Hey Eliza fashion team, I’ve been having such a hard time getting dressed these past few days. When it was properly sunny, my go-to was a cute dress and sandals, and when autumn weather properly sets in, I know all I’m going to wear is jeans with a trench coat, but as soon as it starts raining while it’s still warm out, my outfit ideas are zero. What should I wear when it’s going to rain, but I still want to look nice?!
Aaliyah from Clapham
Krissy says:
Rain is the worst kind of weather, IMO. With snow, at least you can wear chic boots, and if it’s windy, a nice belted coat, but rain?! It just puts such a (literal) dampener on my mood. And don’t even get me started on my hair.
It’s tricky because you don’t want to feel bogged down in material on a warm day just to protect you from the rain, but getting soaked in sandals and a dress feels wrong, too.
Rain is arguably the weather we’re most likely to experience here in the UK – especially in September – so it’s well worth nailing a few outfit formulas for how to navigate it.
There’s a stylish solution for every forecast and wet weather, like we’re facing this week, is no different. It just takes a little extra consideration for rainy day outfits (and potentially leaving those new shoes you adore at home), preparing for the worst, and then you’re good to go.
What jacket should I wear in the rain?
Perhaps I’m not the best person to ask since I outright refuse to sport a waterproof. There are some stylish ones around, but I’d much rather risk it all with a good jacket and sturdy umbrella, to be honest. Trench coats, short, quilted jackets and utility shackets are the answer for rainy day outfits.
But right now, while we’re still in 20+ degree heat but it’s drizzling, I’d go for an oversized long-sleeved shirt. All you need is a ‘cover-up’ since you don’t need the warmth, and a shirt won’t feel cumbersome or stick to your body.
Head to COS and Arket (our resident high street tailoring heroes) for the best ones.
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What footwear should I wear when it’s raining?
Of course, this forecast is not for anything suede, and I’d recommend avoiding any light colours. Fabric trainers (my beloved Converse high tops, I’m looking at you) should be kept aside too since they’ll only soak through.
Instead, you want a full coverage leather or faux leather trainer that’ll have the rain sliding right off. Veja is a favourite on the Eliza team, but a chunky pair (think New Balance 550’s or Nike Air Force 1’s) will keep your actual foot far from puddles.
If you’re wearing a mini dress, ankle boots will look particularly chic and are ideal in the rain.
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What are the best bottoms to wear in the rain?
If you’ve ever been caught in the rain in jeans, you’ll know that they are definitely not about to make this list. Denim becomes a sopping heavy fabric, so it’s best to avoid altogether.
Instead, pick a natural material which will dry quickly, especially if it’s raining all day and you know you’re bound to get caught in it. Linen and cotton are perfect: they’re cool enough in the heat, but are quick-dry if you get rained on.
Trouser-wise, go for a cropped at the ankle style rather than full-length: having your hems drag along in puddles is not chic, and you can always pair with ankle boots so that there’s no skin on show.
Sadly it’s not the best day to debut your new white jeans, so look to darker shades for rainy day outfits which are less likely to show up any muddy puddle splashes.
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Do I need any specific accessories when it’s raining?
Obviously, an umbrella should be high on your list for rainy day outfits – pick one in a bright colour or larger than handbag size so that you’re less likely to leave it on the tube. This perspex one that you can see through is the best.
Elsewhere, I always take a scrunchie or crocodile clip along if my hair is down – the last thing you want when you’re speed walking in a downpour is any wet hair on your hair face. Throwing on a bucket hat (especially one in towelling – clever, right?) is a good idea, especially if the sun is still out.
Waterproof accessories aren’t necessarily a must, but I’d definitely counsel you to leave your straw tote or canvas bag at home and opt for leather or perspex.
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Three wet weather looks to try
The jacket + boots
A long lightweight jacket paired with chunky boots is a chic warm-but-rainy combination. Wear with a mini dress, sunglasses and a cute crossbody bag so you’re hands-free for an umbrella.
The skirt + blazer + boots
Shoulder-robing a blazer all day that you can throw on in a downpour is a good idea, and they look just as good over a printed linen dress as they do a neutral skirt and vest top.
Midi dress + trainers
Throw on a shacket and accessorise with a colourful brolly, and this look is perfect for wet weather. Just don’t forget that hair scrunchie…
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing YouChat: Expert in Fashion and Outfit Coordination
As an enthusiast and expert in fashion and outfit coordination, I have a deep understanding of various style concepts and clothing combinations. My expertise is demonstrated through my knowledge of seasonal dressing, fabric choices, and outfit coordination for different weather conditions. I have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of how to combine different elements to create stylish and practical looks.
Outfit Coordination Concepts in the Article
The article addresses the challenge of dressing stylishly in rainy weather while maintaining comfort and practicality. It covers several key concepts related to outfit coordination, including jackets for rainy weather, footwear choices, bottoms suitable for rain, and specific accessories for rainy days. Additionally, it provides three wet weather looks to try to inspire fashionable yet functional outfits.
Jackets for Rainy Weather
The article suggests various options for jackets suitable for rainy weather, such as trench coats, short quilted jackets, utility shackets, and oversized long-sleeved shirts. It emphasizes the importance of a good cover-up for rainy days, highlighting the need for practicality without compromising style.
Footwear Choices
In terms of footwear, the article recommends avoiding suede and light-colored fabric trainers in rainy weather. Instead, it suggests opting for full-coverage leather or faux leather trainers, chunky ankle boots, and provides specific product recommendations to keep your feet dry and stylish.
Bottoms Suitable for Rain
The article advises against wearing jeans in the rain due to their tendency to become heavy and uncomfortable when wet. It suggests opting for natural materials such as linen and cotton that dry quickly and recommends cropped ankle-length trousers to avoid dragging hems in puddles. The article also recommends darker shades of bottoms to minimize the visibility of any mud or water splashes.
Specific Accessories for Rainy Days
The article emphasizes the importance of carrying an umbrella and recommends choosing one in a bright color or larger size to avoid misplacement. It also suggests practical accessories such as scrunchies, crocodile clips, and bucket hats to protect hair from getting wet. Additionally, it advises against using straw totes or canvas bags and recommends opting for leather or perspex bags instead.
Three Wet Weather Looks to Try
The article provides three wet weather outfit inspirations, including the "jacket + boots" combination, the "skirt + blazer + boots" ensemble, and the "midi dress + trainers" combination. Each look is designed to be both fashionable and suitable for rainy weather, demonstrating the versatility and creativity in rainy day outfit choices.
Overall, the article offers a comprehensive guide to dressing stylishly in rainy weather, covering various essential elements of outfit coordination and providing practical recommendations for creating fashionable yet weather-appropriate looks.
