We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but man can those April showers be a vibe killer.
I hate dressing practically, but looking cute doesn’t last long when it’s raining cats and dogs. In fact, you have probably been in this situation yourself— you spend extra time getting ready in the morning and actually manage to wing your eyeliner nicely. Maybe you even straighten your hair. Then, strutting to wherever you’re headed, the sky opens up. What do you do? If you’re anything like me, you power through the rain, mourn the loss of your makeup, and convince yourself that the wet look is still in.
Alternatively, you may check your weather app in the morning like a true adult and notice that the chances of rain are too high to ignore. Sure, you’ll think to skip the canvas sneakers and maxi dress, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo a fashionable look altogether!
There is a way around getting hopelessly drenched, and believe it or not, you can still look fierce when you dress practically. If the weather forecast says 70% chance of torrential downpour, then you may want to consider some of the following rainy day suggestions.
Boots Made for Walking… Through the Rain
I once had a hole in a pair of converse, and when it rained or snowed, my whole right foot would be soaked all day. Don’t be like me. Though I loved those shoes, they’re in the trash now (RIP mes amours) because I wised up and switched them out for a pair of rain boots. There is just something so nostalgic about little rubber rain boots. But sentiments aside, they are extremely effective at preventing the dredded soggy sock syndrome. My beloved boots are comfy and add a certain quirkiness to an outfit. You can be super fashún and wear patent black ones, but I think a bright pop of color makes a bold statement that people will appreciate. I also like that vibrant rubber boots make me think of Paddington Bear. Anyone else? Just me? Well, he loves rain boots too.
Rock a Raincoat
This is a biggie. You can shield yourself from the rain with your bag all you want, but as soon as the wind picks up, your outfit will be history. A raincoat can make all the difference and can actually be a perfect addition to your outfit depending on your jacket choice. You can go classic and pick a simple yellow or red rain jacket, or you can shake things up a bit with a polka dot pattern or a sheer fabrication. If you want to show the world that you are the spring kween, you can opt for a floral pattern. Really, the options are endless style wise. Regardless of the type you pick, you’ll be glad you chose to invest in one next time it rains.
Stand Under my Umbrella, ‘Ella, ‘Ella
Sia sang about being bulletproof in Titanium, but honestly, I think I’d rather be waterproof. Because I have yet to hone in on that superpower, I have come to rely on my trusty umbrella. I probably don’t need to tell you why umbrellas are life savers, but maybe I can convince you that not all umbrellas are created equal. Sure, you have your standard run-of-the-mill umbrellas that are great in a quick pinch. But don’t you want to spice up your life with a fun color or pattern? I do! Bubble umbrellas are still super chic in my book, and a brightly colored ‘brella can make you stand out in a sea of navy ones. Check out some of my favorite finds above!
Puddle Jump in Athleisure
Speaking of spicing up your life, I have a feeling that Sporty Spice had an easier time bouncing back from a rainstorm than Posh Spice. Why? Because those Adidas track suits she loved so dearly are made from a slick polyester that is slightly water resistant. So, just as they are ideal for a sweat sesh at the gym, they are perfect for a rainy spring day. Those stretchy polyester and spandex leggings churned out by Nike and LuluLemon have the same effect. Plus, on top of their rainproof-ness, they are super trendy! Athesuire has been one of those generation-defining trends this decade. So why not embrace the mania?! Sure, our future kids will make fun of us for our tendency to get workout-ready when we don’t actually plan to workout at all, but hey, that’s then; this is now. Back to the argument at hand here— polyester is your friend in the rain!
Shady Lady
Sunglasses block more than just haters. They can also shield your eyes from the rain! This ties back into my thesis statement about practical dressing. (Just trying to make my high school english teachers proud with that one.) Most of the time, unless I’m heading to the beach, I”ll grab a pair of shades for cool factor and not for eye protection. (Don’t tell my eye doctor.) Buuuut, just like how sunglasses are a blessing on a blindingly sunny day, sunglasses are key when it’s pouring! When it’s really coming down, shades act like goggles, and if you wear contacts like I do, remembering to wear a pair of sunglasses can be the difference between a normal day of seeing the world and, well, a day of not seeing anything at all. Not to mention that if your makeup gets messed up in the deluge, a big pair of sunnies can cover up any streakiness. And, of course, that added cool factor I mentioned will help you through the rain too.
What rainy day tips do you have? Comment them down below, or share them with us by tagging us on Instagram @Faviana and on Twitter @FavianaNY.
Don’t forget that those May flowers are coming soon!
With love,
Erica
Written by Erica Fouts
Edited by Sonal Patel
