve ever wanted your puffer jacket to feel elevated, this is the one.
  • This boxy barn jacket from Everlane – equal parts practical and chic. It has a bit of a countryside vibe and a nice nod to the popular barn style jackets making the rounds.
  • Everlane’s cropped puffer bomber – another minimal style that’s very easily works with your dressier casual wardrobe – it’s cosy, cool, and just the right amount of puff.
  • My go-to puffer jacket for hiking (and kids sport) – this lightweight puffer weighs in at just over 300g and has been once that I constantly reach for in winter. While I originally bought this as my outerlayer for hiking, it’s been a mainstay on the weekend kids sport run and has travelled down with me to Geelong to keep me nice and toasty (and super stylish… Exhibit A above 👀🫠)
collage of various waterproof and rainy weather jackets featured in blog post sharing outerwear edit and waterproof jacket suggestions

Rain-Ready Layers

When it’s raining and freezing, the last thing you want is to be caught in a coat that soaks through before you’ve made it to the train station. These are the proper rain jackets and water-repellent layers I’d trust for school pickups, grocery runs, and work commutes – all without compromising your outfit underneath. Because soggy isn’t a vibe… it’s just miserable.

(from L to R)

  • This oversized Rains jacket – the OG Scandi rain jacket that I own and love (see here). It’s a unisex style so for some sizing reference, I bought mine in a size S and my husband wears a size M (he’s almost 6 ft and typically wears an M in clothing). It’s a simple design but it just works. Layer it over literally anything – the silhouette makes it feel more fashion than function (even though it’s both).
  • This classic trench coat from lululemon – it looks like a trench but it’s actually a water resistant masterpiece. The fabric doesn’t feel very “rain jacket” and I even went to the task of running it under the tap when got my hands on it a few months ago. The water just runs off the fabric – it’s awesome. Size wise, I normally size up to an AU 10/US 6 in lululemon gear, but I would suggest you stick to your usual size – it’s a roomy cut.
  • The ultimate sporty puffer from Lululemon – this one gets rave reviews online for good reason. It’s a rare find – a puffer that’s actually water-resistant. Protection from the cold and the rain? Winner winner chicken dinner.

Let me know if I’ve missed any of your weatherproof jacket favourites – or if you’ve been road-testing one in wet and woolly weather (and can vouch for the fact that you’ve managed to stay alive in the survival weather).

As always, thanks for stopping by!

P.S. If you missed them, catch up on the rest of The Outerwear Edit series:

Stay warm (and dry) out there.

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