Stay Dry With Rain Gear That’s Chic and Practical

With spring on the horizon and talk of atmospheric rivers in the news, this is the perfect time to upgrade your rainy day game with stylish outerwear and snappy, water-resistant accessories.

Instead of thinking of your raincoat as something you throw on over whatever you happen to be wearing, plan your outfit around it. Looking pulled-together — and staying cozy and dry — will brighten your mood.

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I recommend owning two styles: a casual slicker with a hood and lots of pockets, and a dressier trench or balmacaan (a loose-fitting water-resistant coat with raglan sleeves).

(Clockwise from left) Hooded Water-Resistant Jacket in Tangerine; All About Crossbody Belt Bag in Oak; Bogs Holly Waterproof Chelsea Boot (Women) in Green Ash

Left: Talbots; Top Right: Athleta; Bottom right: Nordstrom

Springing in the Rain

For walking the dog, a neon-orange hooded windbreaker like the Hooded Water-Resistant Jacket in Tangerine ($249, talbots.com) ensures that you will be seen by passing motorists or bikers. A crossbody bag like the simple All About Crossbody Belt Bag in Oak ($35, athleta.gap.com) keeps your hands free for handling the leash and other pet duties. And quintessential rubber rain booties Bogs Holly Waterproof Chelsea Boot (Women) in Green Ash ($90, nordstrom.com) make puddles a nonissue. These same fashion elements add up to a great look for running errands or meeting a friend for coffee.

Shopping Day Showers

Who says you can’t look fashionable during a downpour? A chic caped raincoat like the Cambria Cape Coat in Desert Thyme Green ($280, bananarepublic.gap.com), paired with a classic tartan umbrella like the Barbour Walker Umbrella in Tartan ($70, jcrew.com) and cute waterproof “duck moccasins” (with a pop of color!) like the Women’s Bean Boots, Canvas Rubber Mocs in Orange/Bean Boot Brown ($119, llbean.com) can take you everywhere from a day at the office to a shopping excursion in the city to a stroll down a country lane.

(Left to right) Barbour Walker Umbrella in Tartan; Kimi + Kai Women’s Else Water-Resistant Hooded Trench Coat

Left: J. Crew; Right: Kimi + Kai

Stormy Weather and Beyond

A trench coat like the Kimi + Kai Women’s Else Water-Resistant Hooded Trench Coat in Black ($188, macys.com) is a travel essential, especially if you will be visiting cities. You can wear it on the plane (or train) with layers underneath — and it will look smart over everything from jeans and a T-shirt to a cocktail dress. An animal-print waterproof gym bag like the Vankor Large Duffle Bag for Travel in Leopard Print ($18, amazon.com) can serve as your carry-on — and will be useful if you are going straight to dinner or the theater after a day of sightseeing. Just slip your dress shoes and a clutch into the tote and change your accessories at the venue.

If you are staying closer to home, pair the topper with glossy black wellies like the Hunter Women’s Original Refined Tall Gloss Rain Boots ($185, bloomingdales.com) and a rakish brimmed bucket hat like the Totes Women’s Split-Back Bow Water Repellent Rain Hat ($25, macys.com) for a look that conjures a modern-day Marlene Dietrich. She would have never let a rainy day get in her way.