Outfit Ideas for Rainy Days

When the heavens open, your outer layer is of paramount significance. That’s why having a good waterproof coat or jacket is the first and most important rule in our guide to wet weather clothing. When it’s raining cats and dogs, don’t forget your umbrella, but if you want to keep your hands free, having a reliable waterproof jacket will help. It may also allow you to stay warm in the colder weather.

When creating a rainy day look, a waterproof jacket is an essential piece of clothing, and it’s probably the first thing people will notice about you. Long, hooded coats or jackets are an obvious choice when pouring rain outside. But just because a garment is a great rain shield doesn’t mean it can’t add a dash of style to your rainy day attire.

Gone are the days of oversized, shapeless waterproofs that did nothing to your look. Enter tailored, waterproof outer layers with eye-catching features to match their technical qualities. Nothing is better than a splash of color or an interesting detail on a gloomy day. Not only do these add something extra to your rain dress, but they will also help you stand out from the wet crowd.

Practical Rainy Day Outfit

Dressing for a rainy day can be stressful, so it’s still a good idea to plan. You may want to match all possible occasions with a different piece of clothing. Let’s say a classic trench coat to dress up and a waterproof soft shell for more informal situations. Or you may choose to rely on one universal piece. In this case, a waterproof poncho is your best bet regarding versatility.

Extremely transportable, it usually comes in compact packaging, ready to be taken out of your bag or a pocket to cover your torso and a considerable portion of the legs when it’s really chucking it down. But unlike a raincoat, it also has a reputation of being unstylish and only worn for sensible reasons. As far as the practical rainy day outfit goes, that may be true. Waterproof ponchos are great to carry on a hike and as a part of camping equipment. They are also a regular feature at summer festivals. Not so much on the high street. Or are they?

Casual Rainy Day Outfit

Creating a stylish casual look for wet weather may be tricky since even the sturdiest of denim jackets won’t keep you dry for long in a drizzle. Better leave it in your wardrobe until the sky clears up. Put on a military-style raincoat that keeps you dry, looks fantastic, and works great with your favorite jumper, T-shirt, a pair of jeans, or cargo pants which are too growing in popularity.

And obviously, in wet weather, a pair of sandals is a recipe for disaster. Standard rubber wellies are still the best for rainfalls but for your commute in a downpour, pick ankle wellies, leaving the more traditional ones for the countryside activities and festival mud baths. There are many casual shoes for rainy day pursuits, too, including stylish waterproof sneakers that will compliment your athletic, laidback look and won’t be instantly ruined when dipping into a puddle.

Smart Rainy Day Outfit

Focus on your raincoat and keep everything else simple for a smart rainy day outfit. You can bet on a classic waterproof mac or a trench coat, an iconic wardrobe staple, with that subtle military feel that will catch the eye of every fashion enthusiast. They go well over a suit, a white or blue button-front shirt, navy dress pants, or grey chinos. Consider water-repellent, full-grain leather boots or leather chukka boots. They will complement the whole getup and with such a set, you’ll be looking chic.

Of course, there’s nothing more frustrating than having to cover up a nice ensemble with a coat, however stylish. This is when the aforementioned poncho comes in handy. If you follow recent trends, you may notice that lately, it’s all about camouflage prints and colors traditionally associated with the military. Coincidently, there is an abundance of waterproof ponchos in fashionable army colors and camouflages, both classic and modern.

So when it begins to rain, rather than compromising your style enhance it by throwing a poncho over the top of your outfit. Remove it once the rainfall has stopped but in the meantime, the poncho will seamlessly protect you from elements without downgrading your look. In any way,  being an exciting and unexpected addition, it may improve it.