Long gone are the days of stomping around in garbage bags and goofy galoshes! It’s time to work out a double-duty wardrobe that will not only keep raindrops from falling on your head, but transition into dry days as well. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, helps you stay dry — and in style — on the gloomiest of days.
Sporty and stylish
The gal on the go needs to be ready for anything, regardless of the weather. A lightweight anorak jacket is not only great for running around in the rain, but will add a sporty edge to any outfit, whether it be casual weekend wear or an otherwise overly-basic office ensemble. Plus, it will help to protect you from the wind, and folds up to easily fit inside a bag when the clouds disappear. Kohls.com and TopShop.com offer affordable featherweight versions in fun colors.
When it comes to footwear, women with a sporty spirit most likely want to stay light on their feet, even during a rainfall. Rather than stomping around in heavy boots, opt for rain shoes, clogs, sneakers or even ballet flats to help you slide through the streets without slipping. Brands like Bogs, Jeffrey Campbell, Tretorn and Skinz all offer styles built to block out the water without weighing you down. As seen on TODAY: Sunshower rain parka $89.50, LandsEnd.com, Malindi flats $29.99, Crocs.com
Functional and fashionable
For a luxe look that can weather the storm, it’s all about relying on chic and sleek classics. A poncho with a fashion-forward silhouette may seem slightly trendy, but it’s also a piece you’ll be able to use for years to come. The Reversible Poncho from Echo designs will give you two looks for the price of one!
It’s now possible to add a little lift to your dreary days with help from Sergio Rossi’s Zoe boot and Dav Rain’s Fashion Boot. With high heels and sophisticated slim styles, you can even keep them on during the workday rather than having to change into “indoor” shoes. As seen on TODAY: Echo Reversible Poncho $125, echodesign.com; Dav Rain Fashion Boots and tote, $55-$99; davrain.com
Preppy and prepared
Tried-and-true rain gear certainly serves a purpose, but it’s OK to let your personality pop while suiting up for a storm. A trench may be traditional, but you can give it a twist by choosing one with a print or bold hue. Tahari even makes a water-resistant satin trench, perfect for a romantic rainy evening! A matching set of boots and a rain tote can add a splash of fun and pop of personality to your outfit. Best of all, the waterproof tote will do double-duty as the perfect beach or baby bag!
There’s no need for your little one to be left behind — take him or her for a ride in the rain with a water-resistant stroller blanket. SammySacks are meant to keep baby covered and cozy in any icky weather. The Seattle mom who designed them has surely seen her share of rainy days! As seen on TODAY: Trench, boots and tote, $50 each, Let-It-Rain.com; SammySack blanket, $30-$60, Sammysack.com
The gadget guy
Whether an active outdoorsman or a computer consultant, every guy wants to keep his gadgets protected when it pours. New Balance’s Storm Striker is a must for any man (or woman, as the styles are available in both his and hers) who likes to jog at night. Waterproof and reflective, the jacket also has an accessible interior media port for cell phones or MP3 players. ($130; newbalance.com)
London-based brand Aquapac has created a slew of waterproof products that are more than equipped to protect your precious gadgets. From phone and iPod cases to waterproof headphones that will work under up to 10 feet of water, you’ll be prepared, no matter the downpour. ($30-$90; waterproofcases.net)
Unique umbrellas
When it’s time to take cover, you might as well do so under chic quarters! The Sky umbrella ($48; uncommongoods.com) boasts cheerful artwork on the underside, so you can look up — rather than forward — to a beautiful day!
Meanwhile, the Bright Night umbrella offers a unique circle of light under the canopy, allowing you to see and be seen. While the outer layer features fashionable designs like Cloudburst and Monsoon (which symbolize different ways we experience rain), they’re also built to be virtually unbreakable. ($38; bright-night.com)
Thanks to Ambient’s technology, you’ll never leave home without your umbrella again! The item forecasts rain via AccuWeather and beckons you to bring it with a blinking handle. ($130; ambientdevices.com)
Thanks to Nubrella’s hands-free umbrella option, phone and PDF addicts can have their hands free to type and text ($49.95; nubrella.com). Finally, for those who opt for organic clothing and accessories, Eco’brella by Totes offers a “green” solution to your rainy-day blues! ($25; totes-isotoner.com)