Rainy Day Outfits: 6 Stylish Looks That Handle Wet Weather

The simplest answer to what to wear on a rainy day: a water-shedding outer layer, a base layer that doesn't hold moisture, and shoes with a grippy sole. Add a hem that clears the ground and you have a look that works and still looks chosen.

Below are six rainy day outfit ideas, followed by the fabric, hem and shoe details that make them hold up past the front door.

Section 01

Six rainy day outfit ideas to copy

1. Trench coat, rain boots and straight trousers

This is the classic rain boots and trench coat outfit. Choose a belted trench in a tightly woven cotton, dark straight-leg trousers and sleek waterproof boots. The coat does the styling, so keep everything underneath quiet. For more on cuts and belts, see these belted trench coats for rainy weather.

2. Jeans, hoodie and sneakers

The easiest of the casual rainy day outfits. Dark jeans, a mid-weight hoodie, a water-resistant shell on top and waterproof sneakers. If your sneakers are the high-top kind, these rainproof high-tops are worth a look.

3. Cropped raincoat and blazer

A short raincoat over a blazer keeps the office silhouette intact. Size the coat so the blazer shoulders fit under it without pulling. If the fabric strains across the shoulders, that is a fit problem, not a you problem.

4. Barn jacket, tights and ankle boots

A waxed or coated jacket over a knit dress with opaque tights and ankle boots. It is warm, practical and a bit rural-chic. Skip suede boots here.

5. Hoodie and long coat

A hoodie under a knee-length water-resistant coat gives you a hood backup and a relaxed shape. Keep the lower half slim so the volume sits in one place.

6. Windbreaker and leggings for errands

Leggings, a light windbreaker and waterproof sneakers are enough for a quick run. For jackets in this category, browse stylish windbreakers.

Section 02

Leggings or jeans in the rain?

Leggings usually win for short, wet errands. They are thinner, so they dry faster, and they don't gain weight when splashed. Wet denim gets heavy, cold and slow to dry, especially around the hem. If you prefer jeans, pick a darker wash and a cropped or slightly tapered leg so the hem stays out of puddles.

Section 03

Choose fabrics that shed water

Thick does not mean waterproof. A chunky wool sweater soaks up water and stretches. Tightly woven cotton such as gabardine, coated nylon, and patent or faux-patent finishes shed water far better. Delicate silk can water-spot, so keep it fully covered or save it for dry days.

For the layer against your skin, Howdy Health at Texas A&M advises a moisture-wicking material that draws sweat away from your skin, and says to avoid cotton because it absorbs moisture and can keep it next to your skin. That advice is written for cold-weather exercise, but the logic holds for a long wet commute.

Section 04

How to style the coat, hem and boots

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd treat the coat as the first thing the eye reads on a rainy day, because it covers most of your outfit. A clean line and one color block make the whole look feel deliberate.

• Look for a storm flap and covered zippers, which keep water out of seams.
• Try the coat on over the thickest layer you plan to wear.
• Keep pant hems about half an inch off the ground, or tuck them into boots.
• With a voluminous coat, wear slimmer trousers or a pencil skirt.

Section 05

Pick rain shoes that are comfortable to walk in

Wet pavement means more walking in the same shoes, so fit matters. Harvard Health says to leave at least a quarter- to a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Podiatrist Gina Hild, DPM, says "Footwear that offers cushioning plus heel and arch support can help you relieve and manage symptoms" (Cleveland Clinic).

Rubber soles grip better than leather on slick ground, and leather soles can be damaged by water. If you wear dress boots, a cobbler can add a rubber sole. For foot pain, check with your doctor or podiatrist.

Section 06

Rain hats, hoods and bags

A hood is fine, but a wide-brim water-repellent hat or a bucket hat keeps more of your hair shape. Choose a bag that zips fully shut, in coated canvas or nylon. Open totes collect rain, and suede does not survive it.

Section 07

Summer versus winter rainy looks

In summer rain, go light: a packable shell, shorts or cropped pants, and waterproof sandals or sneakers. In winter, layer thin pieces instead of one heavy one: a wicking base, a knit, then a coat. You can peel a layer off when you step indoors. For spring commutes, see these stylish raincoats.

If you're building a wardrobe that covers all of this, a capsule wardrobe is a practical starting point.

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