Rain Rain Go Away…
Depending on where you are, you may also be suffering from Spring-itis like I am. This is a condition caused by falling in love with brights, little white dresses, and fun patterns for Spring but being unable to wear them because it WONT STOP RAINING.
I love San Francisco but right now I’m ready for Spring and this city is standing squarely in my way.
So what are the fashion-obsessed to do? Put together some chic but warm and comfy outfits to brave the elements in while we dream about sundresses and shorts of course.
Keeping Covered:
Keeping your head – and belongings – dry in a rainstorm is always priority number one, regardless of whether you’re a fan of hoods and hats or giant, sidewalk-blocking umbrellas.
Hoods up in New York! No reason to let the bad weather get you down, keep things light in pale colors.
Not in the mood for gloomy, dark layers? Try lighter mixing neutrals as you pile on layers to stay warm. Even better? Add a hat!
This model makes a beanie look oh-so-chic. It's all about proportions, her sleek army-green anorak is the perfect choice, while a giant puffy coat would have given the look an overall disheveled feeling.
And if you're just dashing from one place to another, don't worry about matching, just grab a cute hooded coat and throw it on. You don't have to have your outfit 100% coordinated with your outerwear.
I love the retro feel of this type of hat - fun but structured.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for keeping yourself dry. You don’t need to keep your look completely in line from head-to-toe, have some fun with it and mix things up. Dead set on wearing a LBD to cocktails Saturday night? Do it! Grab a chic little cropped jacket and a brightly colored umbrella and show everyone how its done!
Layers are key:
A single layer is never enough when there’s wind blowing, fog so thick you can’t see outside your window, or rain pounding on your head. Wrapping yourself in layers is the best way to stay warm while you’re outside but not die from the heat once you step inside – It gives you the convenience of being able to adjust to various temperatures, a much more pleasant way to spend your day!
Still determined to wear a dress despite the weather? (Ya, me too) Just add on! Tights, blazer, pashmina... Keep going till you're warm!
If you're in a colder climate you may even need to add more layers to stay warm - Take a cue from this gentleman, decked out in head-to-toe Rick Owens. He's ready for anything!
Tights and vests are both small, convenient ways to add a little something between you and the weather. They wont add bulk or give you tons to carry if you take them off, great for one of those days when you're not 100% sure how the weather will turn out.
If you're layering in warmer temperatures you can still wear gorgeous outerwear, you just get to have more fun with what you're layering it over! Take 9 to 5 Chic as an example and pair cute sandals and shorts with a beautiful cape.
A cute oversized coat and a scarf are a great way to finish off a look. You don't have to worry about matching them to your outfit because they're not visible when you're running around outside. Basically you get to pick two outfits! 🙂
There are an unlimited number of ways to layer an outfit and this is a great way to express yourself and tap into your creative impulses. You can add a chic coat, cape, blazer, slicker, or poncho, wear fun tights, scarves & pashminas, gloves, wear a shirt under a dress, pair a sweater with a dress… The choices go on and on.
Boots Boots Boots:
My regulars have probably picked up on this already, but for you MCLV newbies I might as well just confess now – I love me some boots. I talked about the importance of having a couple of pairs of good boots in your closet in my Real Girls Need Real Closets post, recommended some gorgeous Coachella-appropriate boots in my Hippie 2012 Breakdown, I snapped shots of myself in over-the-knee boots in yesterday’s A Week In MCLV Fashion, and even suggested all different types for traveling in my Reader Request: The Chilly Tourist.
Needless to say, being able to stomp around in boots is one of the only redeeming side affects of the rain right now…
If you have lots of walking planned for you day and want to wear flat boots, there are still tons of options. High, low, classic, punky... Can you ever really go wrong with rock n' roll motorcycle boots?
If you want to keep your boots short but give them a bit of a heel (so that you can - say - keep your pants hem out of puddles) this is a great option. Fun and cute, but totally functional.
What I love about this look is her utter nonchalance. Rain or shine, she knows she looks chic as hell and she's ready for anything. Well done!
A pair of riding boots like Gwen's are a great option, they're chic, keep your lower leg warm and dry, and go with almost anything - skirts, dresses, pants... Very versatile!
These Zara boots are really cute, they have a zipper on the inside but faux laces up the front are adorable. The neutral color makes them work really well with Spring and Summer looks, as much as with colder-weather outfits.
A great pair of boots can absolutely make an outfit and during these rainy, miserable days, looking like a million bucks can really improve your outlook! 🙂
If you’re still in the mood for more check out Modelinia’s Splash into April in Style or Refinery 29’s Chic Rain Gear For Chicago’s April Showers.
What’s your stay warm style during this rainy Spring weather?
Moi Contre La Vie 