10 Rainy Day Outfits To Help You Beat The Gloom
Don’t let the weather get you down when deciding what to wear.
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It’s raining outside. You’ve been standing in front of your closet for what seems like thirty minutes, all while a million questions are running through your head: “What am I going to wear in the rain?” “Should I dress up or down?” “Should I wear rain boots or something else?”
We’ve all been there—incessantly pulling clothes off the hangers and tossing them onto the bed, running late, feeling frustrated that nothing seems to look or feel like the right thing to wear on a dreary day.
The trouble with rainy weather is that it can really throw a wrench in our personal style if we’re not prepared. But, there are countless reasons to love gray, rainy days—they can be just as beautiful as sunny days if you allow them to be. (Plus, April showers bring May flowers, right?)
We’ve thrown together these rainy day outfits that stay true to an everyday, chic style but with modifications for inclement weather and affordability. After all, isn’t it always better
The Classic Raincoat
Shop: Yellow Raincoat | Sweater | Jeans | Boots | Clear Umbrella | Beanie
For starters, let’s keep it simple with the classic rainy weather look. Sure, rain boots may be stereotypical, but that doesn’t make them any less fashionable. Start your look with the traditional tall boots. As a staple item in any wet weather wardrobe, keep the colors classic, such as black or green, to ensure that they match with just about anything in your closet. Since the bright yellow raincoat is the star of this outfit, keep your top and bottoms muted with a coordinating sweater and jeans. Adding a hat, such as a beanie, will give your look a little extra cutesy flare (and warmth!). Don’t forget to add the perfect rain accessory: a clear bubble umbrella!
Running In The Rain
Shop: Jacket | Tank | Leggings | Sneakers | Hat
Rainy days aren’t usually the days that we feel most motivated to work out, but we can’t let the weather stop us from moving our bodies. Nothing will motivate you more to conquer those reps on these dreary days than with a stylish workout outfit!
Pastels are a simple way to brighten up an otherwise gray day. Make it gym-ready with a pair of leggings and top (if they match, even better!) that can be worn to just about any casual outing. Footwear is just as important as the rest of your workout clothing (if not more so), so make sure that you have a comfortable pair of running shoes. Whether it’s just sprinkling outside–or, even worse, a downpour–you’ll want to add on some outerwear like a thin (but insulated) jacket and a baseball cap.
Prepare for Business
Shop: Shirt | Skirt | Coat | Boots | Tote
If you’re like me, you may not be a fan of going to work in rainy weather. The traffic, the wet ground against business flats, the rain splashing up against trouser hems–it’s usually not a great way to start a workday (or night). But, no mist or downpour should get in the way of you owning your work outfit for rainy weather.
A classic button-down is always professional, but you might as well make it fashion-forward, too, with a long maxi skirt. (Denim is a unique spin on a long skirt—that is, if your office dress code allows it!) Top this business casual outfit off with a totally CEO-inspired trench coat and boots. And since you'll be heading to work, you may want to complete the look with a stylish tote to hold all of your workday needs.
Sing in the rain
Shop: Rain Jacket | Turtleneck | Pants | Socks | Boots
…or hike, perhaps? Being outside and enjoying the rain can seem like an impractical fantasy that’s only seen in movies. But it doesn’t have to be! All you need in order to splash around outside and appreciate nature are the right clothes. When you’re dressing for the weather, you’re sure to have a blast because your outfit is made to keep you dry and warm for hours on end.
Look for pieces that are each waterproof or water-resistant. Your base layer can be a cozy turtleneck that’ll sit underneath a jacket lined for added warmth. Your sneakers or boots could be bright, yet padded for added comfort. And try styling a pair of pants that could be as versatile as a zip-off pair–perfect if you’re in an area where the temperature changes a lot in just a few hours.
Envision The Sun
Shop: Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Bag
If you live in an area that consistently receives a large amount of rainfall, you’ll likely do anything that you can to bring about the sun. So, why not embody the warmth by wrapping yourself up in a bright yellow hue? This lightweight cardigan sweater is an item from your closet that can be dressed up or down, but for a rainy day, we love it with a pair of cropped jeans and retro sneakers. A few earthy touches finish the outfit, and you can easily shine on even the dreariest day.
Stay Neutral
Shop: Sweater | Trousers | Belt | Shoes | Umbrella | Glasses
Dare I say that gray is the new black? That may be a controversial fashion take, but when you look in the fashion history books, you’ll notice that gray has been one of the most popular neutral colors for decades. A gray look suggests a calm, cool, and confident vibe that flatters any body type and style. Create a refined look by starting with a pair of gray wide leg trousers and a cardigan buttoned to your liking.
A thin, dark belt will add a subtle depth of color, while a pair of short and chunky heels will allow you to walk tall on any wet terrain. A simple black umbrella will both protect you from the downpour and double as a chic accessory.
Bring A Bucket (Hat, That Is)
Shop: Jacket | Tee | Jeans | Hat | Boots | Handbag
Styling a large brim hat with your rainy day outfit is another chic way to ditch the raincoat and umbrella. There’s nothing more casual than a graphic tee and a pair of jeans, but who doesn’t love a little pun while you’re at it? Instead of an overly long jacket, swap it out for a short, cropped peacoat as a change in proportions. While you could choose a variety of footwear, a pair of tall boots adds a chic touch to an otherwise simple outfit.
Bundle Up Against The Cold
Shop: Coat | Shirt | Fleece | Overalls | Boots | Tote
Where there’s rain, there will soon be a chill—at least for most of us. Cold breezes are almost guaranteed on rainy days, leaving us scrambling to find something that keeps us dry and warm. Yet, many of us still struggle to find this perfectly balanced warm outfit. If that’s you, try picking out your coat first and build the look from there.
If it’s really cold, you’ll want to grab your long puffer coat, but your first layer should be a comfortable long-sleeved top. Next, grab your favorite (read: most comfortable) jacket and layer with baggy overalls for a true fashionista moment. Then, stay completely toasty and dry with rain booties. A layered look like this can be worn anywhere, especially if you’re going to be walking for long periods of time in the misty cool.
Just Stay Home
Shop: Denim Jacket | Sweatshirt | Leggings | Backpack | Sneakers
When all else fails, just stay home! No one says that you have to go out in the rain after all. There’s nothing more cozy and relaxing than your favorite oversized sweatshirt and a pair of leggings. Whether you’re headed across campus, to the local coffee shop, or just running errands, a roomy and spacious backpack is an always useful substitution for a handbag. And, if you do decide to wander out, a pair of waterproof sneakers is practically a requirement to keep your feet toasty and dry.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Shop: Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Boots | Bag
While there’s nothing that we can do to prevent rainy days, we can at least be thankful that they are helping all the fresh flowers bloom. If you simply can’t wait for the warm weather and springtime sunshine to appear, just make your entire outfit an ode to the season. Light, bright pastels make us think of Easter, but they’re also a cheery sight on an otherwise gloomy day.
Rainy days may seem ominous to some, but they are the perfect days for fashion. These days give you the ideal excuse to play with layers all year long. While you definitely want to base your outfit on whether it'll be a drizzle or a storm, never forget to include your personal style. Don’t just dress for the rain. Dress for yourself in a way that authentically protects you from getting too drenched or cold.
