Rainy Day Outfits: What to Wear on a Raidy Day? (2024)

Dressing for a warm rainy day isn’t quite as simpleas bundling up during chilly rainstorms — so I thought it definitely warranted its own article. (See our guide to what to wear on cold rainy days for tips for those chillier storms!)

After all, when it’s hot and sticky out, the last thing you want to wear is a pair of heavy winter rain boots.I’ve learned this the hard way.

When I moved to Boston from Southern California five years ago, I was super excited to take on the East Coast elements: wind, snow, sleet, all that good stuff. My wardrobe and I adapted quickly to the cold weather, but what really wound up throwing me for a loop was the first summer I spent in Boston. California summers are dry as a bone, so I wasn’t prepared for the humidity and torrential downpours.

I’ve got it down now, though. Read on for tips on how to stay comfortable and dry throughout the spring showers season!

Related reading: 6 Incredibly Cute Spring Outfits to Wear on Repeat

Warm Rainy Day Essentials

Footwear

Think beyond traditional wellies when keeping your feet dry during spring and summer rainstorms.

Short Rain Boots

A Chelsea or lace-up style, they are just as functional but won’t overheat your legs. (How cute are these black ones?)

Jelly Shoes/Flats

Jelly shoes have come a long way since the ones you wore in elementary school. They come in trendy shapes and colors, like these pretty glitter flats.

Rubber Slides and Rubber Birkenstocks

CLICK HERE TO BUY AT NORDSTROM

See Also

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and DryRainy summer day outfit ideas: Styling tips and looks for bad weather!10 Practical Rainy-Day Outfits to Steal From Celebrities This Spring

Rubber slides and rubber Birkenstocks are cute options that are on-trend right now and come in tons of colors.

Patent Leather

Just make sure that your feet can breathe in whatever shoes you choose — the combination of heat and moisture can lead to a not-so-pleasant smell!

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic Leather can withstand light rain and provide an edgy touch to your ensemble. Their timeless appeal and versatility make them a wardrobe staple that can handle a drizzle with ease.

Outerwear

A lightweight jacket is the ideal companion for a warm rainy day.

It doesn’t have to be waterproof (see our guide to how to wear a raincoat if you want to go that route), but it should be made from a fabric that dries relatively quickly.

Cotton and synthetics, like rayon and polyester, all fit the bill. (Just make sure to avoid wool, as it gets heavy when wet and takes forever to dry!)

Military Jacket

Military Jacket strikes an impeccable balance between rugged charm and practicality. Crafted with durable materials, it’s a fantastic choice for a warm rainy day.

Classic Trench Coat

When sophistication meets functionality, you get the Trench Coat. A timeless classic, the trench coat is the epitome of elegance on a rainy day. The water-resistant material keeps you dry, while the sleek design drapes beautifully over any ensemble.

Denim Jacket

Denim Jacket proves that denim can be rain-ready too. This versatile piece adds a touch of casual cool to your outfit while offering a degree of water resistance. Its adaptable nature allows you to pair it with various tops and bottoms.

Clear Raincoat

If you’re looking to show off your outfit while staying dry, the Clear Raincoat is your go-to option. Transparent and trendy, this raincoat allows your ensemble to shine through while providing protection from the rain.

Moto Jacket

For an edgier take on rainy-day fashion, the Moto Jacket hits the mark. With its sleek leather exterior and bold detailing, it adds a rebellious flair to your look.

Accessories

If the forecast is predictingheavy rain and winds, a bubble umbrella is a sensible option. In addition to my heavy-duty bubble umbrella, I have a compact umbrella that I stash in my bag every day – just in case. (Can you tell I had some bad experiences with getting caught in surprise storms? These days I over-prepare for precipitation… constant vigilance!)

Bubble Umbrella

Bubble Umbrella is a functional accessory that doesn’t sacrifice style. Its clear, dome-shaped design not only shields you from rain but also provides a unique and chic appearance.

Compact Umbrella

Compact Umbrella is the perfect blend of practicality and fashion. Its small size makes it easy to carry in your bag, ensuring you’re prepared for sudden downpours.

Awaterproof purse or backpack(pretty much anything faux leather should be fine) will keep your belongings dry. Another option is to keep a cute foldable tote bag – I’m obsessed with the ones from Baggu – in your purse: if it starts to rain, you can just put your handbag inside of the nylon tote.

Shopping Tote

Shopping Tote is a versatile companion for rainy days. Crafted from water-resistant materials, it keeps your belongings safe from moisture while exuding sophistication.

Crossbody Bag

Crossbody Bag is a smart choice for staying hands-free on rainy days. Its compact size and adjustable strap offer convenience while keeping your belongings dry.

Rainy Day Fashion Picks: Outfit Ideas

Classic Rainy Day Outfit

Products:

• Trench – Nordstrom
• Dress – Nordstrom
• Umbrella – Hunter
• Sandals – Tkees
• Bag – Longchamp

You can’t go wrong with a classic trench! Rainy days also tend to be windy, so if you’re opting for a skirt, make sure it’s one that won’t easily fly up.

I find that I always want to wear pretty colors to perk up a rainy day. In this look, pops of coral and mustard, in the form of a unique umbrella and a sturdy tote, fit the bill! Finally, these nude sandals are patent leather so they should hold up well in a downpour.

Casual Rainy Day Outfit

Products:

• Anorak – Nordstrom
• Tee – Madewell
• Scarf – Nordstrom
• Boots – Sam Edelman
• Bag – Baggu
• Shorts – Madewell

Short rain boots are a cinch to style – just wear them the way you would wear normal ankle boots! Cargo jackets always look great with casual outfits. Denim cutoffs are a summer staple, and since your legs dry faster than jeans do, they’re a great choice for a rainy day. (One caveat: it’s better to wear slightly longer shorts that won’t chafe your inner thighs when the fabric gets wet!)

A lightweight scarf is always a good accessory to have. In a pinch, it can double as a head covering if you find yourself without a hood or an umbrella.

Unexpected Rainy Day Outfit

Products:

• Umbrella – Mango
• Tee – Boohoo
• Backpack – Macy’s
• Anorak – Nordstrom
• Skirt – H&M
• Mascara – Ulta
• Shoes – FILA

While army green, navy, tan, and black are trusty choices for rainy-day outerwear, an anorak in an unexpected clear white is a stylish way to stand out from the crowd! Pair it with chunky sneakers and a graphic tee for a totally spring-to-summer-appropriate look.

There’s no need to sacrifice style for function: this mini backpack isn’t real leather, so it’s pretty water-resistant. Finally, don’t forget to swap out your normal mascara for a waterproof version! We’re obsessed with Lash Paradise by Maybelline right now.

Trendy Rainy Day Outfit

Products:

• Blazer – ASOS
• Bag – Topshop
• Romper – Revolve
• Slides – Neiman Marcus Last Call
• Umbrella – Luisaviaroma

This would be an adorable outfit for a really warm or humid day when you’re not 100% sure if it’s going to rain or not. Layer an oversized blazer in trendy pale green over a fun romper or dress, then slip on a pair of waterproof slides. A PU bucket bag won’t get water damaged, and it’s such a cute detail to add to the look!

What did you think?

Would you wear these outfits? Which look is your favorite? What are your go-to outfits for days that are wet and muggy? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Looking for more rainy day outfits? We’ve gathered some of our favorite outfit ideas from our archives to keep you looking stylish even when it’s raining

• Ask CF: What Are Some Cute Rainy Day Outfits for School?
• Cute Rain Boots 2019: 7 Stylish Rain Boots You’ll Love
• Perk up Your Rainy Day with These Cute Picks!
• 20+ Stylish Rainy Day Must-Haves
• How to Stay Cute in a Torrential Downpour
• Seven Cute Pairs of Rain Boots to Jazz Up Your Rainy Day Look | Cute Rain Boots Guide

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2014; it was completely updated and revamped in 2023 with new photos, outfit sets, and information.