You are probably returning from your long weekend away.  Hopefully the weather held out for you?  In England, today wasn't quite the sun-fest that Saturday and Sunday were.  Bearing in mind we are just moving from Spring into Summer, I have a serious tip to make sure your weekend jaunts between now and your long summer holidays go smoothly and dryly.
 
Last weekend, I was away for 3 days in the South of France to attend the Hyères Festival, a juried competition of Photography and Fashion. One would think that meant lunch at Club 55, lounging in the sun by the beach, and driving with the top down around the hills.  Sadly the dream lasted only one day before complete downpour arrived for Sunday and Monday.
 
My SoF wardrobe was almost entirely ruined were it not for my provisional packing of a compact, easy to wear and still stylish waterproof.  A raincoat for the SoF? Well yes it saved my weekend.  I took a simple black and grey Mountain Hardwear waterproof jacket which I rolled up into a tight cylinder to pack in my Victorinox weekender.  Another friend had an ultra light weight waterproof in a bright and summery canary yellow from Moncler.  The options for rain gear are endless. You can go rugged and practical like Northface or Marmot, or you can go chic and fashionable with Aspesi or Marni or you can go recessionisto with Gap or Uniqlo.  They all keep you dry and produce compact travel friendly rain gear.   The trick is to still carry style even when you are getting soaked.  Keep it light, both for packing purposes and for layering, and also something that can be worn with everything else you have taken along with you.

I would also keep in mind the fact that while you think you are going to sunny climes and your espadrilles or sandals might suffice, you also need waterproof footwear.  Something with a rubber sole.  Many towns and villages across the European Riviera have marble or glossed stone in the town centers.  When wet, this makes for ice-skating like situations and broken hips.  So check the rain gear, throw in the footwear and just for safe measures throw in a collapsible umbrella which you can fit in your bag.


 Pack like a Boy Scout, be prepared and stay dry. Even though the sun is shining, it could turn wet over night and you don't want to left dressed at your best looking like a soggy dog.