Whether I'm Prepared For The Weather

I have been told that the one thing that I can be sure of is that if you don't like the weather in London, wait a few hours and it will change. And it is guaranteed that there will be RAIN, and lots of it. Weather can vary from anything cold enough for snow to lowish 50's F*. Possibly windy, possibly not. Probably more rain, possibly lots of it for about half the days of my visit. And possibly none at all. It might actually be spectacularly sunny, might be cloudy.

Most certainly any of the above may occur, so I am trying to be sure that I include adequate rain gear in my suitcase. And I don't want to bog down my suitcase with a bulky raincoat or rain boots. I took some time to look at what the natives utilize at times like these.

An umbrella is a must, so I have to dig out my little portable umbrella that I bought at an AWC specialty a many years ago. I don't even remember which national it was or why I actually bought an umbrella, but it is a very nice compact one that fits nicely into a purse and might actually be a conversation starter of sorts. So I have to go in search of my AWC umbrella soon

The next priority is outerwear. I really love to wear capes and hate the thought of a bulky coat. Traditional raincoats are too damned hot and they stink to high heaven when they are damp. I can't stand how they make me feel. I don't really have a waterproof cape, although I suppose you could consider my wool cape as waterproof. So off to the dry cleaner it needs to go so I can take it along.

It still remains to be seen whether or not I will take a hat and scarf. I despise wearing them as well. The temperature range during my visit is anywhere from 38* F to 52* F. So not freezing cold, not hot. On average there are 21 days with some sort of precipitation during the month. So rain shoes are a priority. This is very difficult for me as I am a dedicated Birkenstock wearer, but they aren't exactly ideal for watery walks. Of course, I will have my Isotoner Easy Touch gloves so that I can access my tablet any time I feel the need.

And I really hate the thought of taking heavy boots along. They just aren't comfortable enough for a long overnight flight and take up a helluva lot of room in a suitcase.Hence the footwear dilemma. I have rubber gardening type shoes, Crocs and some other rainproof shoes. None of which would be comfortable for walking around all day and sightseeing. So, what to do? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Me, I'd rather just kick it in my Birks!

So I am thinking I should pack the umbrella, wear the cloak on the plane (easily removed and placed on lap as a blanket, wear my Birks on the plane and pack some rubber shoes. No matter what I do I will probably  

regret not bringing something. 

I'd love to hear what any of you natives or regular London travelers pack routinely. I'm trying to make weight, you know! One carry on, one purse (camera bag), and one 55lb checked bag!