As the weather shifts from summer heat to cool autumn afternoons, the chances for rain increase. Those drizzly days are perfect for indoor picnics and snuggling up with a good book or movie marathon, but they’re also fun to play in, too.
Families can deck themselves out in their best rain attire for a memorable walk at the park. You can even dress up in cute rain gear for a quick dash to work or to the store.
Essential #1: Raincoats
Raincoats are also called slickers in some parts of the country. These jackets and capes are made from water-resistant fabric that also has a slight breathable quality to it.
Gore-Tex, Tyvek, and coated nylons are often used to make coats, jackets, and capes for rainy weather.
Raincoats come in a variety of styles, including anoraks and trench coats. If you’re more into ponchos and rain capes, you might try something like the reversible Classic, Dressy, or fine-art inspired rain capes by RainCaper.
Translucent rain coats were also trending earlier this year, along with fishtail hems, hoods, and fitted waists.
Essential #2: Rainboots
Waterproof rain boots for women currently have a good tread with thick soles, and many of them rise above the ankle, with a buckle and strap to cinch them close to your leg once they’re on.
There are also ankle-high rain shoes with elastic sides for an easy slip-on experience. Rain boots and shoes come in dark solids like navy and brown, as well as bright-colored, eye-catching patterns.
If you or your sweetie are runners, you won’t want the rain to stop you. Many brands of running shoes offer water-resistant versions.
You can add to that by rubbing beeswax over your shoes or spraying them with a water-repellant before you run.
Essential #3: Rain hats
You only really need a rain hat if your raincoat doesn’t come with a hood, but sometimes they’re just fun to wear. Wide-brimmed hats made from Gore-Tex or vinyl can keep your head both dry and stylish. They can be adorable on your kiddos, too.
Essential $4: Umbrellas
Umbrellas are as much a statement piece as they are a practical piece of equipment. If you’re looking for something professional and easy, go with a fold-up version in black, navy blue, or charcoal gray.
Sometimes you want something more playful. In this case, you could try something like the mixed print and translucent look in the Daisy-Dot Paisley umbrella by Vera Bradley or umbrellas in bright solids or rainbow patterns.
Essential #5: Rain Gear for your Pet
Just because it’s wet outside doesn’t mean your dog won’t want a romp in the park or to go jogging with you. If the rain doesn’t bother them, you can head out for your play date without too much worry.
Just make sure that when you get back, you dry your pet with a towel and brush the fur to get out any matted leaves or mud that could be stuck there.
If it’s pouring or if the rain bothers your pet, consider using something like the All-weather Dog Parka by Orvis. A covering like this could help protect your dog from catching a cold if his fur gets too wet or if the wind picks up and he gets chilled.
One other thing to consider is that rainy weather is also darker weather, and twilight can fall fast, too. Make sure your pet is equipped with something like the Michi LED collar so that he can be spotted as he’s running along the roads with you.
This could help keep you safe, as well.
