The Vogue Guide to Out-Styling the Rain

Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” comes to mind every once in a while, when the city’s downpour feels romantic, maybe even a little cinematic. The reality, of course, is far less glamorous: dark skies, rogue splash zones, and the age-old question of what to wear in this weather.

Dressing for a rainy day is one of the trickiest wardrobe feats to master. You want to feel polished, but practical; shielded from the elements, but not too bundled. It’s a delicate balance that feels especially difficult to tread in New York City, when commuting home during a surprise deluge can turn into a full-on obstacle course.

Vogue’s Favorite Rainy Day Essentials

The secret is to start dressing for the rain instead of against it, building your outfit around pieces designed to withstand an erratic shower: a water-repellant trench coat, a durable twill bucket hat, puddle-proof rubber footwear, and a bright accessory that cuts through the gloom.

Below you’ll find some outfit inspiration for the next rainy day forecast—proof that even the greyest of days deserve a good outfit. (P.S. Don’t forget your umbrella!)

Hat Tip

TWP and Gigi Burris teamed on what may be the chicest solution for humid hair: a water-repellant, wide-brim hat in a durable cotton gabardine (the same fabric used for trench coats). Let it lead your look with a tank dress and tall rubber boots. Simple, yet streamlined!

Lemaire

cotton-gabardine coat