Storm Arwen is approaching, meaning parts of the country are once again set for some turbulent weather.
Heavy winds are expected – particularly around coastal areas – along with a whole lot of rain.
#StormArwen will bring a spell of cold and windy weather tomorrow & Saturday. #wind warnings issued for Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and NI ⚠️⬇️
🌊 large coastal waves
🍃 some fallen trees
🚌 disruption to power & transport
❄️ snow on high ground
News story 📰https://t.co/1dG5g1QJDF pic.twitter.com/sBDxqIqZEn— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 25, 2021
When the wind starts howling and the rain pours down, it can be tempting to cancel all your plans and hibernate at home. This is a very valid option, but not everyone wants to miss out just because of a bit of bad weather.
If you still want to go out and about, you’ll have to be sartorially prepared. No one wants to spend the day battling the wind in a flimsy jacket and soggy shoes, so you might want to follow these fashion dos and don’ts…
DO: Pack your umbrella
This might sound obvious, but no one wants to be stuck in the pouring rain without protection. Just make sure your umbrella is sturdy – you don’t want it getting whipped away by the strong winds.
DON’T: Wear light colours
Pale colours will make rain and potentially mud splatters look even starker. Stick to darker tones, which will hide any stains or splashes better, and won’t go see-through. But if you're walking or cycling, make sure to throw on a high-vis jacket or vest.
DO: Invest in a proper jacket
No longer just for skiing holidays, the fashion crowd can’t get enough of a good puffer jacket – and it’s exactly what you need to protect you from the wind and rain.
Oversized puffers are very much in vogue. We recommend going for the football manager look in a long coat for full protection.
DON’T: Forget your layers
Rain isn’t always associated with frigid weather – it brings with it low cloud cover, and often that can mean milder days. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a jacket will be enough and make sure you’re wearing enough layers to stave off the chill.
DO: Wear a hat
A wide-brimmed structured hat will not only make any outfit look chicer – it’ll also help protect your hair from the rain. Bonus.
DON’T: Wear flimsy shoes
Unless you want to spend the day squishing every time you step, steer clear of thin plimsolls or canvas shoes while the storms rage. We’re not saying you have to wear full on Wellingtons – unless you’re going for a muddy country walk – but think about sturdy boots in water-resistant materials.
DO: Consider what trousers to wear
Even if your top half stays nice and dry thanks to a raincoat and umbrella, chances are your trousers might still get soaked in the deluge, and nothing is worse than heavy trousers taking a million years to dry.
Wet jeans will guarantee you’re uncomfortable for the rest of the day, so consider quick-drying materials such as leggings or tights.