Dolce & Gabbana Kim Vinyl Trench, $4845, farfetch.com
New York, both the city and the state, has seen an increase in the number of heavy precipitation events. Scientists say as the planet heats up, more moisture is held in the atmosphere, supercharging storms to make them last longer and pack more precipitation. The recent spate of bad weather has magnified the importance of having great-looking clothes that do double duty and work in the rain. When you wear something out of the ordinary, it really helps to elevate your mood, mainly when the conditions are less than ideal outside.
During fashion month for fall 2024, we continually heard designers express their desire to elevate the every day, to make the everyday sublime. Fashion should not only celebrate the every day; it should also celebrate lousy weather. Fashion’s most important function is to prepare you for whatever may come your way during the day.
There’s a wonderful Norwegian saying: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” This translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” I totally agree. When you are appropriately dressed and in a way that makes you look and feel good, you can get through anything (well, almost anything).
Considering this, I select 13 items (clothing and accessories) that are sensational and will keep you dry. There’s no excuse for dull clothing, regardless of the weather…
Dolce & Gabbana’s “KIM” contrast-trim trench coat is made of semitransparent vinyl piped in black. It has a classic double-breasted style with a self-belt. I love it for daytime, but it also makes a fabulous evening cover-up. t is for sale at Farfetch.com. Refer to the lead shot.
Rains String W Jacket & Cargo Pants
When you need full coverage, Rains W String Jacket, $140, is cut from their signature PU fabric and features double welded seams. This jacket is lightweight, with underarm eyelets for ventilation. The shape can be altered with its drawstring hem. Pair it with Rains Pants Wide, $140. Both are waterproof and windproof and are for sale at rains.us.com.
Rains Show Cape $325, Norton Rain Pants, $155
Designed for Rain’s Spring Summer 2024 runway collection, Show Cape, $325, made in a vivid shade called “Fire,” upholds the Scandinavian label’s reputation for technical innovation (based in Denmark). It is cut from signature wind and waterproof fabric and has bonded seams so it stands up to outdoor conditions. Pair with their ‘Norton’ Rain Pants Wide, $155, which have the same properties. Both are for sale at rains.us.com.
Stand Studio “Henriette” Raincoat
Swedish label Stand Studio makes sensational outerwear using innovative materials. “Henriette”, a water-resistant raincoat crafted in semitransparent leopard fabric, is no exception. This piece is cut to a longline, trench coat-inspired silhouette. Details include a belted waist and collar lapels. Priced at $433.92, it is available at standstudio.com.
Thom Browne Waterproof Cotton Twill Opera Coat
Thom Browne’s cropped opera coat is made of beige waterproof cotton twill with white tipping details. It has a front button closure, a wide opera collar, and dropped shoulders with wide-cropped sleeves. “01” patch applique at the back in white. Dropped back yoke with double vented back hem. Priced at $2900, it is for sale at thombrowne.com.
Comme des Garcons Trompe l’oeil Trench Coat
This rare Comme des Garcons black and white trompe l’oeil trench coat was shown on the fall 2009 runway. Trimmed with white elastic tapes, it is made of a blend of wool, nylon, and cotton. The coat is shaped like a cocoon cape with a swallow tail back and deconstructed dropped waist. Priced at $4440, it is for sale on 1stdibs.com.
Libertine Eton Striped Trench Coat
Libertine’s double-breasted “Eton” striped trench coat has a notched collar, long sleeves, self-tie sash belt, waist flap pockets, and back rain flap. Made of cotton lined in polyester, it might not keep you completely dry in a downpour, but it will be fine in a damp drizzle. Anyway, it’s so upbeat; how could you resist? Priced at $4750, it is for sale at bergdorfgoodman.com.
The Row Hellen belted, draped water-proof cotton blend trench coat
Season after season, The Row delivers gorgeous outerwear. This ‘Hellen’ water-repellent cotton-blend gabardine trench coat has a self-tie belt and a long panel designed to be draped over your shoulder – the proportions are perfect. It’s tailored from water-repellent cotton-blend gabardine and has a self-tie belt. Priced at $7250, it is for sale at netaporter.com.
Cos Oversized Scarf-Detail Trench Coat
For a look similar to The Row but far more affordable, you can’t do better than this short (above-the-knee) Cos trench coat with a detachable tonal scarf that can be draped effortlessly over one shoulder. Crafted from cotton with a hint of stretch, it’s cut in an enveloping, oversized shape and honors the original with its pointed collar, throat tab, and adjustable cuff tabs. Priced at $220, it is for sale at cos.com.
The market is flooded with humdrum, run-of-the-mill rain boots. The most distinctive ones I find are pre-owned, with light signs of normal wear. This will change as designers recognize a real need to expand this category. Meanwhile, many good options are available at various prices and sizes on multiple websites.
Some of my personal favorites:
Christian Louboutin boots
Christian Louboutin “Loubirain” boots are made of shiny PVC with calf leather trim on a 3″ block heel in a vibrant ‘Loubi’ red. It has a round toe, pull-on style, pull tab at the back collar with signature Louboutin red rubber outsole. There are several pairs at $490 for sale at vesticairecollective.com.
Kate Spade Randi Rubber Rain Boots
Kate Spade Randi block-heeled rain boots come alive with the red bow accent and pink felt lining. These are size 7, priced at $79, and for sale at poshmark.com.
Chanel Rubber Rain Boots
This is an authentic pair of CHANEL Rubber Rain Boots, size 36 in Ivory and Black, crafted of off-white rubber with black Chanel CC at the toe. These comfortable and functional rain boots are sure to keep you dry on any rainy day with the classic style of Chanel! Priced at $590, they are for sale at fashionfile.com.
Chanel Camellia Rubber Rain Boot
Chanel is always a good idea and these Camellia Wellies are so fab, and so iconic you will actually wish for wet weather so you have an excuse to wear them. Like the other boots, the sizes and prices vary markedly so if you are interested, it’s worth your while to take time to search for the best options.
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