Judging by the appalling weather so far this month, this summer could be another washout just like last year’s. Pessimistic forecast aside, we got to remembering what we got the most wear out of last summer; the lightweight mac or trench.

Thrown over a shirt or T-shirt, it takes the edge off any wet and windy summer’s day. It looks relaxed yet stylish and it works with everything from trainers to more formal shoes.

Christopher Bailey at Burberry showed a whole collection of creased, shabby style trenches teamed with matching rain hats in washed-out pebble shades and a whole raft of designers and labels have produced their own versions of what is quickly becoming a summer wardrobe staple.

Here are the best

Burberry Campaign - Spring/Summer '09

Middle - Slim Fit Trench in Bark - £650 www.burberry.com

Diesel Black Gold "Jinnai" trench coat - £310 -  Stockist number 0207 833 22 55 

Burberry Green Packaway Trench - £350 -  www.burberry.com

THECHICGEEK'S PICK - Aquascutum house check AquaMac  - £250 - www.aquascutum.com

Dunhill Prince of Wales check mac - £595 - www.dunhill.com 

Barbour Thompson trench - £229 -www.barbour.com