I recently returned from a work trip (ok, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks) where it rained. Every. Single. Day. Getting from point A to point B already takes strategy in a foreign city. Add in jet lag and a depressing forecast and misery can start creeping in. But I for one love business travel! Always have. It’s invigorating to have a sense of purpose in someone else’s hometown. So I wasn't about to let the frightful forecast on weather.com get me down. I packed prepared for the monsoon like conditions that threatened to derail my mood…and my punctuality and met them where they were. So today, a uniform for getting dressed for rain without caving on style… in five parts.
An elegant hooded raincoat
A raincoat that announces itself as fashion before its functionality proves itself essential is a loaded category. Because we are not merely speaking about a raincoat that works here. In fact, function is the secondary concern when you want to feel incredible if the rain parts and you don’t have time to go home (or back to your room) and change. Therefore, the most important coat for working in the rain is actually something that you might not recognize at first glance as waterproof at all.
Consider this a “Give a Mouse a Cookie” coat. Once you’ve determined your layer is at least partially water resistant, you’re going to want a hood. Once you’ve secured the hood, you’ll want to find something with a voluminous body that could be confused for any old elegant overcoat (rain or shine). And it should also be a dark color, a navy or black that can hide the kick splatter from the mini leaps necessary to avoid stepping in a full on puddle. And of course, it should be able to take a sprinkling of rain - at least enough to keep you mostly dry while waiting on a corner for your Uber.
Almost a dozen options below (because sizing is sparse) that will look fabulous in the rain, but won’t make you feel awkward if the sun decides to bless you with its presence.
Boots with a little shine
Other than one night that was truly cocktail, I wore one pair of boots this entire week long trip. The leather on these boots is not buttery. It’s stiff and a bit shiny (though not patent.) And the sole equally tough. While the rigidity of the boots is part of their equestrian leaning look, it also helped combat the elements. They didn’t spot in the rain and their heavy soles took a beating well. And not for nothing, I actually think the rain helped break them in faster. They are now totally molded to my foot and extremely comfortable. I chose them for their color - a 70s shade of mushroom - that felt sleek and stylish before I recognized them for durability. I must say, I’m quite pleased at their ability to throw off an outfit in just the right way. A black boot felt too basic for my extremely considered layered look. These helped me feel like I wasn’t just dressing for rain, but dressed for the outfit’s sake first.
A bag that can take the beating
Look for something in a stiff, shiny leather, a croc stamp or pebbled finish. Gale warnings are no time for our buttery leather Flamencos. I like to have a proper handbag when I travel for work because I need more stuff with me all day. The standard phone/wallet/keys but also sunglasses, a charger, a snack, space for little goodies picked up along the way like a Leaning Tower of Pisa figurine for my kid and Langosteria paper coasters for my hubby. I splurged on the new Alaia Teckel before this trip (justifiable considering my destinations!) because I knew she would be the perfect buddy for all day and look great for the few evening events I had slotted too. She is a shiny leather that stood up great to the downpours without having to sacrifice style. I had to put myself on the waitlist at basically every e-tailer and wait for a “back in stock” notification. Finally got that glorious email a week before my trip on Matches. So just a note to tell you, she will appear if you have your heart set on her too. I also love this Cuyana number. Cuyana does a great croc stamp, I have a pouch in this material that I’ve had and beat up for ages and she still looks great. I also love her flap closure and long adjustable strap (I prefer her as a shoulder bag but she will also lengthen to crossbody if you need hands free at the airport). Essential to have a proper bag closure when pounding the pavement in big European metropolises. PIIIICK POCKETTTT!
Skirts and tights
This may seem obvious to some and completely mind boggling to others but when the weather is going to be terrible, I always gravitate toward skirts. Legs dry much faster than fabric and it will keep you from feeling soggy at your destination should you be putting in hundreds of steps in the drizzle. On this trip I packed a Comme des Garçons kilt and wooly A-line Wales Bonner skirt that I paired back to black opaque tights and the Toteme boots most days. The best skirts for layering with tights in the rain hit at your knee or above. Otherwise you won’t avoid the rain and may as well be wearing pants! Below, five knee-length and five minis that would look great with black tights and a big old raincoat.
A travel umbrella
Let’s face it. We’re not all staying at the Crillion. :) Or maybe some of you are and I am so happy for you! But I don’t really need to be a walking advertisement for my hotel when I’m traveling for work, bumping into colleagues all over town. I always pack a samsonite collapsable umbrella. It’s my favorite umbrella for the rest of the time too but it’s especially great when traveling to have something durable that closes up easily with a touch of a button as not to get frazzled with the many things you’re juggling. It also has a sleeve so you can throw it in your bag upon arrival at said destination without getting everything soaked.
Alas, my trip was successful, even glorious. Would I have preferred to clock 10k steps in the sunshine? Yes. But a little rain didn’t stop me and should not stop you! See you back here next week for our full breakdown of the FW24 season.
Yours TRULY,
Becky
Hard agree on the 'tights dry quicker than trousers' point. One day over New Year, I was wearing a glorious russet-coloured midi dress, and we got caught in torrential rain on the way home from dinner. By the time we got in, I looked like Lizzie Bennet after she'd walked to Netherfield Park (alas, no Mr Darcy waiting for me!)
Loved this post! Rain always throws me a curveball when traveling...you have shifted my thinking!