How to dress in rainy weather?
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The weather report has just come in. It will rain all week. While this announcement might dampen spirits, it is not surprising for this season. Autumn has often accustomed us to gray days and passing showers. Nevertheless, it has never been a disaster because, yes, in autumn, you can dress well. And yes, on a rainy day, you can still have style. To achieve this, you just need to follow a few rules and choose the right pieces. Luckily, that’s what we’re sharing with you in this article.
It’s raining, how do I dress?
#1 Find your jacket, the number one rule for going out in the rain
If there’s one piece of clothing to cherish in a rain outfit, it’s the jacket. It is the item that will protect you best from the water, due to its surface and protective technique. In my research, I came across an article discussing coating. This technique involves applying an invisible mixture of “resin and vinyl” to clothing to make it water-repellent. Thus, it resists water. But beware, the coating remains inexpensive. The more the clothing is used for rain, the less it resists. It is therefore advisable to renew the coating every year (smart move by manufacturers!).
To brave storms, like raindrops, it’s best to opt for a water-repellent coat. And for that, you have several choices.
- Parkas: The parka is a long, waterproof coat with a hood, often thermally insulated, and equipped with multiple pockets.
- Trench coats: Trench coats are also rain garments if they are water-repellent. They are recognized by their length and the belt that emphasizes the silhouette. Rain trench coats are a very elegant option.
- Raincoats: These are true rain garments, but unlike parkas, they are not padded and serve only to protect from rain. Some have hoods, others are short, while others are long. With raincoats, there are no rules.
Depending on the brands, they will not all look alike. Some labels favor pop colors and patterns, while others are more traditional. The cuts can also vary. Oversized and long capes. Tailored and short raincoats. There is something for every taste and style. It’s up to you to judge what suits you best!
#2 Watch your bottoms, don’t choose just any pair
Have you found your rain jacket? Then you’ve already made half the journey to face the storm raging outside. But if you opt for a raincoat or a short windbreaker, your legs will not escape the deluge.
My advice is as follows: don’t neglect your rain pants. Because there’s nothing more uncomfortable than getting soaked and having to wear wet jeans for the rest of the day. Remember that sticking fabric to your skin?
Don’t choose just any pants on a rainy day. For example, forget velvet pants that will absorb the rain just like jeans. It’s best to choose bottoms made from waterproof or technical material. That way, you will stay dry. But as for style, it’s clearly not the most elegant option. A vinyl pant could, however, do the trick, and underneath a trench, it always works.
#3 What about shoes for venturing out in the rain?
Unsurprisingly, rain boots will be your allies against the rain. And if you picture the awful red boots you wore as a child, rest assured, times have changed, and so have the boots.
Nowadays, they are modern, often platformed, and sometimes adorned with little details that enhance the outer surface. If the weather is mild, you can wear them even when it’s not raining, because they are also very nice fall shoes to wear. Paired with an oversized blazer or a knit dress, they will be perfect to complete a beautiful autumn outfit.
#4 Don’t overlook accessories
A rain outfit can ultimately turn out to be a bit dull, or lack depth. A simple way to spice it up is to accessorize your outfit. This is far from superfluous when it rains. A piece of jewelry, a hair accessory, a tied ribbon, a pretty handbag, an umbrella.
Speaking of umbrellas, we can’t think of rain accessories without mentioning it. The umbrella, by its function, is the undeniable ally of both light and heavy rains. But from an aesthetic point of view, it can also be very elegant if well-made.
So, don’t hesitate to bring it out as soon as the drops start falling. The bigger and more spacious it is, the more style you will have.
Trendy pieces to dress for rainy weather without sacrificing style
Dressing for rain as a woman? The final word
Ultimately, dressing for rainy weather isn’t that complicated. The most important thing is to choose the main piece well, the jacket. Opt for a water-repellent model, even if you’ll need to think about re-coating it next year. It’s the best way to stay dry. But a more technical jacket can also be suitable, especially if you re-use it for other occasions.
Also, think about your bottoms to avoid getting soaked; it’s important.
Your shoes will be your allies, so bet on rain boots. They are the best, and they are trendy too.
Finally, don’t overlook accessories; they are what will add depth to your (somewhat special) outfit.
💡 To explore more on autumn looks, don’t miss the 5 major coat trends of the season.
Image credit: © Sandra Semburg