The forecast says showers, your route includes a train platform, and a full technical shell feels out of place at dinner. That is a familiar Western European outfit problem. The useful answer is not to ignore the weather; it is to let one practical outer layer do its job while the rest of the look stays simple.
Start with the outer layer
A roomy trench or a clean-lined water-resistant coat can fit over a light sweater without pulling across the shoulders. Wear it open when the rain eases, or belt it loosely over a shirt and fine knit when the temperature drops. Check the fabric and care details before buying: a classic-looking coat is not necessarily waterproof.
Make the middle layers count
Underneath, a cotton shirt and thin merino or cotton sweater give you options when indoor heating makes the coat unnecessary. Straight trousers with a little room through the leg sit neatly over ankle boots and are less likely to brush the ground than extra-long hems. A tonal combination, such as navy, stone, and soft gray, keeps the layers looking intentional.
Finish with practical shoes
Choose footwear with a sole that feels secure on slick pavement, and consider how much care the material needs after a wet walk. A leather loafer can work on a dry day, but a sturdier boot is a more sensible call when puddles are likely. If we link to a coat or shoe, the link may earn us a commission; those affiliate recommendations are distinct from our editorial outfit advice.