Nevertheless, whether fantastical or not, some notion of summer will invariably hit these green and soggy lands at some stage between now and September. Those fleeting days will catalyse raucous beer gardens, alfresco dining, picnicking, and much sunburn among us Brits. While many will throw themselves into the spirit of upholding our collective reputation for losing the plot when the clouds eventually part, some of us will use the opportunity to spread our sartorial wings and apply a sun-proof lotion of elegance and sophistication about our person. Which brings me to summer coats.
Summer. Coats. No, that is not an oxymoron, but a wardrobe requisite in the UK. Besides the protection a summer coat might afford you from blistering heat, murderous downpours, and perniciously chilly breezes, the short summer coat also serves a wonderfully stylish function, being smart but not too smart, and formal, but not too formal.