Fashion Addicts Anonymous - Outdoor Wear

Tis the season to be clad in cagoules, wellies, and any form of heavy knit - so eschew your mod-cons and buy yourself a tent. From the moment Kate Moss was photographed at Glastonbury looking cool as fuck in a waterproof windbreaker, wellies and a denim micro-mini - decorously unzipping her fly sheet – there has been no stopping the return of the outdoor look. With only style in mind, then, we're here to ensure you don't get caught out in the rain...

ALWAYS

After gale force winds washed away our will to live this January, functional all-weather dressing is where it's at. Designers have suspended their flights of fancy in favour of practicality this season, and we're lovin' it. From cosy waistcoats, warming fleeces, and waterproof jackets, there really is no going back. But the holy grail of stylish wet weather wear this season is the good ol' welly. These rubber darlings represent more than a love of country life and muddy pursuits and can look almost sexy paired with a denim mini and tights combo or over your favourite pair of skinny jeans. From Schuh's 'Rain Check' tartan numbers (£29.00) to polka dots at George at Asda and classic country Hunters in city colours at Kurt Geiger, there's a boot to suit us all.

AVOID

If the idea of outdoor wear is faintly ridiculous, probably best to avoid specialist garments such as full-scale khaki safari gear, fishing flotation jackets and off-piste ski regalia - salopettes and all. Unless you're gracing the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, Colorado, keep it limited to either a Berghaus windbreaker or a matching set of waterproof mitts and bobble hat. Also, well and truly off-piste on the style slopes – in the form of headgear – are mountain headbands, balaclavas and anti-reflective ski goggles. This is a mild trend people, not a new way of life. Reel in other outdoor items such as fur trimmed body warmers or the ever-so-stylish racing green quilted fishermen's jacket.

ACQUIRE

Mammoth parkas are top of the list. Like beavers, they're warm, furry and rather shapeless - yet they are the perfect style antidote to our weather misery. Looking adequately stylish throughout winter can be bloody hard work, but the fashion gods have been merciful and granted us these functional friends. They're ideal for both boys and girls, so get yours and join the Parka club. Topshop's Nylon Bubble Parka (£55.00) is a total weatherproof winner and not too heavy handed on the old wallet. Also top of the outerwear inventory is big-brand boys label Carhartt. Check out their online shop for a toolbox-full of durable, sexy outdoor wear.