Stormy, gloomy skies might not be the most inspiring thing to wake up to in the morning. But if you live in a climate with distinct season changes, cold, rainy days might be a reality for you through the fall, winter, and maybe even the spring. If you’re anything like the team here at Vionic, a spruced–up wardrobe might put a pep in your step in less-than-motivating wet weather.
Believe it or not, you can look chic, feel confident, and stay comfortable when the dreary sky is falling. All you need are the right clothes for rainy weather. And weather ready shoes, of course. Did you think we’d forget to mention shoes?
If you’re wondering what to wear on a rainy day, Vionic has you covered. Find practical yet posh rainy day outfit ideas and styling tips below.
What to Wear on a Rainy Day: 6 Cute Rainy Day Outfits
Rainy, dreary days don’t look the same for everyone. Whether you’re headed into a workday, running errands, or going on a walk in the rain, having a few reliable rainy-day outfit ideas makes wet weather far easier to navigate and stay warm. The key is choosing the right clothes that balance practicality and style, so you never feel soggy, bulky, or underdressed when it’s raining.
Below, we’re breaking down outfit ideas by occasion to help you dress with confidence through drizzle, downpour, and everything in between.
Classic Raincoat with Cropped Pants and Weather-Resistant Sneakers
When we curate a cute outfit, we usually select outerwear last. But when deciding what to wear on a rainy day, it can be helpful to start with a weather-resistant jacket and work your way in. For this look, we suggest a classic raincoat, which is a rainy weather wardrobe staple during winter and spring. Think of a timeless yellow hooded slicker that falls somewhere between your thighs and calves—except it doesn’t have to be yellow, and you can ditch the wellies. You might opt for another bright color, a neutral shade like tan, navy, or black, or a fun print.
Next, find a pair of cropped pants. Why cropped? Since you won’t be wearing cute knee-high rain boots with this rainy day outfit, you’ll be less likely to get the hems wet. Whether it’s a pair of wide-leg jeans, high-waisted trousers, or ⅞ athletic pants, the main thing to consider is how they’ll complement the raincoat. For your top, a simple t-shirt, cardigan, or long-sleeve turtleneck or crewneck are good options. If temperatures are predicted to drop for a long time, stay cozy by layering a lightweight sweater for added warmth without the bulk.
To get away with wearing sneakers in the rain, you’ve got to select a water-resistant pair. If you are wondering how to waterproof shoes, opt for an already water-resistant pair from Vionic. We carry weather-resistant alternatives to rain boots like the laceless women’s casual sneakers that are perfect for this laid-back look. While you should probably avoid jumping in puddles, you can still take the day by storm.
Jeans, Booties, Cropped Jacket, and an Umbrella
For a casual yet refined rainy day vibe, wear jeans with booties for women, a cropped jacket, and an umbrella. Let’s start with your jeans. We recommend skinny jeans or another slim cut, as it’ll be easier to keep them dry. Plus, they’ll accentuate your ankle boots. Neutral colors like black, dark-wash, and colored denim are all excellent picks.
Next, select a cropped jacket. This could be a leather jacket, a teddy coat, a denim jacket, a bomber, or a cropped camo jacket. As for your shirt, go with something simple, like a go-to plain short- or long-sleeve tee.
Rain doesn’t always equal cold. That’s why light coats can work great for warmer spring showers, as long as you have an umbrella. You can find umbrellas in virtually any color or print, and they make great statement accessories. Having said that, if you’re only buying one this rainy season, a neutral style might be a more practical choice.
Your umbrella will help keep your feet dry from falling rain, but you’ll still need to protect your shoes from water on the ground. That’s why your best bet is weather- repellent ankle boots, like our Redding Ankle Boot.
Slacks with Heeled Boots and a Raincoat
For a slightly dressier, more polished aesthetic, consider rocking slacks with heeled boots and a raincoat, maybe with a cute bag to take your cute rainy day outfit up a notch. Some rainy weather outfits are best built around a jacket, but for this look, we suggest starting with your pants. Select a pair of slacks, high-waisted, pleated, classic khakis, and other professional-looking slack styles are ideal. For your top, you’ve got options. Generally, we recommend pairing fitted shirts with looser pants and looser shirts with fitted pants.
Next, choose your shoes. Did you know Vionic carries numerous types of boot styles for women with reliable outsoles and water-resistant uppers? That’s right-some of our weather-resistant boots and leather boots have as high as three-inch heels, so you can go glam and keep your feet warm and dry even when it’s raining cats and dogs.
Now for outerwear. As long as your raincoat is clean and doesn’t clash with the rest of the outfit, it doesn’t need to be fancy. A classic water-repellant style is perfect. If you’re going to work, an interview, out on a date, or anywhere else you want to look put-together, you’ll look right as rain in this ensemble.
Midi Skirt with Ankle Boots and a Trenchcoat
When you think of clothes for rainy weather, a skirt might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But a little rain shouldn’t stand in your way of wearing feminine pieces. We love the look of a midi skirt with ankle boots and a trench coat; it’s one of our favorite winter outfits for women. Flowy, fitted, pleated, and pencil skirts are all excellent options. Wear a simple fitted or cropped shirt on top and maybe a sweater if it’s cold out.
Speaking of cold, you may want to put on a pair of tights, too. However, in moderate temps, you might be OK going without because you’ll only have a few inches of exposed leg between your skirt and boots. Whether you’re feeling flat-soled booties, three-inch ankle boots, or something in between, we suggest a water-resistant style. Check out the weather-resistant shoe collection from Vionic for inspiration.
Not all trench coats are created equal. You can find trench-style weatherproof jacket styles and traditional trench coats without hoods or weather-resistant materials. The point is that if your coat isn’t designed to keep you dry, you may want to bring an umbrella or some other type of rain gear.
Short Dress with Tights, Booties, and a Poncho
Another flirty and cute rainy day outfit idea is a dress with booties and a poncho. A maxi dress is technically a warmer option, but it’s also more susceptible to getting wet in the rain. That’s why we recommend a short dress with tights. This could be a cocktail dress, a skater dress, a shift dress, or another above-the-knee style. We love the look of bold tights in fall and winter, but if your dress is a bright hue or print, it’s best to go with neutral tights.
The same goes for your outerwear. You can find waterproof ponchos in tons of vibrant patterns and colors. We love a statement jacket, as long as it doesn’t clash with the rest of your ensemble or make it look busy. Try to find a poncho jacket about the same length as the dress. Heeled ankle boots like Chelsea boots or flat booties can pull this look together. To take the weather in stride, scope out the fashion-forward weather-resistant styles from Vionic.
Athleisure with a Rain Jacket and Weather-Resistant Sneakers
Deciding what to wear in rainy weather doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the simplest—and most comfortable—wet-weather athleisure outfits with a rain jacket and weather-resistant sneakers.
There are about a zillion ways to wear athleisure, so let’s start with your bottoms. Pants are best in cold weather, whether you opt for yoga pants, running tights, or another type of athletic leggings. For your top, throw on an oversized tee or a crewneck sweatshirt in a complementary color. (Black leggings and a black top is always a safe bet.)
You can wear almost any rain jacket with this comfy-cozy ensemble. That said, if the rest of your outfit is neutral, it might be a fun opportunity to make a statement with outerwear and swap out your go-to coat for something more elevated. We’re big fans of clear raincoats, but bold colors and prints are also excellent choices. For your shoes, how about a pair of anti-slip, water-resistant tennis shoes from Vionic? When it comes to slip-resistant shoes for women, we carry both lace-up and slip-on sneakers.
What to Wear in the Rain by Season
Rainy days change with the seasons, and your wardrobe should too. Transitional weather, especially during springtime and April showers, calls for lighter layers that still protect against wet weather.
Spring Rainy Day Outfit Ideas
Spring rain often comes with drizzle rather than a full drench. Opt for denim or cropped jeans, a graphic tee or tee layered with a light sweater, and a hooded rain jacket. A classic trench coat works beautifully here, especially when paired with comfy sneakers or rain boots. This is the season to experiment with color, think of a yellow raincoat, playful umbrellas, or fashion-forward accessories that brighten up rainy days.
Cool & Transitional Weather Rain Outfits
During cooler rainy days, focus on layering. A hoodie or sweatshirt under a parka or rain jacket keeps warmth in while allowing flexibility as temperatures shift. Choose water-resistant footwear designed for wearing in the rain and keep your feet comfortable all day. Stick to jeans with a slightly cropped hem or straight-leg pant styles to avoid soaking the fabric. This approach blends practicality with everyday style.
Weather-Resistant Footwear from Vionic
With Vionic’s footwear collections made with built-in Vio Motion technology, you never have to choose between comfort and style. And you don’t have to choose between being fashionable and staying dry, either. Whether the weather forecast predicts light rain, a torrential downpour, spring showers, or something in between, you can put your best foot forward in one of our stylish weatherproof shoes for women.
Shop our weather-resistant boots and sneakers for men and women for more stylish shoes for a rainy day!