The Best Rainy Day Outfits to Look Good in Bad Weather

Let’s save the happy pinks and citrusy greens for days when the sun is shining. Rainy days call for muted hues, neutrals, and moody colors.

Of course, nothing is more on brand for a cloudy day than grey, so now is the perfect time for your charcoal coats, pewter boots, slate tees, smoky sweaters, and graphite scarves. However, you don’t need to box yourself into grey. A grey on grey on grey look can be chic, but you can mix in other quiet colors too.

Black is always on the table, but I don’t recommend wearing a lot of white. Between muddy pant cuffs and a wet T-shirt situation, the risk is too high. Focus on colors like sage green, navy blue, berry red, burnt orange, caramel brown, and plum purple. The color doesn’t have to be dark, but avoid neons and pastels that don’t suit the rainy day vibe.

Whether it’s a drizzle or a downpour, layering is essential. A cute rainy day outfit always starts with an excellent jacket, and your choices range from a classy trench coat to an edgy leather jacket.

You truly cannot go wrong with a beige trench coat. It’s a timeless and polished layer that’s inherently waterproof, easy to wear, and immediately makes you look put-together. Feel free to venture away from the traditional beige and explore other colors, such as black, dark grey, army green, or stormy blue.

If the trench coat feels too posh for you, waxed jackets and leather jackets are just as stylish, but offer a more relaxed look. They can be casual or refined, depending on how you style them. You can lean into a sportier look with a modern rain jacket from brands like North Face or Patagonia. While they have an athleisure aesthetic, they can be worn with jeans or a dress for a mixed-aesthetic style. And for chillier days in spring or autumn, waterproof quilted coats or cropped puffer jackets give you more thermal capabilities without leaning too far into a winter style.

Now, what goes under the jacket? If you want a few layers to stay comfy, add a tailored or oversized hoodie, shacket, sharp blazer, fuzzy sweater, buttoned cardigan, or sleek turtleneck. If this is a summer rainy day outfit, it might be too hot for added layers. On these days, it’s okay to just wear your plain T-shirt, silk blouse, or another light layer directly underneath your coat. You don’t need to overthink your base layers since you’ll likely keep a jacket or sweater on throughout the day.

Even when you have a high-tech waterproof jacket, your legs will probably still get wet. It’s important to choose bottoms that will keep you dry when it’s coming down hard. Flared pants are more likely to touch the ground and get wet, but skinny jeans can be tucked into tall boots, keeping the lower half of your pants completely dry. Leggings offer similar advantages, but they only work for your more laidback looks, not for work or dressier occasions.

Stick with the slim, thick ankle jeans for when it’s raining cats and dogs. But when it’s a light sprinkle, you can create rainy day outfits with baggier jeans or wide-leg slacks. The lighter the rain, the more options you have for bottoms. On a spring or summer day, you could even rock a mini skirt with tights or a knee-length dress.

Your shoes might be more important than your bottoms. The wrong pair will have you soaking and sulky all day long, so be sure to add a few reliable, totally waterproof pairs to your wardrobe.

Nothing is more appropriate than a pair of tall rain boots or sporty duck boots. The former can easily be elevated with the right outfit, while the latter is ideal for relaxed looks. If you’re building a capsule wardrobe, sticking with neutral hues is a no-brainer. But don’t be afraid to try a more distinct color. A pair of burgundy Hunter boots or blue and purple duck boots can be a style-defining choice.

Along with duck boots, leather sneakers are another informal and comfortable option, but save these for days with lighter rain. The same goes for leather loafers, which are waterproof, but don’t do much to protect the top of your feet. They’re not the most practical, but I can’t resist the luxe look of loafers with a trench coat. It’s my tried and true “rainy day uniform.”

You can have the best of both worlds. Fashion boots, including Oxfords, Chelseas, riding boots, and other flat silhouettes, are practical and elegant at the same time. Wear riding boots with leggings or Oxford boots with baggy jeans. Pair Chelsea boots with tights and a mini skirt, or style them with skinny jeans. Whatever shoes you choose, make sure they’re made of a durable, waterproof material. We’ll save the suede adidas and velvet boots for dry days. When you’re ready to shop, VIVAIA has a variety of water-resistant styles that don’t scream “rain boot.” Nordstrom and DSW are great for rounding up the best boot brands with waterproof styles, like Hunter and Sperry.

I know rainy days can put a damper on picking out your outfit, but these days are actually phenomenal for accessorizing. Think of the possibilities: a luxe scarf, a cheeky umbrella, a worn baseball cap, a branded bucket hat. Honestly, a rainy day can be a catalyst for your best accessory moments.

When it comes to jewelry, I do think it’s best to stick with your basics and personal pieces. Statement jewelry can get lost among your layers and other accessories. So rainy days aren’t jewelry-heavy days, but we still get to play with head coverings, bags, and umbrellas!

I love a cute baseball cap moment, but you can be more creative with your head covering. Try wrapping a luxurious silk scarf or soft cashmere pashmina over your head to protect your hair from the rain. These feel more professional and dressy if you need a rainy day outfit for work or a day on the town. For an eclectic look, I adore an interesting bucket hat. A plain one works, but a plaid, animal print, striped, or denim one adds a distinct flair to your outfit.

If you’re a hat hater, no worries. An umbrella can be one of your coolest rainy day outfit accessories, and one that you only get to use on wet days. I highly encourage you to find an umbrella that feels unique to your style, whether that’s a rich color or a fun print. Look for umbrellas that have a contrasting lining that will stand out on the street. If you’re thinking a bold umbrella isn’t for you, then my next recommendation is a clear umbrella. You’ll get the dreamy experience of watching the rain fall from above, and you can show off your outfit to the fullest. Hey, there’s no reason you can’t buy a few and have a rotating collection of umbrellas.

Finally, you need a bag that can handle the weather. For me, crossbodies are the way to go. It can be uncomfortable to manage a bulky tote bag or shoulder bag when you’re also carrying an umbrella and doing your best to stay dry. Crossbodies keep your hands free and create an on-the-go aesthetic. It’s okay if you opt for a different size or silhouette, but always choose a waterproof material, and ideally, a bag that closes completely. Leather or nylon bags are excellent, just avoid suede, velvet, tweed, and other absorbent materials.