The mere mention of "summer" instantly brings to mind idyllic scenes of sun - kissed indulgence. We envision leisurely sipping pints in the local beer garden, browsing for fresh produce at a bustling farmer's market, and luxuriating on the beach, clad only in a swimsuit. However, the reality of summer weather, with its sunny spells often interrupted by unexpected showers, while making us cherish the good days even more, does pose a challenge to our summer wardrobe planning.
A sudden downpour can quickly transform a stylish outfit into a soggy mess. Thus, keeping an eye on the weather forecast is essential. When rain is on the horizon, making a few simple adjustments to your look can save the day. These don't need to be drastic; think of stashing a compact umbrella in your bag or donning a waterproof hat that combines practicality with charm.
When constructing a summer outfit, there are key factors to consider to avoid sartorial discomfort. If rain is forecasted, denim is a definite no - go. Once wet, it becomes heavy, stiff, and chafing against the skin. Open - toed shoes and suede accessories are also best left in the closet (the latter to protect their quality). Instead, opt for lightweight, quick - drying fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Here are some stylish and weather - ready outfit ideas:
1. Bucket Hat + Tank Top + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: While a bucket hat won't protect you from rapid rainfall, it will keep your hair dry as you run for shelter. To boost your odds against the elements, drape a jumper over your shoulders for extra cover. I would, however, recommend pivoting from white trousers to something more opaque, like beige or brown.
2. Trench Coat + Long Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A trench coat is a handy layer for all seasons, but a light and rain-resistant iteration will serve you well through the summer months. Choose one a similar length as your favourite sundress and finish the look with closed-toe flats.
3. Baseball Cap + Sweatshirt + Trainers
Style Notes: Again, a hat is an easy addition to your outfit that will make getting caught in a shower slightly less annoying, while cotton or linen shorts can be quickly changed out of and won't hold buckets of moisture in the meantime.
4. All Black + Raincoat
Style Notes: Besides looking incredibly elegant, an all-black ensemble will hide any wet patches left by the rain. Not that you'll need to worry about that with a sleek parka tossed over your outfit.
5. Cotton Maxi Dress + Tote Bag + Sneakers
Style Notes: Rainy days can be muggy and warm, so a breezy cotton dress is a smart choice to keep you cool. Add a roomy tote bag to carry your umbrella and extra layers in case the temperature dips.
6. Minidress + T-shirt + Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: Boots intuitively feel like the most practical footwear option for rainy weather, but aren't necessarily summer-appropriate. Enter the cowboy boot, a year-round style that looks so cool with a mini silhouette and a bare leg.
