April can be a fickle month when it comes to weather, but our fashion writer Paula Fry has got the ‘wet look’ covered

Paula says …

While April may be renowned for showers, this month I’m not talking Kagools with matching Hunter wellies, I want to have a word about ‘wet look’ (and I don’t mean when you wash your hair and go out without drying it).

This trend has been with us for a while and quite frankly, it is refusing to go away. Wet-look jeans, leather and faux-leather skinnies, whichever way you turn the style pack are rocking a pair. I love the high street for these, Zara being my favourite.

They come in all sizes and colours, are very well made and, most importantly for a fash-fad, they are reasonably priced. While not ideal for most office environments, they are the ultimate weekend jean.

If jeans are not your bag, try the wet-look or faux leather leggings for more comfort and a little support. Whatever your age, just remember to make sure you top is covering your bottom (front and back) to avoid that sin of sins...

While I was at London Fashion Week last September I was queuing for a show when the lady next to me caught my eye. She was wearing the most amazing cape coat, drapey yet structured, soft yet sturdy. I’d never seen anything quite like it. We got chatting and I asked where her coat was from, only to find that I was standing next to the founder of Dunelfen, www.dunelfen.com.

Gaynor tells the romantic story of the Dunelfen Queen, a pagan mountain fairy, which you can read on her website. Needless to say, I was totally smitten! These capes are warm enough to wear in cold weather but cool and light enough for the spring.

And the reason I’m mentioning them in the context of this particular column? They are also waterproof. These coats, 100 per cent made and manufactured in the UK and treated with AquArret, making them shower and stain resistant.

The demographic of this cape really is ages 16 to 85. Its shape suits everyone. Add a Dunelfen cape to your faux leather jeans and you’re going to be killing it this season.

Warm up chilly hands in sturdy black quilted leather gloves by French Connection, rrp £45 but get them for £27 at Ashford’s McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/ashford-designer-outlet

Belt up and cover up in a cosy Tog 24 jacket, rrp £149.95 but only £74.95 at Ashford’s McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/ashford-designer-outlet

Cornish fashion brand Seasalt’s new rain coat collection mixes style with practicality, using a bespoke oilskin fabric called Tin Cloth. Their Seafolly jacket is £79.95 and the matching Tideline Wellies in natural rubber with a wide calf are £39.95, www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk

Dunelfen luxury wool cape-coats are a core piece that goes with everything and can be worn year round, inspired by the legend of the elfen keepers of the high places. We love Lysta, with purple herringbone front panels, hidden pockets and a purple detail to the back. The front panels have a rich matching lining with accent piping which will show as a dramatic flash of colour at the throat and thigh as you walk, £480, 0208 981 5228, https://dunelfen.com, © Rachel King

Enjoy a sixties revival look in a cheery pale yellow mac, £75, Next stores throughout Kent, www.next.co.uk

Grey is always elegant, as is Vila’s loose trench coat, £55, House of Fraser stores in Bluewater and Maidstone, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

All shipshape in a navy boat duffle jacket, £99.99, Superdry, www.superdry.com,

Flower power to beat the showers in a Honeysuckle trench, Hobbs, £199, 0845 313 3130, www.hobbs.co.uk

Sandyford three-in-one mesh-lined spray jacket with removable hood and gilet, £135, Crew Clothing, www.crewclothing.co.uk

A favourite outdoor piece – the parka – is great for spring and summer too. Casual patch pockets, contrasting buttons and a practical hood underline the sporty leisure look, Betty Barclay £255, www.bettybarclay.com

Head in the clouds with a Clouds Umbrella, £35, Cath Kidston, stores in Bluewater and Tunbridge Wells, www.cathkidston.com