The Ultimate Guide To Rainy Day Outfits

CHO Fashion & Lifestyle
A woman stands under a clear umbrella in a mustard coloured raincoat. It's raining and she's smiling

There’s nothing like a wet-weather forecast to dampen your plans for stylish dressing.

Style is often overlooked when there’s rain in the air. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be this way? Yes, aesthetic rainy-day outfits are possible with planning and bringing the correct fabrics into play.

A woman stands under a clear umbrella in a mustard coloured raincoat. It's raining and she's smiling

In this guide, we’ve pulled together our top tips for dressing well in the rain, alongside some rainy-day outfit ideas to help you uncover your flawless rainy-day style!

Table of contents:

What is the best outfit to wear on a rainy day?

What are the best colours to wear on a rainy day?

Practical tips for navigating rainy days

What is the best outfit to wear on a rainy day?

When planning outfits for rainy days, there are some practical considerations to think about before looking solely at aesthetics. Before choosing what to wear, consider the following:

Fabric choice is important

When choosing what to wear for a rainy day, look at fabrics.

You should choose waterproof fabrics for your outer layers in the worst weather. Whereas during lighter showers, water-resistant outerwear will suffice.

Underneath your coat, choose layers made from natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, as these will help keep you warm whilst allowing your skin to breathe.

There’s nothing worse than staying dry on the outside but feeling damp underneath. Breathable fabrics will help you to avoid this, so you’ll stay comfortable all day, whatever your outdoor pursuit.

A good quality raincoat and boots can get you through the wettest days

Your core pieces for a wet-weather wardrobe should be a good raincoat and boots that withstand the elements.

Choosing options that can be dressed up and down works well here, as these will help form the basis for building all your outfits.

We’d recommend a Barbour wax jacket for instant style points for men. These classic jackets have been iconic wardrobe pieces for decades and transcend trends, so there’s one thing you can count on; Whatever your style preference, there’ll be a Barbour jacket to suit it.

Man poses in a Barbour Chelsea Men's Wax Mac

Barbour Chelsea Men’s Wax Mac

And the best part? Wax naturally repels water, so you’re guaranteed to stay dry, whatever the weather throws at you. Pair your jacket with water-resistant Blundstone boots for a style that’s also practical!

Rains is a fashion-forward choice for women, perfect for more formal and casual rainy-day outfits. Available in various styles and lengths, they are fully waterproof with ultrasonically welded seams to prevent water from creeping into even the smallest cracks.

They’re a lightweight option, too, so they can easily be packed away when the rain disappears.

woman wears Rains curve jacket with waterproof shoes

RAINS Curve women’s jacket

Short rain boots are a perfect pick for rainy-day dressing. Gone are the days when wellies were made solely for the garden or hiking in the countryside; our choice of rain boots from some of fashion’s leading brands look super stylish with any outfit, whether formal for the office or a casual piece to pair with jeans.

Of course, raincoats and boots aren’t your only option, but they’re a great start and pair well with many looks.

What are the best colours to wear on a rainy day?

Opting for darker colours when planning your rainy-day outfits is easier. However, adding a pop of colour can help to brighten your mood on dark and dreary days.

If you’re investing in core staples, like a good coat and boots, for your cold, rainy-day outfits, we recommend choosing neutral colours as they are easier to pair with most things in your wardrobe.

Woman wears Tommy Hilfiger Blue Midi Dress paired with flat, white sandals

Tommy Hilfiger Midi Dress

Use colour in your actual outfit to add a bright burst to your rainy-day look. For example, this Tommy Hilfiger Midi Dress could be part of your rainy-day look. Effortlessly pair it with boots and a rainproof trench coat, like Barbour’s Somerland Women’s Trench Coat.

A bright sweatshirt or knitted jumper can create a similarly lasting impact for men looking to brighten their rainy-day look. A GANT Men’s Regular Fit Shield Logo Crew Neck Sweatshirt in pink will add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit and look super stylish when paired with jeans.

GANT men's pink sweatshirt

GANT Regular Fit Men’s Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Adding stylish accessories is another clever way to inject colour into your rainy-day look. Whether it’s a bright handbag, rucksack, or a stylishly bright umbrella, it’ll be all eyes on you when the rest of the world looks grey.

RAINS Hilo Weekend Bag and their Micro Backpacks come in a selection of bright colours to add fun to your outfit, and because they’re fully waterproof, you don’t have to worry about anything getting wet and damaged inside; a perfect choice if you’re carrying your laptop on your commute.

RAINS Hilo Weekend Bag (small) in pink

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag Small

Practical tips for navigating rainy days

So now you know how to dress for the occasion, the best way to prepare for the rain is to expect it. With our top tips for navigating rainy weather, you'll always be dressed for whatever the weather throws you!

  1. Check the weather

It may seem simple, but tracking the weather on your phone is a great way to prepare for the unexpected. If the chances of rain are high, pop an umbrella or a foldable, lightweight, rainproof jacket in your bag so you don't get caught short should the rain appear.

  1. Carry some emergency kit in your bag

There's nothing wrong with being prepared for the weather, even if it's not in the forecast. Keeping a spare umbrella in your bag or car keeps you prepared for those days when you may be too busy to keep an eye on the forecast. For extreme weather, leaving a good pair of wellies in your car means you'll have dry feet for your commute, should you have to park and walk. Keeping spare socks in your bag is also an excellent way to prepare yourself.

  1. Wear quick-drying fabrics

If you know rain is on the horizon, choose your outfit accordingly. Opt for quick-drying fabrics such as polyester or natural fabrics that are breathable, so you don't spend the entire day sitting in wet clothes; if it's really wet, leave your jeans at home, as denim takes a long time to dry.

  1. Reward yourself with a hot bath when you get home

If you still manage to get caught in the rain even after all of these tips, try not to let it ruin your day! Reward yourself with a hot bath and a warm, cosy change of clothes once you're back home for some extra self-care!

Shop for rainy days at CHO today

Update your rainy-day wardrobe staples at CHO and never get caught out in the rain again. From men's and women's rainproof jackets and coats to the best in rainproof footwear, you'll be stepping out in style, whatever the forecast!

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