5 Tips for Accessorising Your Womens Long Waterproof Coat

5 Ways to Make Your Waterproof Long Coat Work for Any Occasion

If there’s one thing we know all too well in the UK, it’s rain. That's why you'll likely have spent a while choosing the perfect waterproof coat that you'll love wearing day after day. 

But just because you rely on this outer layer doesn’t mean it has to look the same every time you wear it. In fact, with a few clever accessories, you can make your coat work for every occasion, every season, and every mood.

So, we put together a few of our tried and trusted tips to help explore some of the best ways to accessorise your long coat - and here they are for you! 

1. Footwear Matters

Depending on your height, your long coat will likely, on average, sit around your mid-calf. So, you do have a choice of what shoes to go for. 

However, in saying that, you'll want to consider the practicality of the footwear you go for. In wet weather, the waterproof fabric of your coat does a great job of keeping your body dry, so make sure your footwear provides the same level of protection.

Let's have a look at 3 popular styles of footwear to match your long coat.

Knee High Boots

Knee high boots are a natural pairing, as they can elongate the leg line when paired with a long coat. There are plenty of different styles and colours to choose from too, and many offer a high level of water resistance.

To make your life easier though, we'd suggest boots with dependable waterproof technologies - something like the gorgeous Ariat Eskdale H20 Waterproof Boots, which are made with stunning leather and suede that matches almost any outer fabric colour and material.

Here, it's important to consider sizing and fit too, as you ideally need those that fit snugly to avoid any bunching or gaps between the boot and the coat’s hem.

Wellies

Wellington boots are the ultimate rainy-day footwear that is the perfect go-to for any type of waterproof clothing.

And the great thing about wellies these days is that they aren't just those bulky generic rubber boots focused solely on being functional. Brands like Cotswold and Hunter Wellies bring you brilliant options in all sorts of colours, patterns, and heights. This gives you the chance to easily keep your feet dry and still express a bit of your own personal style at the same time. 

For example, if you’re wearing a navy or black long coat, you might want to go for a fun pair of bright yellow wellies to contrast your look - or vice versa!

Chelsea Boots

If you prefer a shorter boot, Chelsea boots are ideal. The ankle-length design works well with a long coat, allowing the coat to flow naturally and giving you more of a modern, urban look than say knee high boots do. 

There may be a slight gap between when the coat ends and your boots begin though, so you might want to consider waterproof trousers if you're doing outdoor activities, or maybe just stick with this type of footwear if it's only light showers. 

2. Complement with a Hat

Your waterproof coat likely comes with a hood - or at least those in our collection do - but it’s worth thinking about adding a hat into the mix too. 

Here are a few hat styles you might want to consider:

• Felt Hats: The structured shape of a felt hat pairs well with the tailored lines of a long coat. Go for darker shades in winter for a more classic look and lighter tones in the spring for a fresh, airy feel.
• Waterproof Hats: They’re super handy on those rainy days when you want to stay dry without giving up on style. Plus, they come in all sorts of designs, so you can easily find one that works with your outdoor clothing.
• Beanies or Baseball Caps: These are a more casual, laid-back alternative, especially for those chilly or bright days. Plus, you can pop your hood up over them if the rain starts to come down.

While the hood is great for heavy rain, it can sometimes feel a bit too casual. A hat, on the other hand, can help frame your face and complete your look, giving you that little extra something.

3. Layer with a Fleece Jacket or Gilet

Layering is key to making your long waterproof coat work across all seasons. But what you wear underneath can affect the fit of your coat, so you want to make sure your layers don’t bunch up or make things too tight.

Fleece is an ideal choice here, as it is a lightweight and breathable fabric that doesn't bring bulk. These coat liners also help regulate body temperature to avoid that clammy feeling. You can go for a classic fleece jacket or versatile fleece gilet for a bit more freedom of movement.

Some of our coats, like the Baleno Kensington Long Waterproof Coat, even have specific zip-in fleeces like the Baleno Sally or Baleno Sarah, designed to work perfectly with the coat's length and fit. These are perfect if you want to keep things simple and streamlined.

Think about how the layers will show. A fleece or gilet with a high collar can peek out from under your coat, adding a nice touch of style. For example, a navy fleece collar popping out from a black coat gives you that subtle contrast and a bit of extra dimension. Alternatively, a gilet in a complementary or contrasting colour can create visual interest when you move, particularly when the coat is open or partially unzipped.

4. Utilise Adjustable Features

Your long waterproof coat probably comes with some handy adjustable features, and knowing how to use them can make a big difference in comfort and fit, as well as style.

For example:

• Depending on your height and body shape, you might want to cinch the hem to create a more defined silhouette or loosen it for a softer, flowing look. It’s a small tweak that can make a big difference in how your coat flatters your figure.
• Tightening the adjustable cuffs can help prevent water from running down your arms in miserable weather, whereas rolling them up slightly allows you to showcase any gloves or jewellery you’re wearing.

Since your coat is the first thing people see, these small adjustments can make a big difference in how it looks and feels on you.

5. Choose the Right Bag

Although your long coat will likely have decent pockets, you will still have all your usual essentials to carry around. So, of course, a great bag is essential!

The length of your coat means that oversized or bulky bags can throw off your proportions, making your outfit look unbalanced. So, a medium-sized bag tends to complement the style best, helping to avoid the outfit looking top-heavy.

We would usually go for a leather crossbody bag, which can be worn casually across the body as intended, or slung over one shoulder if you want a slightly more refined look. The Dubarry Balrickard Saddle Bag is one of our favourites, as the adjustable strap is perfect for sitting comfortably over your coat without slipping.

Alternatively, you could go for a tote bag or small backpack if carrying more for work or travel. 

Here are a few more pointers about bag styling to be aware of:

• For a glossy raincoat, consider a bag with a subtle sheen or a matte finish to avoid clashing textures.
• If your coat has a more muted, matte finish, a bag with a polished leather texture can create a beautiful contrast.
• In terms of colours, matching your bag with your coat’s secondary tones (such as lining or button details) can tie the look together.

Just because a raincoat is practical doesn't mean it has to be stuck with a boring bag! 

Summary

We hope these tips have sparked some new ideas for how to style your long waterproof coat. Your coat is going to be with you through the thick and thin of the UK’s changeable weather, so why not have a little fun with it?

The right accessories can take it from simply functional to something that reflects your personal style, no matter the season or occasion.

Got any other guides you’d love to see? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re in the market for something new, don’t forget to check out our fantastic collection of womens long waterproof coats for lots of great choices.

About the Author

Sarah Holland lives in the British countryside and has a serious love for coats—the collection in her wardrobe is proof! She’s always on the lookout for outerwear that combines practical features for the outdoors with a style that you actually want to wear, believing a good waterproof coat should be your go-to for both comfort and looking good. Now, she’s here to share her insights and help you discover your next perfect coat.