Stylist's Guide to Staying Chic During April Showers: 5 Key Tips
When envisioning rainy day attire, many picture blinding neon ponchos and unwieldy umbrellas. Personal rain gear often consists of bulky waterproof coats and old sneakers designated as "rain shoes." However, a recent rigorous test of 14 Pfas-free rain jackets serves as a reminder that it is possible to look fashionable even when it is pouring outside.
As we prepare for the April showers, we consulted stylist Liz Teich, who has styled celebrities like Ashley Graham and worked for major retailers such as TJ Maxx. She shared five practical strategies for maintaining a put-together appearance on drizzly days, ensuring style does not have to be sacrificed for practicality.
Find a Shoe That Can Do It All
Teich recommends Dolce Vita's line of waterproof boots, which offer a variety of styles ranging from suede cowboy boots to heeled options made of leather. "I swapped my Wellies for this pair that looks like a regular boot, so when the sun comes out, I am not stuck with a sweltering, clunky rubber boot all day," Teich explained. "These look so cute with a dress or skirt."
She is also a fan of 100% Italian waterproof leather boots from Frēda Salvador, which she has sworn by for years. For a well-made men's option, we recommend a waterproof pair from Nike that resembles a stylish sneaker more than a clunky rain boot, blending functionality with modern design.
Protect the Shoes That Cannot Handle Rain
Stylish suede boots can be worn in the rain if they are waterproofed first. One of Teich's favorite waterproofing sprays is a PFOA-free option that costs less than $20 from Jason Markk. "It is non-toxic, and it will protect your suede, your leather, any pieces that you are worried about getting ruined in the rain. I will spray it on my suede jackets. I will spray it on my handbags," she said, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness.
Experiment with a Cropped Classic
Teich loves a cropped trenchcoat for days when you are "going out, and you do not want to schlep around a heavy, long trench." If you are concerned about this trend being short-lived, Teich assures that it is here to stay. "I was wearing crop trenches for the last few years, so I do not think it is going to be a flash in the pan," she noted.
Pro tip: to accentuate your waist, she recommends opting for a cropped trench with a tie belt, adding a flattering silhouette to your rainy day ensemble.
Abandon the Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants can easily drag through puddles, so Teich suggests trying out a balloon style, which is trending this spring. If you are not completely sold on the look, she offers a budget-friendly alternative: "You can do a faux balloon pant if you do not want to spend the money, and put rubber bands or hair ties at your ankles," creating a similar effect without the investment.
Clear Is a Neutral
Swap bright umbrellas for a clear version that complements any outfit. Teich suggests an option under $30 from Totes: "It is nice because it does not clash with your outfit," she said. For a classic black style, we love an umbrella from Davek Solo, which has earned a spot in our coveted Buy It for Life category, known for its durability and timeless design.
Item of the Week: Kühl Stretch Voyagr Jacket
This jacket "threads the needle in the best way possible: technical enough to keep you dry and comfortable, yet stylish enough that you will look good wearing it to dinner," wrote contributor Heather Balogh-Rochfort of Kühl's Stretch Voyagr. She arrived at this conclusion after testing different Pfas-free rain jackets, including wearing each in the shower and assessing breathability during sweaty Peloton bike rides.
Deal for Readers: Anyday Containers
Instead of plastic food storage containers, we recommend glass containers made by Anyday. Reviewer Emily Farris noted that they can be frozen and microwaved, helping to reduce food waste. Anyday is offering a discount on its products, including two-cup glass containers, with code ANYDAYFILTER20 for 20% off.
Put to the Test: Dyson Airwrap i.d. vs. Shark FlexStyle
For contributor Juno DeMelo, styling curly hair does not come easily. Instead of splurging on salon blowouts, she spent a month testing two popular multi-stylers: Shark's FlexStyle and Dyson's Airwrap i.d. After many at-home blowouts, she concluded that Shark's FlexStyle provided "identical results for nearly half the price," making it a budget-friendly choice.
Spring Styling Tips: Triangle Scarves
Weather-related fashion dilemmas extend beyond rainy days. For unpredictable early spring temperatures, a merino wool triangle scarf serves as the perfect transition piece. It can be worn in six versatile ways, including as a trendy bonnet or tied around the waist into a belt-like style, adding flair to any outfit.
March in Review: What You Loved
Even though March is not technically over, we have compiled a list of favorite items from the month so far. Readers flocked to a bike light tested on rural roads and trafficky streets, as well as a microplastic-free cutting board that passed our "sniff test" involving cloves of garlic, showcasing practical and eco-friendly choices.
