Fashion for rainy days is tough. Rain is unpredictable and unavoidable. Putting your trust in weather reports never proves to be wise. You can feel it in the air sometimes but often it’s hard to predict when the clouds will open up. You don’t want to pile on three or four layers that you won’t need, but dressing lightly and hoping for the best doesn’t sound perfect either. The obvious issue at hand is getting drenched. Your clothes are soaked, your cold, and now your hair is all frizzed up. If only you could dress as prepared for the worst and the best.
A fashionable outfit that adapts to rain or shine is relatively easy to put together. Here are some brief pointers to help you with how to dress in the rain.
Sturdy and Dark
If it’s a cloudy day, it can be tempting to counter the dark clouds and heavy atmosphere by wearing bright colors. While this motivation is understandable, the result can be disastrous. If you do get rained on, something white will soon become translucent and any muddy splashes will stand out. They could ruin your entire outfit! Rather than taking these risks, pick sturdy clothing to keep you dry and covered come drizzle or downpour. A flannel or chambray is nice and sturdy, while a dark long-sleeved t-shirt can be a cozy first layer underneath your raincoat. The t-shirt option, in particular, will make your layering seem simple and effortless. Jack Threads has a ton of great options to check out!
Skinny Trousers
When it’s windy and damp outside, your choice of trousers is just as important as the shirt. Thick corduroys, and even some jeans, will become a heavy burden when wet. Color is a factor, as well. After a rainstorm, any dirty water you tread through could end up staining your trousers if they are a light color. Blend the sturdy, dark colors of your top with compliments of the same shade for your bottoms. It will create a unified look that protects you from the elements. Skinny, thin trousers will dry quickly and are the best pants option for a rainy day. If traveling on a wet day, you can roll up the lighter material to prevent getting soaked when you walk through high water.
Longer Jackets
Short jackets aren’t great in windy rainstorms. They can fall short at keeping you warm if the temperature dips. Strong winds will leave your pants or tights vulnerable to rainfall and larger splashes, too. Don’t put all of your faith in your umbrella. Invest in a long, insulated jacket such as a trench coats makes for a great rain coat. One with a detachable hood for extra cover is best. If you can’t find a nice long coat with a hood, add a hoodie layer underneath. Keep in mind your raincoat should be made with water-repellant materials to function at it’s best. If you’re adding the hoodie as an extra layer, then think about lighter-weight material so you don’t get too warm.
Bright Accessories
You should stick with darker color palettes for the main pieces of your rainy day outfit, but bright accessories are fun compliments. They’ll add a vibrant splash of color that hopefully inspires the sun to poke its face out again. Your bag, umbrella, hat, gloves, or scarf are perfect items for an ode to neon. The bright colors will help to lighten your outfit and your mood on a dreary day.
Simple Accessories
Different designs work better for different outfits, so this isn’t to say you shouldn’t choose a certain option given the situation. However, choose something that works well for your rain outfit and is functional. If you get soaked opening your umbrella, it was hardly worth bringing it in the first place! This principle applies to all accessories. Pick a bag you can easily organize. Pick a hat that shields you from the rain and is simple to keep on and take off. Don’t let the rain hassle you. Overcome it with simplicity.
Do Your Hair
Men, this may mean a little extra attention in the morning with product that is good for a rainy day out. This is important because gels don’t cooperate with the rain at all. You drastically worsen your hair situation by using them. If you aren’t sure what the effect will be, don’t risk it. Ladies, if you have longer hair, working it into a braid or bun will keep it up and out of harm’s way. If you advocate absolute freedom for your hair, then leave it down and invest in some anti-frizz spray to keep you from looking like you were electrocuted on the way to work.
Pick Good Boots
You’ve got everything under control. Your outfit will keep you warm and dry, your hair won’t frizz or get in your face, umbrella looks and works fine, and your bag is all organized perfectly. Now, what are you wearing on your feet? After a page full of fashion tips, please don’t tell me you’re trekking out in big, bulky, bright yellow rubber rain boots. Traditional rain boots present many problems. They don’t breathe well, leaving you with sweaty feet. Stray water can easily splash up and get your feet wet because of a wide mouth. Look for a short, sleek option when purchasing rain boots. Not only is it much better for your look then sporting loud yellow, it will keep you drier and more comfortable.
You can still be a fashionista/fashionisto in the rain. Keep your outfit sturdy, your accessories minimal, and no storm will be beating you down. Furthermore, you’ll look awesome even if it ends up being a sunny day!
