What to Wear to Stay Dry and Look Good on a Rainy Day
Rain, rain, go away! While we understand that rain is important, it does have a tendency to strike when it's the least convenient—like during vacation. No matter where you're headed, there’s always a chance of showers. So instead of feeling blue about the weather, be prepared with the right rain-ready outfit instead. Buying (and packing) specific items from the outfits below for men and women, will keep you dry and looking good, wherever you are, whenever you are. And remember, rain isn't that bad—after all, showers bring flowers.
The Best Rainy Day Spring Outfit for Women
Hunter’s vinyl hooded smock with reverse entry-welt pockets is our must-buy rain jacket for spring to keep you, your car keys, and smartphone securely out of the rain. The coat looks great over this ribbed dress from Toad&Co, made with a quick-dry, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric. If you don’t have room to carry a full-size rain jacket with you in case of showers, swap out your scarf for a high-fashion floral hood, and stash it in your waterproof RAINS tote, to add style and rainy day insurance to any outfit as needed.
The Best Rainy Day Spring Outfit for Women
The Best Rainy Day Spring Outfit for Men
The North Face’s Paramount Active Pants, made with breathable FlashDry-XD™ fabric, pair nicely with Under Armour’s short-sleeve quick-drying Threadborne™ T-shirt—keeping your base layer of clothing dry and looking sharp all day. Cover up with a packable rain jacket and waterproof baseball hat. Then slip into durable Chelsea boots from Hunter, and no gray skies will stand in the way of your on-the-go day.
The Best Rainy Day Spring Outfit for Men
The Best Rainy Day Summer Outfit for Women
On days when rain can also mean serious humidity, we don’t like to be weighed down with any clothing we might not actually need—like a heavy rain jacket. A lightweight cotton jumpsuit will keep you cool, and the cropped legs on this floral one will keep the hems dry. We prefer to pack a hooded poncho, like this Nylon number from The North Face, in our waterproof backpack. If even a poncho is too much for you day at the beach or a music festival, try a reusable rain bonnet instead. Top off your whole look with these cute rubber clogs from Melissa, and prepare to receive an influx of outfit compliments.
The Best Rainy Day Summer Outfit for Women
The Best Rainy Day Summer Outfit for Men
In addition to a packable poncho, prepare for summer rain with these quick-dry mesh sneakers from Island footwear company Olukai, complete with a Drop-In Heel® that allows you to slip on them and off with ease, from boat to beach to pool to park. Throw on UPF 50 moisture-wicking shorts and a T-shirt, and add a waterproof sun hat to stay both dry and shaded all day. You’re ready for anything that summer weather might bring your way.
The Best Rainy Day Summer Outfit for Men
The Best Rainy Day Fall Outfit for Women
Cooler climates call for warmer waterproof gear. Burberry’s vintage-inspired rain jacket is a updated take on classic fall outerwear, and looks great worn with Jeffrey Campbell’s matte platform rain booties. Add a pair of technical pants, like this multi-pocket option from Lululemon, for an outfit that’s, fashion-forward, functional, and ready for a drizzly morning walk with your pumpkin spice flavored drink of choice.
The Best Rainy Day Fall Outfit for Women
The Best Rainy Day Fall Outfit for Men
Stay warm as the seasons change by switching out your spring rain jacket for a heavier option, like Carharrt’s Shoreline hoodie with Storm Defender® waterproof seams and technology. Pair with quick-dry pants, a water-resistant henley, and Kendrick’s Waterproof Chukka Boots for a look that’s nice enough for the office, and designed to get you through serious outdoor downpours.
The Best Rainy Day Fall Outfit for Men
The Best Rainy Day Winter Outfit for Women
Depending how far you stray from the equator, your winter rain could look and feel a lot like snow. Plan accordingly by buying winter items that are fully waterproofed, like Hunter’s Original Quilted Snow Boots and Carharrt’s Cordura® Nylon Coat made with Storm Defender® technology. To stay nice and toasty all year round, invest in a waterproof winter hat, like this L.L. Bean Ultrawarm Bomber.
The Best Rainy Day Winter Outfit for Women
The Best Rainy Day Winter Outfit for Men
Patagonia’s 3-in-1 Parka is our favorite men’s winter coat investment for it’s soft down lining and H2No waterproof outer shell that can easily convert into three different outer layer options. Wear it with with Carharrt’s Shoreline Storm Defender® Pants and a pair of reliable, fully waterproof hiking boots, like KEEN’s Durand Polar model, to stay warm and dry no matter how cold and wet the weather may be.
The Best Rainy Day Winter Outfit for Men
Rainy Day Extras
Our outfit choices are meant to keep you as comfortable and dry as possible, but (of course!) it’s always a good idea to stash a travel umbrella, like this durable mini from Davek, in your bag in case of serious downpour. And to help your rainy day staples retain their effectiveness, we recommend using tech detergent any time you pop them your washing machine. Re-waterproof them with a spray repellent as needed.
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