Return of the Mac: 5 raincoats you'll want to wear when it's not even raining

A hundred years ago, when I was in school, no one wore coats.

I grew up in the West of Ireland, in the rainiest town on Earth, but still, no one wore coats. Well, the adults did and toddlers maybe, but coats were not cool especially not rain coats.

I look back on that time and realise that's why we permanently had the sniffles (although having to wear a skirt without tights in winter may have had something to do with it too). Thankfully, the days of going out without an outer layer are gone, and in even better news, raincoats are totally acceptable. In a shocking turnaround, this season, they're on trend and please may they become a wardrobe staple so that we may never have to suffer through wet trench syndrome again.

This season's style is more full-on fisherman coat than festival jacket, which means it will be a bit more expensive than the roll-up you bought in Penneys. It also means it should last for longer and the material will be sturdier.

Topshop has an enormous raincoat range, but if I had to choose two...

Frosted Longline Rain Mac €68 / Semi Transparent Rain Mac €68

They are, of course, everywhere, and these are excellent picks from the high street.

• Zara €59.95

• H&M €49.99

• Penneys €16

With this crazy weather we're having lately, a mac really is a must.