By Assistant Editor Shayna Spiker
Fashionable Friday – Fashion that works.
With all the rain we’ve been having in the last month or so, I thought it would be appropriate to write about fashionable rain gear. There are two key pieces to have in your wardrobe to keep you dry on a rainy day: a waterproof coat (I highly suggest two of them – one lightweight for fall/spring transitional weather and a heavier one for colder days or even to keep you dry in the snowy winter) and a good pair of waterproof rain boots. These two things will really help to keep you dry on your way to and from the office or wherever else you may be.
I searched high and low for raincoats that were fashionable and functional. I was surprised at how many options there were that actually fit these criteria. The first coat I found, the Leather Trim Raincoat from Elie Tahari, is a simple black one with a leather belt and leather cuff belts. This coat’s length about halfway down the thigh, so it is not a full-length coat.
We all know GUESS for their jeans, but did you know they make really fabulous coats as well? My mother bought a GUESS coat about 3 years ago, and it’s held up really well and looks great on her. If you’re looking for something that puts a little twist on a more traditional look, try their Asymmetrical Zip Raincoat in khaki. The coat features a zip closure that is a bit off-center and a removable belt.
If you like prints or you want to share your wild side, try Gallery’s Contrast Trim Single Breasted Trench. It’s a short, waterproof trench with a mesh of tiger stripes and snakeskin print in shades of grey. For someone who wants to be adventurous, but isn’t ready to step into the world of busy prints, the Ruffle Trim Satin Trench from Tahari is perfect for you. It is relatively simple and very elegant, and features a large ruffle trim from the top of the turtle-neck collar all the way down to the bottom of the coat.
What’s better to pair with a raincoat than a super cute rain boot? The answer is nothing! Sperry offers a variety of rain boots, but my favorite of theirs is the Top-Sider® Hingham Rain Boot, which has a quilted nylon top and a buckle on the foot. A great, classic rain boot that will go with any and every outfit you own.
If you’re looking for a rain boot that doesn’t look like a rain boot, try Merrell’s Tetra Strap Waterproof Boot. It comes in black and chestnut, a light brown color and my personal favorite of the two colors, and has a strap that wraps around the ankle and loops through a buckle. This shoe looks like a regular knee-high fall boot.
Sam Edelman is one of my favorite shoe designers, so who better to make a cowboy/western-style rain boot? The Ximon Rain Boot comes in three shades (navy, black, and olive) and has little rubber nubs that look like little button adornments along the back side of the boot. Another one of my favorite shoe designers, really just one of my favorite designers period, is Kate Spade. She took the rain boot to a whole new level with her New York Randi Too Rain Boot by adding a 2-inch wide heel, a spotted Dalmatian-like print, and a large bow at the top of the boot.
Now you’re totally prepared to shop for the rainy, grim weather Mother Nature seems to love so much this fall. Go shop, be dry, and most of all, be fabulous!