Fashionistas all over the capital have been forced to create clever sartorial solutions to beat this bout of wet but not-so-cold weather. Sundresses are an obvious no-no as they won't survive the downpours and winter garb just doesn't feel right. Which begs the question, what should we be wearing in this unpredictable climate?

Enter our new-found fave, “jeggings”. A cross between jeans and leggings, they are basically a standard pair of stretch leggings masquerading as a pair of jeans.

Available in a spectrum of denim hues, some even have faux pockets, stitching and zip detail to really throw you off the scent.

Jeggings are a lightweight, practical solution to goosepimple legs and are brilliant replacement denims for a typically damp British summer: get caught in a shower and wet jeans are heavy and uncomfortable and, if the sun does decide to come out, they quickly become hot and sweaty. Jeggings, however, will see you through whatever the weather.

More pictures: Jeggings on stars and in the high street

Tons of celebs have been working the look, too. We have spotted Beyoncé, Lily Cole, Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller and Whitney Port all making the most of these stylish Lycra numbers in a variety of faux-washes, from dark indigo to pale grey and even Eighties-style acid wash.

Beyoncé lends her jeggings a smart look by teaming with a blazer, while Lily opts for a loose, drape-detail top over hers. These spray-on styles can actually be pretty flattering when following the same golden rule that applies to leggings — avoid cropped tops as they work much better when worn underneath longer tops plus, ahem, the crotch area is best left covered up.

Citizens Of Humanity has an ultra-sexy stirrup pair of jeggings in dark indigo (£175, net-a-porter.com) and also check out Current/Elliott's stone-wash faded jeggings (£155).

You won't find a shortage of jeggings on the high street, either. Topshop has countless pairs in lots of washes. Starting from around £20, some styles definitely aren't for the faint-hearted with ­eye-popping acid and marble washes, but less conspicuous styles are also available if it is your first time.

Your wardrobe is about to have an identity crisis.

More pictures: Jeggings on stars and in the high street