Rainy Day Essentials: Rain Coats and Jackets For Women (Plus Shopping Tips!)

Heyyyyy. I took a small respite from the blog because my mom came to visit (which was super fun and a great break). It provided an opportunity to think about the direction for the blog and how I can bring a lot of value in the form of helpful tips, projects, and good ol’ conversation to like-minded peeps. Like you. Woot!

First up! Being that it’s spring and the weather is crazy, I created a three-part mini-series called Rainy Day Essentials. As someone who expresses myself through my style and what I wear every day, and also being a Seattleite, it can be hard to find cute AND functional gear. I’ve seen many an article that showcases fashionable “rain” gear. Cute, yes. Realistic? No. What about for those girls (read: me and loads of other real girls) who have to walk multiple blocks, up hills, down hills, and on slick sidewalks just to get to my car, or work, or the mall, or the craft store in the rain on a regular basis? I need stylish and sophisticated gear that offers protection from the rain and also protects my cute outfit. So where does that leave us? At Part 1 of this mini-series, rain coats!

1: Laney Trench Coat Rain Jacket, The North Face ($179)
2. Romera Rain Jacket, The North Face ($149)
3. La Selva Rain Jacket, REI ($169)
4. Romera Rain Jacket, The North Face ($149)
All of these jackets were found at REI.com and each style offers a variety of colors!

I’ve rounded up four beautiful rain coats and jackets for women that receive an A+ from me in the protection department but also have style.  In styling a complete outfit, I think it’s important that coats and rain boots don’t clash with the rest of your outfit. I’m not sure how it happened, but a lot of rain gear on the market is gaudy, tacky, crazy. My theory about this phenomenon is that it doesn’t rain often in a lot of areas, so the styles have become lax and women feel a moment of weakness when coming across daisy, rainbow, plaid, and yellow plastic rain coats and boots. I say: slowly step away. I will say that wearing those things a few times a year is okay. But rain gear is a huge part of my wardrobe, and I just. can’t. wear those things for three-quarters of my life.

If these don’t float your boat, here are a few things to look for when shopping for a rain coat:

1. Solid, neutral color

This is important. If you’re wearing this coat on a regular basis, a solid color will go with everything in your closet. However, you’ll see I included a striped coat as an option. If you can’t do a solid-colored coat, this one provides a modern style without being too bright or overbearing.

2. A hood

I don’t think I need to say anything more about this. It’s a MUST (even if you have an umbrella).

3. High quality

It’s okay to splurge on a good, solid coat (and not just on rain coats, ANY coat). It provides amazing protection and will last many years even with constant wear. Trust me, it’s worth it. The styles above range from $150-$200 and made by reputable outdoor companies such as REI and The North Face. These companies also have wonderful guarantees and return policies should something happen to it. I own the La Selva jacket from REI and I adore it. I’ve had it about 2.5 years and it still looks great.

4. Belted, trench style

Belted rain coats add style, sophistication, and also give a slimming effect. The styles above look very similar to a classic trench, yet have exceptional protection from the elements. Styles #2 and #4 above don’t have a belt, but still offer a great silhouette.

5. Longer length

I’ve been tempted by hundreds of pretty rain coats that are affordable (about $100) that hit me at the hip. But the shorter styles simply doesn’t offer the same protection–the length will protect more of your body and your outfit, and thus, keep you warmer and drier.

What are your recommendations for rain coats and jackets? I’d love to know!
Next time we’ll talk about recommendations and tips for buying rain boots! Have a great weekend!