Ready Made Outfit: Black and White with Rain All Over
November 14th, 2008
Renee, who’s moving to the Pacific Northwest (hello, rain!), asked us for recommendations for stylish rain wear. In a nutshell, our philosophy on rainwear is to balance style with comfort (e.g. staying dry and warm). It’s a balance, not a tradeoff–when it’s rainy out, it doesn’t mean that your style needs to stay in. Here’s a simple look, appropriate for the rains of the Pacific Northwest, that will keep you both stylish and comfy:
1. The key to this outfit is comfy layers. Your first layer? A simple base: a comfy knit shirt and a nice knee-length skirt. (If it’s really cold, add a pair of tights or leggings to this base layer.)
2. To keep warm in the rain, you’re going to need a cozy sweater. Here, we chose a thick knit sweater with a stylish toggle closure. Extra style points (and warmth) for the attached hood.
3. Finish off the outfit with a warm pair of rain boots (notice the knit cuff on these jersey-lined boots, only $29.99 at Target), a rain-resistant bag, and a clear plastic bubble umbrella ($16.99, also at Target).
What’s your go-to rain outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
Entry Filed under: Ready Made Outfits,Women
4 Comments
1. Miss Moneypenny | November 14th, 2008 at 9:35 am
As a veteran of the PNW I can say that this outfit, while styling, isn’t super-practical. Even though it doesn’t really get that cold, the damp chill in the winter air is brutal and she’ll want more than a tank top under the sweater. Thinner, breathable layers, but lots of them, are key, and it’s a good idea to have a scarf or a turtleneck for comfort. She also doesn’t really need the boots — while the rain is relentless, it’s usually not very heavy — more like constant drizzle — and water-resistant or even just regular sturdy leather boots are better. (I have some cute rubber boots and I hardly ever wear them!) But try not to slide into the Gore-Tex jacket + Keen boots trap . . . there’s enough of that going around already! :-))
2. Mimi | November 14th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I always find it difficult to dress for “warm winter” weather… it’s chilly but typical winter clothes don’t really feel right.
I like how this looks light enough for me in California, yet still has that “foul weather” feel. (Here we are mid-November and it’s going to be near 80F degrees today but cool at night! Something like this, sans the boots, would work for me ).
3. Trisha | November 17th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Thinner, breathable layers and regular leather boots do sound like they’d be a better bet against the constant drizzle
Thanks for the advice, Miss Moneypenny!
4. djmichele | October 16th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I think any kind of trench looks great (like the previous poster said, it’s not that cold, it’s all about layering). And boots are the best thing about living in the fall-winter-spring in the Northwest.
Staples: Boots (leather not rubber, suede is fine since there’s no salt in the water here), Trench or wool coats (colored, whites are great, fit is key to looking slim), jeans, skirts with tights, long sleeve and regular t-shirts. Scarf is a must have for the wind.
A biker jacket that’s feminine is something I wear all year round.
Fun Accents: I love handwarmers that match my scarf and/or hat. Fedora and other great looking hats. A happy umbrella in a color or pattern that makes you smile. A great lip stain is key to looking fresh in this climate and keeping it that way.