Fashion Trends: Rainy day essentials

FASHION TRENDS

Rainy day essentials

With unpredictable weather more common, quality wet weather gear is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity, writes JESSICA MORTON.

From damp and dewy mornings to dramatic downpours, we need to prepare ourselves for more rainy days to come to ensure we stay dry and protected when the forecast predicts rough weather ahead.

Dressing for rainy weather can be a bit of a science, with some waterproof gear manufactured to withstand hours of heavy rain, and other items able to resist only brief showers. Either way, the best transitional wet weather gear is versatile enough to be worn anywhere, and functional enough to remain comfortable in even the wettest conditions. So with that in mind, read on for this season’s wet weather fashion suggestions.

Trench coats

There’s no better way to say ‘here’s looking at you kid’ than with a good old-fashioned trench coat. While

iconic figures like Humphrey Bogart immortalised the elegant aesthetic of the trench coat in Casablanca, they actually have military origins and were worn by soldiers enduring muddy conditions in the trenches during WWI.

Originally designed for wet weather, trench coats still have features typically found in military uniforms like cuff straps, stand-up tabs on the neck and buckles on the bottom of the belt. Because of

their great versatility and ability to be worn with anything, these coats are ideal for layered styling and make great transitional between season outerwear.

Rain jackets

If you’re in the market for a versatile lightweight jacket that packs away easily, look for a raincoat made from hardy synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Membrane lined jackets usually have the most balanced ratio of weight, breathability and waterproofness making them a great value everyday jacket for a multitude of activities.

Rain jacket technology has ensured rain shells are softer, stretchier and more comfortable than ever before. The latest designs are less bulky, yet still deliver when it comes to breathability and rain resistance.

Bucket hats

When it’s raining cats and dogs, you don’t need to sacrifice style to stay dry. Bucket hats make a great accessory for any transitional season outfit. Once used mostly by fishermen and farmers, these hats are minimal, practical and effortlessly cool. Goretex waterproofing technology added to the original retro design ensures a dry head on even the wettest winter days.

Bullzye Women’s Carla Waterproof Jacket. DOCILA Corduroy Bucket Hat.

Rain resistant gloves

When the temperatures drop, rain can be particularly harsh on your hands. While wool or leather dress gloves keep your hands cozy and looking classy, they are not a great option for wet weather. Gloves that repel water rather than soak it up are a functional and fashionable solution whether you’re walking the dog, working around the stables, or heading to town. The best waterproof gloves are coated, or have a special layer able to repel water to keep your hands dry and draw moisture away from your skin.

Riding boots

Riding boots were originally designed to keep soldiers comfortable under trying conditions. Today they remain a timeless footwear staple, able to keep your feet warm and dry even on the wettest of days. This season, riding boots are functional and fashionable street savvy essentials able to instantly elevate any look while facing the rain and cold.

Thanks to their utilitarian aesthetic and all-day comfort, long riding boots are a wardrobe item that will take you anywhere and everywhere in style.

Gumboots

Wellington boots, known to the Brits as wellies and to Antipodeans as gummies, are not just the footwear of choice for farmers and festival goers, they are now an accepted urban fashion staple. Perfect for walking your dog (or running to work in the rain), rubber boots are available in various heights, colors and styles to suit both rural and urban dwellers. This style of footwear transcended its utilitarian

past a few years ago, and is now a fashion trend in its own right, with both high-end and street labels launching their own interpretations.

Waterproof totes

A really good waterproof handbag can really save the day. Bags manufactured in polyurethane nylon or waterproof canvas keep your essentials dry and prevent digital disasters even on the rainiest days. Throw away the idea that waterproof bags look tacky and outdated. The latest designs are a combination of style and practicality – and they look so good, you'll want to carry them even when it's not raining.

Umbrellas

A bad umbrella can actually be worse than no umbrella at all, but a truly great brolly will make sure you’re prepared for anything Mother Nature can throw at you.

Spending a bit more to defy downpours should be considered an investment. Contemporary umbrella makers are creating models that are not only rain resistant, but wind resistant too. Modern takes on classic umbrella styles include Bluetooth technology (so you won’t forget your umbrella ever again), flexible, resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs to withstand even the harshest winds, and Teflon coating so that the umbrella dries within seconds.