You wake up for your morning class, and it’s dark and dreary outside. What’s the point of looking cute on a day like today, right? You throw on some old sweats and trudge through the rain, hoping to avoid being seen. This is no way to deal with the rainy day blues, collegiettes™! Her Campus has uncovered the secret to wet-weather fashion. (It’s a no-brainer, too!) With these rainy day staples, you can transform nearly any outfit into an enviable ensemble that will keep you waterproof and looking your best.
The Umbrella
If there’s one thing we collegiettes™ must have on a gloomy day, it’s an umbrella. But you don’t have to be stuck with a plain, boring one! In fact, treat your umbrella like an accessory, and choose a color or pattern that fits your personality. Personal stylist Noelle Cellini particularly loves the umbrellas from the Museum of Modern Art store: “I love the one with the NY skyline, but my favorite is the one that changes colors when the rain hits- so fun and oh so fabulous!” Some of the season’s hottest colors and patterns can also be found at American Eagle for collegiettes™ on a budget. Try to stick with a compact, collapsible umbrella so that toting it around all day is easy and convenient.
NYC Skyline Umbrella: MoMA, $40
Rainy Days Umbrella: American Eagle Outfitters, $12.50
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The Rain Shoe
Although it can be tempting to throw on some flip-flops before dodging puddles on your way to class, no collegiette™ wants to sport wet, muddy feet all day! Celebrity Stylist Colin McDonald agrees: “When it comes to your feet, staying dry is key, but also looking chic is a must!” Rain boots no longer have to be clunky blocks that weigh you down. They also don’t have to break your bank! Stylist Elizabeth Kamm loves any Wellington-inspired boot, like those by Hunter. These waterproof wellies not only keep your feet from getting soaked, but they’re also chic! Kamm loves to pair Hunters with a skirt, because it’s usually easiest to dry off once you reach your destination. If it’s a bit chilly outside, make sure to stick with leggings, jeggings, or skinny jeans, because bulky pants tucked into your rain boots can all-too-easily appear sloppy.
Original Gloss Tall Boot: Hunter, $125
Target also carries a wide range of patterned rain boots—from paisleys to polka dots—that are sure to satisfy your fashion-savvy selves. The best part? Most boots only cost around $30!
Novel Dot Rain Boots: Target, $32.99
An adorably preppy alternative to rain boots is the Dav rain flats for just $30. Aside from the fact that these are adorable and fashionable, they’re functional, too. The all-natural rubber shoes also have cushioning, so you can sport these flats all day. No soggy feet for this fashionista!
Houndstooth Rain Flat: Dav, $30
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The Raincoat
Sporting the right raincoat is the easiest way to pull off a campus chic outfit when the weather begs you to be lazy. Not only is this wardrobe staple a must-have for the rainy season, but it is also a versatile piece that can be worn most months if you choose your style wisely! Elizabeth Kamm’s go-to jacket on dreary days is the classic trench, because the double-breasted style is flattering for every body type. This season, she’s loving the trenches by DKNY. Kamm also suggests sticking to neutral colors like khaki, black or navy, so it’s a multi-functional part of your wardrobe. To brighten up your outfit, opt to incorporate fun colors and patterns with your scarves!
Belted Trench Coat: DKNY, $75.99
Personal stylist Noelle Cellini is a fan of another type of raincoat—the anorak. According to her, this jacket is a bit more fashion-forward than the classic trench, as some varieties have snap sleeves and cinched waists, which are always figure-flattering for us collegiettes™! Cellini also notes there are anoraks available for all types of budgets. Stores like Kohl’s, Piperlime, and Miss Sixty all offer great options. Throw on the anorak before braving the storm, and you’re sure to look effortlessly stylish and put-together.
Anorak Stadium Jacket: Kohl’s, $42
Sherpa Lined Anorak: Piperlime, $89
Safari Cinched Waist Anorak: Miss Sixty, $120
Now that you have the basics down, how do you put together a fashionably rain-proof outfit? Her Campus has you covered!
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Chic Collegiette™
Instead of opting for your boyfriend’s sweatpants and an old, tattered T-shirt, choose these equally cozy pieces instead. Every single part of this outfit is not only comfy, but also practical. The convenience of this fashion-forward dress paired with a cinched anorak jacket will give you an incredibly flattering silhouette. Add in fun, leopard print rain boots with a bright yellow umbrella, and you’ll feel unstoppable!
Angie Button-Front Dress: Dillard’s, $44;
Green Envelope Cotton Woven Drawstring Anorak: Bluefly, $65;
Women’s Adi Design Animal Print Rain Boots- Leopard: Target, $33;
Prepared for Precipitation Umbrella in Yellow: ModCloth, $30.
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Date Night
Is it really possible to look date-ready and rain-ready? Yes! Pair these ankle-hugging jeggings with waterproof flats to keep those toes dry. Add a flirty top under a simply classic trench, and your date is guaranteed to be speechless.
Black Rain Flat: Dav, $30;
The Diva Skinny Jeans: Old Navy, $19.50;
Floral Drop Waist Cami: Forever 21, $17.80;
Merona Trench Coat: Target, $50;
On-the-Go Umbrella: MoMA, $20
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Cozy and Casual
The last thing you want to do on a dreary weekend is put effort into your outfit. Luckily, you can still mindlessly put on a few fashionable pieces! A striped tunic with leggings is always the perfect go-to, paired with oh-so-fabulous Hunter boots. Add in some retro funk with an adorable bubble umbrella, and throw on a classic yet cozy anorak. There’s no doubt you’ll be the chicest collegiette™ across campus!
Striped Tunic in Mulberry Street: Aerie, $29.50;
Seamless Legging: Forever 21, $4.50;
Original Tall Wellington: Hunter, $125;
Clear Bubble Umbrella: Target, $20
Gone are the gloomy days of sweatpants and a gym shirt. Embrace your inner fashionista, and follow these easy tips! You’ll be looking simply fabulous as you show the rain who’s boss. So collegiettes™, what are your go-to rainy day fashions?
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Sources
Colin McDonald, Celibrity/Fashion Stylist & Commentator Elizabeth Kamm,
Stylist Noelle Cellini, Personal Stylist
http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/tips/rainy-days-fbt-0407 http://shine.yahoo.com/event/yahoocontributornetwork/rainy-day-fashion-tips-2554158 http://thirdcoastdigest.com/2011/04/threads-rainy-day-fashion/ http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2009/05/27/rain-flats-not-rain-boots/