Rainy Day Outfits: Stay Dry and Still Look Put Together
Rainy day outfit ideas for work, weekends and travel: water-resistant coats, the right shoes, fabrics that dry fast and what to avoid when it pours.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Rain ruins outfits mostly through the wrong shoes and fabrics. Get those right and a rainy day outfit can look just as good as any other.
What to wear on top
- Trench coat or mac: water-resistant and smart enough for the office.
- Waxed or technical jacket: for heavy rain and weekends.
- Hooded parka: for cold, wet days.
- Long enough to cover your hips keeps more of you dry.
Shoes for rain
- Leather chelsea boots (treated) or lace-up boots with rubber soles
- Rubber or waterproof ankle boots
- Waterproof sneakers
- Avoid suede, canvas and smooth leather soles (slippery)
Fabrics
- Good: wool (stays warm when damp), synthetic blends, dark denim, treated leather.
- Avoid: light-colored linen, silk, suede, very long hems that soak up puddles.
Outfit ideas
Work
- Trench + navy knit + grey trousers + leather chelsea boots
- Mac + white shirt + black trousers + rubber-sole loafers
- Belted trench + midi skirt + knee boots
Weekend
- Waxed jacket + hoodie + dark jeans + waterproof sneakers
- Raincoat + striped top + straight jeans + rubber boots
- Parka + chunky knit + cargo trousers + lug-sole boots
Travel
- Packable rain jacket + tee + quick-dry trousers + sneakers
- Trench + knit set + boots
Hems and lengths
Cropped or ankle-length trousers stay drier than long, pooling hems. Cuff your jeans on wet days.
Bags and extras
A water-resistant tote or backpack, a compact umbrella, and a small microfiber cloth for glasses or phone.
Rainy day kit for your bag
- Compact umbrella
- Packable rain jacket or poncho for heavy showers
- A spare pair of socks
- A small towel or microfiber cloth
- A zip pouch to protect your phone
Caring for clothes after rain
Hang wet coats on a wide hanger away from direct heat so they keep their shape. Stuff wet leather shoes with newspaper and let them dry slowly, then condition the leather. Brush mud off suede once it's dry, not while it's wet.
Try it with your own closet
Ask Wardrobely's AI stylist "Heavy rain all day, office, then dinner," and it picks pieces from your closet that can handle it. Seasonal guides: fall outfit ideas and spring outfit ideas. Traveling? See how to pack light.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on a rainy day?
A water-resistant coat, dark trousers or jeans, and boots or waterproof sneakers with rubber soles.
What shoes are best in the rain?
Rubber or treated leather boots and waterproof sneakers. Avoid suede and canvas.
Can I wear a trench coat in the rain?
Yes. Most trench coats are water-resistant and designed for rainy weather, though not for downpours.