Of all the weather conditions to which New Yorkers are subjected, nothing is as anti-fashion as a good, old fashioned downpour.
This year’s autumn has been particularly soggy, with rain sprinkled across workdays and weekends alike. Under normal circumstances, I wear the unofficial NYC storm uniform: green Hunter boots and a trench coat. The combo may be a Pinterest favorite, but I now shy away from that standard look — ubiquity tends to dampen the fun of fashion.
Here’s what I wore during a recent weekend interspersed with showers:
Please note the pleather pants from Club Monaco, which are more practical, affordable and rain-proof than real leather. After several road tests, I am fairly certain that pleather can withstand rain, sleet and snow without permanent damage. Club Monaco salespeople have told me these faux leather leggings are a hit every year, and I can see why: The tight fit is sleek, but the stretchable waistband is extremely comfortable. (Snap up a pair here.)
Next up: the felt hat.
I often carry an umbrella, but I loathe using it. As any New Yorker will tell you, the life expectancy of the average umbrella is roughly 15 minutes. (If the wind doesn’t flip it inside out, the handle will break right in your hand, making an umbrella purchase the fiscal equivalent of burning a $10 bill.)
On the other hand, a wide-brimmed hat can handle anything from a light mist to a drizzle, making it a chic alternative. Unfortunately, it is just as susceptible to unfortunate wind-related incidents — this hat almost flew right off my head when I was crossing Third Avenue.
But this outfit’s major victory is that it was my first time wearing this extra-long, skirted Elizabeth and James tank top. In my previous attempts to wear it, the top resembled an awkwardly shrunken, too-short dress. But once I paired it with a cropped Topshop sweater, it fused into a multidimensional, floaty top.
This top was slated for the “giveaway” pile after my latest closet clean-out, so I consider its new life a big win for pragmatism. If only I could unearth a similar solution to save my umbrella supply.
What do you wear when it rains? If you’ve managed to avoid the same-old rain boot/poncho uniform, share your go-to look!