The alarm rings, and you grumpily hit snooze. Time to start your day, but you're not ready to leave the warm comfort of your bed just yet. Finally, as you push yourself up and look out the window, you discover gray clouds showering your day with rain.
Those mornings aren't always the most pleasant, but making sure you're dressed for the weather can help your day run a lot smoother. And we're not just talking about throwing on a poncho before leaving the house. Including essential, yet fashionable, rain gear for your wardrobe will help make every day like a warm, sun-shiny day in Florida.
The Trench Coat
This rainy day staple provides a classic look for men and women. Not only will the length protect you and your outfit from the harsh elements, but it will also elongate the figure. While trench coats come in a variety of styles and materials, not all can withstand the rain. The classic trench coat is double breasted. People with smaller frames can opt for single-breasted coats so as not to appear swallowed by the fabric.
Most trench coats impermeable to water are made from either wool gabardine or treated cotton. Wool gabardine is a densely woven material that is lightweight (more or less) and provides insulation. The cotton trench coats are much lighter; however, they must be treated or woven with water resistant materials and fibers.
Any material besides these will result in your outfit getting soaked by the downpour. And, of course, the longer the coat, the more protected you will be. Color-wise, neutrals provide a classic and sophisticated style, while boldly colored wool coats have also become trendy.
Pants
No matter the occasion (unless it's a wedding), pants are always recommended for a gray, rainy day. Without a proper jacket or pair of shoes, a good pair of pants will always save the day. No pant material can repel water unless you're big on coated nylon trousers. However, depending on your day, pretty much any other pant material will do. Thicker materials like denim, corduroy, and khaki become very heavy once wet. A lighter material, like knit, will dry faster.
The Rain Boot
Wearing the rain boot casually is a common trend in cities with lots of rainfall. These rubber boots have evolved from your playground yellow booties to designer shoes with comfy insoles.
Great for women and men, rain boots have become a stylish and versatile clothing item necessary for all your spring showers.
The unique style of the rain boots allows them to stand on their own with any outfit. Slip these on to get to work, and pack away your leather shoes for when you arrive at the office. The best part is that, since gaining mainstream popularity in recent years, the boots now come in . Anyone can find the right boots for their unique style. These shoes are also great for protection from mud and snow.
Umbrellas vs. Hats
No matter the kind of hair and how many products it is treated with, 'do's will turn into humidity frizz monsters in the rain. Here's where head protection becomes key. Umbrellas are a rainy day staple, yet choosing the right one is a feat many of us have yet to win.
Generally, there are two types: collapsible and non-collapsible. The non-collapsible have larger canopies and, in turn, provide a larger area of protection. Meanwhile, the collapsible are meant to be compact and, therefore, have smaller canopies that provide less protection.
The sweet spot in between depends on the user and his or her needs. If it only drizzles here and there, a compact collapsible umbrella would be the better way to go. The best alternative is this wind-powered air umbrella being developed with an adjustable canopy.
Hats, also, offer a fair amount of protection from the rain with style. Hats can also hide any unwanted frizz caused by the humidity. A wider brim, made from a dense wool material, offers more protection all around and is water resistant.
The Bubble Jacket
Once the horror of middle school on a rainy day, the bubble jacket has made a comeback in recent years. Usually made from water resistant material, like vinyl, the bubble jacket offers insulated protection for your upper body.
This diverse garment is great for men and women, either glam or sporty. The jackets are made with turtlenecks for hoods and offer extra protection for the neck and head. The higher quality insulation, like down, is warmer and better for colder weather with lots of wind.
