Wet Weather Ahead

By Janet Kelly

WELCOME to April. Weather forecasters are hedging their bets. No matter what their predictions are about whether El Niño or La Niña prevails this spring, you can bet your booty it’s going to rain.

Here are my picks for prepping—functionally—and as stylishly as possible for wet weather.

You can now fashionably dodge the raindrops beneath a bubblegum pink umbrella in Scalamandré ‘s wildly popular Leaping Cheetah pattern. Lightweight but durable with a wooden handle and a 48-inch-wide canopy, this bumbershoot, which sells for $115, will brighten up a stormy sky and maybe your mood, too.

Fearlessly jump puddles in the crème de la crème of rain boots. Le Chameau wellies, such as this mid-calf (Giverny Boot), are made out of Grade A rubber, sourced from Vietnam, and handcrafted by master bootmakers and then tested to ensure they’re 100% waterproof. Lined in tartan jersey with a shock-absorbing, all-terrain sole, the Giverny is available in army green (shown), as well as marine blue, black and cherry red, for $179 at Terrain.

Sometimes you want a classic; sometimes you don’t. In the latter event, disrupt the traditional by opting for this Renata Trench Coat, a feminine take on the trench with a ruffled collar and capelet. It sells for $468 at Anthropologie.

These Davek Mini umbrellas are 7 inches long and weigh only 8 ounces. Even so, the canopy is 38 inches wide. Available in black, turquoise, navy, royal blue, pink, plum, turquoise, red or yellow, they sell for $60.

Ahoy, sailors and anyone else who would like to have their feet stay dry in wet weather. These Xtratuf 6-inch ankle deck boots are made with 100% waterproof uppers, moisture-wicking liners and rubber outsoles for a good grip on slick surfaces. We do love these yellow ones, which are reduced in price by half to $51.73, but only if you happen to wear a small or large size. They also come in black and navy for $105 at REI.

Whether you’re hiking a challenging trail or leisurely walking the pooch, the seamed seals on  the waterproof fabric of Columbia’s Arcadia II jacket prevent raindrops from seeping in and ruining your excursion. A breathable mesh lining ensures you don’t feel sticky and an adjustable storm hood keeps your head dry. Available in 10 colors, it sells or $74.99.

Burberry knows a thing or two about rain protection, which includes umbrellas. The classic check pattern never goes out of style but for a change, here’s a seasonal rosy print on a folding brolly with a 39-inch canopy, a black walnut wood handle and a tough frame of steel, fiberglass and aluminum for $410.

Stockholm brand Stutterheim riffs on its original heavy-fabric matte raincoat with its new Mosebacke Lightweight Rain Coat ($200), constructed with a lightweight, waterproof fabric tailored with double-welded seams to prevent moisture from trickling in. Underarm eyelets mean you can move freely, and the thin and packable fabric makes it a perfect piece for travel. The A-line shaped coat comes in 14 other colors besides yellow.

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