Hey Eliza fashion team, I’ve been having such a hard time getting dressed these past few days. When it was properly sunny, my go-to was a cute dress and sandals, and when autumn weather properly sets in, I know all I’m going to wear is jeans with a trench coat, but as soon as it starts raining while it’s still warm out, my outfit ideas are zero. What should I wear when it’s going to rain, but I still want to look nice?!
Aaliyah from Clapham
Krissy says:
Rain is the worst kind of weather, IMO. With snow, at least you can wear chic boots, and if it’s windy, a nice belted coat, but rain?! It just puts such a (literal) dampener on my mood. And don’t even get me started on my hair.
It’s tricky because you don’t want to feel bogged down in material on a warm day just to protect you from the rain, but getting soaked in sandals and a dress feels wrong, too.
Rain is arguably the weather we’re most likely to experience here in the UK – especially in September – so it’s well worth nailing a few outfit formulas for how to navigate it.
There’s a stylish solution for every forecast and wet weather, like we’re facing this week, is no different. It just takes a little extra consideration for rainy day outfits (and potentially leaving those new shoes you adore at home), preparing for the worst, and then you’re good to go.
What jacket should I wear in the rain?
Perhaps I’m not the best person to ask since I outright refuse to sport a waterproof. There are some stylish ones around, but I’d much rather risk it all with a good jacket and sturdy umbrella, to be honest. Trench coats, short, quilted jackets and utility shackets are the answer for rainy day outfits.
But right now, while we’re still in 20+ degree heat but it’s drizzling, I’d go for an oversized long-sleeved shirt. All you need is a ‘cover-up’ since you don’t need the warmth, and a shirt won’t feel cumbersome or stick to your body.
Head to COS and Arket (our resident high street tailoring heroes) for the best ones.
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What footwear should I wear when it’s raining?
Of course, this forecast is not for anything suede, and I’d recommend avoiding any light colours. Fabric trainers (my beloved Converse high tops, I’m looking at you) should be kept aside too since they’ll only soak through.
Instead, you want a full coverage leather or faux leather trainer that’ll have the rain sliding right off. Veja is a favourite on the Eliza team, but a chunky pair (think New Balance 550’s or Nike Air Force 1’s) will keep your actual foot far from puddles.
If you’re wearing a mini dress, ankle boots will look particularly chic and are ideal in the rain.
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What are the best bottoms to wear in the rain?
If you’ve ever been caught in the rain in jeans, you’ll know that they are definitely not about to make this list. Denim becomes a sopping heavy fabric, so it’s best to avoid altogether.
Instead, pick a natural material which will dry quickly, especially if it’s raining all day and you know you’re bound to get caught in it. Linen and cotton are perfect: they’re cool enough in the heat, but are quick-dry if you get rained on.
Trouser-wise, go for a cropped at the ankle style rather than full-length: having your hems drag along in puddles is not chic, and you can always pair with ankle boots so that there’s no skin on show.
Sadly it’s not the best day to debut your new white jeans, so look to darker shades for rainy day outfits which are less likely to show up any muddy puddle splashes.
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Do I need any specific accessories when it’s raining?
Obviously, an umbrella should be high on your list for rainy day outfits – pick one in a bright colour or larger than handbag size so that you’re less likely to leave it on the tube. This perspex one that you can see through is the best.
Elsewhere, I always take a scrunchie or crocodile clip along if my hair is down – the last thing you want when you’re speed walking in a downpour is any wet hair on your hair face. Throwing on a bucket hat (especially one in towelling – clever, right?) is a good idea, especially if the sun is still out.
Waterproof accessories aren’t necessarily a must, but I’d definitely counsel you to leave your straw tote or canvas bag at home and opt for leather or perspex.
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Three wet weather looks to try
The jacket + boots
A long lightweight jacket paired with chunky boots is a chic warm-but-rainy combination. Wear with a mini dress, sunglasses and a cute crossbody bag so you’re hands-free for an umbrella.
The skirt + blazer + boots
Shoulder-robing a blazer all day that you can throw on in a downpour is a good idea, and they look just as good over a printed linen dress as they do a neutral skirt and vest top.
Midi dress + trainers
Throw on a shacket and accessorise with a colourful brolly, and this look is perfect for wet weather. Just don’t forget that hair scrunchie…
