Women’s Rain Jacket

I really wouldn't go the 3-in-1 route that you're talking about (a hard shell exterior with a zip-in dedicated liner). Those jackets tend to be heavier, and really lack the flexibility of an independent layering system with multiple pieces that can be combined in a variety of different ways.

I'd go for a good quality 3-ply light weight rain shell first. She can combine this with any insulation layer that she already has (who doesn't have a few fleeces in their closet?), and then she can buy a light synthetic or down layer, as needed, when the temperatures get colder.

I'll PM you about a jacket that might be perfect…

A 3-piece layering system sounds appealing, but they are incredibly heavy compared to buying the waterproof and insulation pieces separately. My wife uses an Arc'teryx Alpha SL jacket (10.9 oz) and Western Mountaineering hooded Flash jacket (I believe it's around 10 oz).

If you look at similar specs for a 3-in-1 jacket from say, Patagonia, you're looking at another pound or so.

get something with a no questions asked warranty …

rain jacket delamination is likely the most common gear failure most people will experience

;)