I bought one from TK Maxx a little while back and the hood is brilliant, hidden in the collar. It's made by ellen Tracey, not sure if anyone else stocks them.
Also recently came across a fab website called dressipi.com with loads of clothes advice. You can ask questions from the stylists and it's not all top end. Might be worth having a look if they have any ideas.

I have a merrel ellenwood too and agree with the above post that it's a very versatile coat at a great price. I have the insulated one and there was only a couple of weeks last winter when it wasn't quite warm enough (but fine after layering up underneath) so it's an October - April coat.

I was after a smartish, very waterproof coat & a long length - I did a lot of research & settled on a Merrell Ellenwood. I'm super happy with it - it is fully waterproof, has a good hood, large hand warming pockets plus an internal pocket & is smart & long enough. it doesn't have any ghastly branding, just a discreet Merrell badge at the bottom hem. I have it in a nice blue conifer colour but it comes in black, grey & I think purple. It cost just over £100 which I think is very reasonable, given the quality. I have basically worn it every day since I bought it & am considering buying a second one in black or grey. It is not ridiculously warm so you can probably wear it into summer's rainy days & with a jumper under when it's cooler. the only thing I would say is that it comes up a bit snug - I knew this from reading reviews so bought a larger size & it's fine but would have been tight if I'd not been pre warned! Hope this helps. x

Uniqlo do great waterproof coats at pretty reasonable prices as well.

Thanks so much for these suggestions, very helpful!

Seasalt have some nice ones.

Happy shopping

Claire

I have been looking for what you describe too. Have you looked at target dry

http://www.targetdry.com/products/targe ... -for-women

Do you like any of the styles on Trespass?

http://www.trespass.co.uk/

They have a sale on at the moment.

I would really like to get a smart-ish waterproof coat with an effective hood! It doesn't have to be very smart, just not a cagoule and not a north-face type outdoorsy one (which I know are amazing but am after something a bit more stylish!) It would need to be fully waterproof (not just "shower-proof").

I would be extremely grateful for any recommendations or suggestions!

Thanks!