ON SUNDAY, July 8, Washington D.C., got drenched with a month’s worth of rain (3.44 inches) in a single hour. In Pittsburgh, in 2019, there has been more than 30 inches of precipitation so far, nearly an inch more than at this time in 2018 in what was a record-setting year. According to the NOAA National Climate Report, along a large swath of the East Coast, precipitation was above to much-above-average.
So far, this summer looks a lot like last year’s when one of our favorite, fashion-forward colleagues asked for some advice on how to weather rainy, hot temperatures. We thought now might be the perfect time to repost our story on where to find the best-looking lightweight raincoats and jackets.
—Janet Kelly
LEFT: Lululemon’s translucent, light-as-air In the Clear Jacket ($99) is water-repellent and wind-resistant. In addition to this misty lilac color, it also comes in white and black. RIGHT: Stay dry and chic in J. Crew’s cotton/nylon Perfect Rain Jacket ($72, with code PRIME). Water-resistant fabric, a fishtail hem for splash protection, adjustable elastic bungee at the waist and a practical hood have you covered. Also available in burgundy, moss, navy and black; limited availability in yellow, peony, ivory and sky.
LEFT: Don’t save Hunter Boots’s oversized Refined Waterproof Garden Trench Coat ($263) for a rainy day. A riff on the traditional-style trench with its patch pockets, snap buttons and woven belt, it can see you through to fall and then reappear in time for April showers. RIGHT: The polka-dot print on this Waterproof Lightweight Hooded Packable Poncho ($22.99, Amazon) makes it fun to wear hiking, biking, cycling or just walking to work. Stash it in its matching pouch and keep it handy in your suitcase or tote bag.
LEFT: Nothing beats the look of an old-fashioned slicker with its functional, clean-lined design. This waterproof Rain Jacket ($110, Shopbop) is a good interpretation of the oldie but goodie. It also comes in sage and navy. RIGHT: Joules’s Right as Rain Packable Print Hooded Rain Coat ($74.95, Nordstrom), with polyurethane coating and taped seams to ensure you keep dry in a downpour, comes in a choice of three happy prints.
LEFT: Made with sleek, water-repellant, crinkly metallic nylon, Søsken Studios’ Hara Rain Coat ($208.60, Shopbop) will keep you stylishly dry. Practical elements include a high collar and hood, back bungee cord for adjusting the shape of the coat and oversized pockets for stashing sundry stuff. RIGHT: Herschel Supply’s relaxed-fit Rainwear Fishtail Parka ($119.99) is made from a waterproof-coated polyester stretch fabric. Under-arm air vents keep you cool. Besides teal, it’s available in 11 other colors, including two camo prints and a nautical-looking blue-and-white stripe.
LEFT: To bring home the point that cloudy, rainy days have silver linings, this light beige cotton Rue Blanche Vinterberg Trench Coat really does have one. Unfortunately, this quirky trench, which also has inner backpack-like straps to hang your coat on when you don’t feel like lugging it around on your arm, is out of stock. RIGHT: An adjustable tie fashionably cinches the back of Cole Haan’s water-resistant Signature Back Bow Packable Hooded Raincoat ($129.90, Nordstrom). The lightweight polyester/nylon coat also packs away into its own little pouch for easy transport. Shown above in mist, it’s also available in eight other colors, including pink, champagne, gunmetal and red.
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