Forecast calls for colorful, stylish rain gear
Not everything about early spring’s deluge of rainy days has to be gloomy. In fact, when you’ve got a closet full of cute rain gear, forecasts for April showers are cause for celebration. So get ready to snap up and bust out some of the most colorful, adorable and functional raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof hats and boots we’ve seen in years.
Let’s start with the ultra-memorable Morris Waterproof Mac ($190 on bodenusa.com). The big stripes on its cuffs and hem are so thick, it practically doubles as colorblocking. Its three color combos all top off most any outfit with panache — and its fully waterproof exterior hides light quilting inside (along with an internal pocket to keep phones, wallets and lipstick dry).
Speaking of colorblocked, the lightweight Women’s Mountain Classic Anorak, Multi-Color ($59 on llbean.com) is a marvel of bright and light hues — from brick and bubble gum pink to khaki, teal and spruce. With its easy-on hood, half-zip front, and kangaroo pockets, the classic piece stores neatly in its own pouch and has been redesigned into a modern shape and fit.
Next up? The Drip Drop Jacket ($149 on athleta.gap.com) in a soft, dusty mauve — aka Hearth Rose. Its (recycled!) fabric is so lightweight, you barely know you’re wearing it. Except that its water resistance keeps you dry, even underneath — thanks to a mesh-lined ventilation on your upper back that lets in enough air to keep you sweat-free.
Or go for the very cool Kistsilano Printed Lightweight Jacket from Canada Goose ($750 on neimanmarcus.com), which resembles the dreamy, rainy stormy skies themselves. Its hood and reflective double-stripe back make it about as functional as jackets come.
Before you forget about what’s overhead, take a peek at the Betsey Johnson Designer Travel Umbrella—a ’70s throwback with all kinds of attitude. Its retro rainbow stripes ($24.99 on amazon.com) are a maelstrom of brights to fend off the gray skies. Or opt for a highbrow design with a low price tag. Instead of plunking down $200 for, say, a Burberry classic umbrella, spend less cash and get yourself a Pucci-inspired version instead. The Pucci Pattern Print Design A01 Automatic Foldable Umbrella ($49.99 on lookkun.com) is a blast of creamy yellow swirls set against turquoise and pool-blue splashes.
And rain boots have upped the ante this season with fantastic, wild patterns that make any outfit a bold and beautiful statement. Exhibit A: the Classic Rain Bootie by Nomad Footwear ($19.97 on nordstromrack.com) — especially in wild florals like Black Pink Roses and Black Paisley.
And though Hunter Boots are always a huge go-to for spring, what about when you don’t want footwear that comes all the way up to your knees? The Original Chelsea Boots ($135 on shopbop.com) in buttery yellow are much less of a commitment. They ease on and off in a cinch (thank you, cute li’l grosgrain pull tabs), and they still have the same watertight rubber soles that let you walk through puddles and traipse around everywhere on a rainy day, with barely a care in the world.