By: Shannon Ryan

Say it with me, “April showers bring May flowers.” This we know and this we accept. In our minds we limit the heavy rainfall and monsoon minutes to a span of four weeks, though it too often exceeds this preconceived stretch, and we end up staying mostly indoors for the month of April with a strong distaste for its weather.

And that’s blasphemy if I’ve ever heard it! Of course walking 20 minutes to class in a torrential downpour is not ideal, but who made the rule that your mood needs to match the weather? I’ve got a few tips, tricks and wardrobe words of wisdom for those of you interested in breaking the rules. Cheers to looking lovely in the rain.

Outerwear

The transition from snowflakes to raindrops marks a significant change in outerwear, specifically the coat. We see a sharpening of the silhouette and a lightening of fabrics — sayonara goose-down parka! In this conversion, however, we must still be mindful of the new season’s weather adversities and select a coat that works well when the weather is not. Seek shelter in a trench coat, a canvas jacket or a waterproof poncho.

The trench is an impeccably sharp and seasoned vet in the trend world, showing no signs of ever going out of style. And because you can wear this type of coat into autumn, too, choose one in a neutral color: ecru, khaki, navy or black. Similar rules apply for a canvas jacket, which is slightly heavier than the trench, though a bit more protective. As for the poncho, purchasing one that is anything but a hideous shade of McDonalds’ yellow is appropriate, though dark tones will draw less attention to you. And though less tailored than the other two, the poncho’s redeeming quality is the hood, the key to hair-happiness.

Footwear

In terms of footwear, the choices are slim to have truly pleasant and dry little piggies in a rainfall, coming down to one option: the rain boot. Investing in a pair with a bit more room — opting for a half size up — will allow you to put on a pair of socks for added warmth and protection.

Color choices are up to the wearer, though I will note that a dark shade of navy, forest green or classic black looks more sophisticated than a pair of pastel or polka-dotted wellies. And because the right pair of rain boots will last for seasons upon seasons, choosing a color that is less likely to go out of style might be a wiser investment in rubber.

Note: If you have a strong aversion to the rain boot, a waterproof pair of leather boots is an alternative, though they more often than not will need repairing after a few seasons. Regardless, an alternative they are.

Accessories

If you’ve stayed mostly muted in your rain gear up to this point, things are about to get freaky. Go wild with a printed umbrella, ella, ella, eh. Umbrellas are fun, and they’re cheap. Purchase a few in various colors and prints with panache, but don’t spend too much money on them. A leftover umbrella in a lecture hall is like a solo mitten on the sidewalk — a depressing and all-too-common sight at the U.

Cosmetics

There is nothing more unfortunate than looking like a rainy day vis-à-vis your makeup and hair. On a dreary day, less is certainly more. Choose a tinted moisturizer in lieu of a heavy foundation, and use a waterproof mascara to prevent raccoon eyes. The weather will add a dewy glow and a pop of color to your cheeks, so limit the use of blush, and add a berry stain for a flush to the lips. Fight the ultimate rain demon of frizz by braiding your hair or pinning it into a tidy ballerina bun for a feminine frizz-fighting do.

Looking sharp in a rainfall does require a bit of planning in advance, but once you’re locked and loaded in a water-resistant outfit, you’ll find a bit of solace in the gray shades and raindrop gifts of April. Stay dry without sacrificing style.