Dear Nikki,

I’m a busy schoolgirl. During rainy days, I usually end up getting wet because I only wear hoodies to school. My raincoats are heavy and ‘not-so-stylish’ and I don’t like bringing an umbrella (oh… the burden). We’re not allowed to wear any kind of shoes to school other than the black leather shoes. Can you suggest anything that’s kinda stylish yet easy to carry and wear on rainy days?

Emi

I love boots! But in a country with pretty hot weather, wearing them is a NO-NO. However, rain is giving us a signal that rainy season will start soon. I’m an artist and I can wear anything I want in the office, but is it ideal to wear it on a rainy season?

Leah

Hello Nikki!

To start off, I just want to say I love this site, your sense of style and your answers to questions without being creepy. Anyway, I want to know what to wear on rainy days, because I can never decide if it’s too hot or to cold to wear some things. I love Asian fashion, probably because I’m Chinese, and I’m in 6th grade going on 7th. Please help!

P.S. Can you also please tell me any Chinese fashion, too?

Arika

Let me just say up front that I love umbrellas (hello Rihanna!). I actually think they make quite a fashion statement, given the right color to go with my outfit of course. I also love rain gear – raincoats, hats, boots, mackintoshes, etc. But more than the gear, I love the rain, except when there’s too much of it.

The Rain in Spain Won’t Make You Plain
Trust Eliza Doolittle (paraphrased) to give wonderful style advice! Consider rainy days as a fashion challenge for you, dear little chic misses, to go out of your comfort zone and be ingenious with your wardrobe.

A thing or two to remember about dressing for rainy days:

• No trailing hemlines. That means no long skirts or trousers cuffs that scrape the ground. Leave the wedding trains behind please, ladies.
• No to sheer clothes. If you really want to wear that pretty chiffon top, then by all means wear it with a base layer. You don’t want to attract an audience.
• Better to stay dry than to look wet, bedraggled and pitiful. I don’t need to explain that, do I?

So you wonder-three want a solution to your rainy day dilemmas? While I regret to say that my fab and favorite website (YesStyle, hello!) has yet to stock up on other rain gear, I found some great alternatives!

Go for a different ‘hood. Windbreakers are a good substitute for hoodies. Lighter and in some cases, waterproof, you can wear them over your school outfits to make sure you stay dry. Even better, since they’re usually made of nylon or polyurethane, you can still wear layers underneath it, including a cardigan or a jacket.

It’s all in the coating. Coatdresses, dearies. You might think it’s weird but I’m talking about coatdresses made of lighter fabric, and not your heavy trenchcoats. There are a lot of sleeveless versions or those with detachable sleeves so they ensure you’re fully covered from neck to knee. Opt for ones made of cotton and preferably with lining to keep your base layers dry. Plus, you have to admit coats make you look cool!

Tell a shirt(dress) tale. I am an avowed fan of shirtdresses and T-shirt dresses since these are very versatile pieces, regardless of season. Make sure to pick one that’s knee-length to avoid splattering it. Choose a pattern – stripes for nautical, spots for, err, fun – or a bright color to perk up your outfit. Even with a cardigan, a windbreaker or a hoodie, this type of dress will ensure you’re still a sight through rain-soaked eyes.

Be rainbow-bright! The surest way to battle the cloudy skies is to wear bright tops. That butter-yellow cardigan throws a spot of sunshine in your own corner and makes you stand out instantly. Go for all the other colors in the spectrum!

Take the shorts-cut. If jeans feel too constrictive and you don’t mind getting a little soaked, then choose shorts or skorts. Both mid-thigh or knee-length are good ones that will work for school and the office (if the rules apply). Fold the cuffs for a little more oomph and wear a nice belt.

Give ‘em the (rain) boot! They come in a million patterns and colors, in all manner of heights and heels, and they keep your feet dry! Emi dear, if your school doesn’t allow you to wear any other shoes, perhaps you can put your school pair in your bag (to keep it dry especially if it’s leather) and wear ankle-high boots instead. Leah, you lucky lady, yes you can wear boots of course! But stash the leather and suede ones in your closet for now and make cute rubber rain boots your first pick. There are versions with heels so you don’t lose your lady-like stride. You can tuck in your leggings or jeans into the boots so they stay dry too.

Hats, Umbrellas, Scarves! Of course, you can’t forget your umbrella! Pick a kiddie one with cartoon prints or cute patterns to enliven your outfit. Just don’t be disappointed if it breaks during a cyclone. Choose a moderately priced one that ensures good usage throughout the rainy season. Don’t forget the scarves and hats as well – they keep your neck and shirt collar dry. Skip the sunglasses ’cause it’s raining, darling.

Stay dry, ducklings!

Nikki

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