SPRING sunshine is (hopefully) on its way but so are unpredictable April showers.

Whether it's drizzle or downpours, prepare yourself for the elements with some rainwear essentials.

Not just reserved for April, a weather-savvy wardrobe is ideal for festivals and other al fresco events where you may be caught out.

Make your gear eye-catching to brighten up grey days. These pieces are so stylish you'll want to wear them come rain or shine.

Stand by your brollies - the fashion forecast for this season is looking bright.

LEAK-FREE LAMINATE

You can still wear heritage fabrics like tweed without getting soggy thanks to the latest high-tech fabrics. Jaeger's laminated pastel tweed coat bridges the gap between winter and spring, £350 (0845 051 0063/www.jaeger.co.uk).

PUDDLE PROOF

Wet pavements are no obstacle course with a WedgeWelly - think wellie with a wedge. Opt for a high-fashion quilted look with WedgeWelly's Opulence Unique boots, £45 (www.wedgewelly.co.uk).

HAIR HELMET

In-between weather demands a wide-brimmed hat to eliminate bad hair days. Save your tresses and look fashion-forward in Topshop's neon trim fedora hat, £25 (www.topshop.com).

WATERPROOF WONDER

Combat a dull sky with a mood-enhancing bright colour. Marisota's red trench coat is sure to be uplifting on stormy days and the frill lapels will dance in the breeze, £75 (www.marisota.co.uk).

STRIPY SHOWERS

Work spring's biggest trend via your brolly. You'll be performing a rain dance to flaunt the bold monochrome lines on Lulu Guinness's Bloomsbury Stripe umbrella, £40 at Fulton (www.fultonumbrellas.com).

HOOD HIDEAWAY

No need to carry umbrellas or hats if your coat does all the hard work for you. Ruby & Ed's Indra raincoat has a roomy hood for changeable forecasts, £110 (0166 4452 906/www.rubyanded.co.uk).

SPLASH SHOES

Look, wellies can be both feminine and fashionable. Parade through the puddles in Mel's transparent lace jelly mules, from £28.50 at Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk).

CLOUDY DAZE

Put your head in the clouds, quite literally. Paperchase's dreamy print umbrella will have you walking on cloud nine through the rain, £12 (www.paperchase.co.uk).

DOTTY DELUGE

Rain spots will pale into insignificance when wearing Damart's polka dot print trench. It's lightweight enough for stormy high-summer days too, £45 (www.damart.co.uk).

WELLY UPGRADE

Stand tall in the rain showers. Hunter wellies have gone sky-high with the Gabby wellington heel boots in springtime neutral cream, £125 at Javari (www.javari.co.uk).