What to Wear on a Rainy Day in Town
Written by Artemis Clo
Working out what to wear on a rainy day in town is a very British skill, and it is mostly about the outer edges: what is on your shoulders, your feet and your arm. Get those three right and you can wear almost anything underneath.
What to wear on a rainy day: start with the coat
Your coat is doing most of the work, so choose it before anything else. A coat with a hood is worth more than you think, because umbrellas turn inside out on windy corners and a hood stays put. Look for a length that covers your hips, or ideally your knees, so your skirt or trousers stay dry when you sit on a damp bench or a bus seat.
A trench is the classic town choice. A belted knee-length trench coat looks smart over a dress or trousers, and you can belt it tight against a gust. For colder, wetter days, an oversized textured hooded coat with a button front covers more of you. Check the product details for the fabric and finish, as not every smart coat is designed for a downpour. The coats and jackets include plenty of hooded styles.
Coats and jackets to start with
A few pieces that fit what you have just read.
Belted Knee-Length Trench Coat, Loose Fit
Oversized Textured Hooded Coat with Button Front
Long Reversible Hooded Coat, Quilted and Teddy
Boots that cope with puddles
Wet feet ruin a day faster than anything else. When choosing boots for a rainy day, pick ones with a solid sole, few seams and a smooth upper that wipes clean. A side zip makes them easy to get on and off when you come in dripping, and a low block heel feels steadier on slippery pavements than a slim one, without sinking into gaps between paving stones.
Side zip ankle boots with a pull tab are the sort of easy, slip-on shape that suits a wet day. Leave suede-look styles for dry weather, and if they do get caught out, our guide to cleaning suede boots will help them recover. The full range of boots has smooth styles that are easier to wipe down.
Winter rain often comes with gritted pavements, and the white tide marks can appear overnight. Our guide to removing salt stains from boots shows how to deal with them before they set.
Hems and fabrics that dry fast
Long, wide hems are lovely on a dry day and act like wicks in the rain, soaking up puddle water as you walk. On a wet day, choose trousers that end at the ankle or tuck into boots, or a skirt that stops just below the knee.
Fabric matters too. Polyester, nylon and many blends dry quickly and do not lose their shape when damp. Cotton and denim stay wet for hours. Wool keeps you warm even when it is a little damp, which is why a fine knit under your coat is a good idea on a cold, wet day. Mid to dark colours forgive splashes from passing buses far better than cream ever will.
Layers are your friend, because you will go from cold rain to a warm, steamy café and back again. Our guide to layering for British weather covers this in more detail.
A bag that keeps things dry
An open tote fills with rain in minutes, and your phone, purse and book end up swimming. On a wet day, choose a bag with a zip top and a smooth surface that wipes dry. A glossy croc-effect shoulder bag with a zip top keeps things covered and looks polished in a meeting. Wearing it across your body or on your shoulder also leaves a hand free for the umbrella. The bags include plenty of zipped styles.
Keep a small folding umbrella and a pack of tissues inside, and a plastic bag or pouch for the umbrella once it is wet. It saves everything else from a soaking on the train home.
Three rainy day outfits for town
Putting it all together, here are three easy ways to dress for a rainy day in town, depending on what the day holds.
For a day at work
Ankle-length trousers, a fine knit, a belted trench and smooth ankle boots. Put a pair of smarter shoes in a drawer at the office if you have one, and nobody needs to know how wet the walk in was.
For shopping and lunch
A knee-length knitted dress with opaque tights, a coat with a hood and a zipped crossbody bag. Tights dry far faster than trouser hems, and a knit dress shrugs off the odd drop.
For a museum or gallery
Jeans tucked into boots, a jumper you can take off once inside, and a long hooded coat. Most galleries have a cloakroom, so a big coat is less of a burden than it sounds.
Whichever you choose, knowing what to wear in the rain is half the battle won. The other half is a hot drink somewhere warm, and that part is entirely up to you.
Next, from our boots
Something from a neighbouring rail, for the same moment.
Orthopaedic Side Zip Ankle Boots with Pull Tab
Orthopaedic Ruched Ankle Boots with Side Zip
Orthopaedic Lined Ankle Boots with Buckle Strap
Your questions, answered
Are trainers a bad idea in the rain?
Fabric and mesh trainers soak through quickly and take a long time to dry, so they are best left at home on a wet day. Smooth, closed trainers cope better with a light shower. For steady rain, a boot with a solid sole and few seams keeps your feet much drier.
How do I dry wet boots without damaging them?
Stuff them with newspaper or a dry towel and leave them at room temperature, away from radiators and fires. Replace the paper once it is damp. Direct heat can crack smooth finishes and stiffen suede-look materials.
Do I need a proper waterproof for a day in town?
For short dashes between shops, a smart coat with a hood and an umbrella is usually enough. If you will be outside for long stretches, a properly waterproof layer is worth it. Check the label, because water-repellent and waterproof are not the same thing.
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