Sometimes When It Rains, It Pours!

The rainy season is soon upon us and that can present a clothing challenge, especially for us Southern gals because you want to stay dry but too many layers in high humidity and heat can cause heatstroke...or profuse sweating at least.

One of the things we women "of a certain age" have learned by experience is that pants hems get soaked in rain. So capri length or skirts are a better choice to wear on rainy days when you are out and about.

Last year, I made a great investment in rain boots (or as the English call them: Wellies).  I bought mine at DSW Shoes for $75 (below) and have already worn them twice.

These will come in handy as I walk from parking garages to offices when I temp or for those walks in the park with my dog after a Florida rain shower.

You can find rain boots in various heights. I recommend that if you buy a pair, you try them on and walk in the store wearing them. You don't want blisters from rubbing, too tight toe box or to find that your calves make the boots difficult to put on or off.  You can carry them when you're out-and-about in a tote or canvas bag if the weather predicts rain.

We women "of a certain age" can still remember those see-thru rain booties that were available to our moms.

These were so innovative at the time because they could be folded up and carried in a purse until needed.

And they were a match for the unforgettable rain bonnet. We all owned one of these at some time in our past. And they came in little cases to carry them in our handbags (so convenient).  I had one and don't think I ever used it...but I carried it JUST IN CASE.

Now there are cute rain hats to be worn (but beware of "hat hair" when you take it off).

Then there is a disposable rain poncho (or as I like to call it...a sweat condom).

You can buy these at almost any Dollar store (where they sell umbrellas) or at theme parks, because tourists don't know that we have rain storms every afternoon in the summer season.

  I had to buy one on a theme park visit and even took it with me on a trip to China because it folded up so small and lightly. And you could spot me in any crowd in Beijing.

Then on a trip last year to Savannah, it gushed rain as I walked the city and, unfortunately, my regular motorcycle-type boots leaked badly. My feet were soaked and I didn't have better walking shoes with me to change into. So now, I'm prepared with my "Wellies."

If you read any magazine or blog, you'll see that the fashionistas all state that a tan trench coat is THE item to own.  I do own one but when it is a hot rainy day, I don't want to wear anything with "coat" in the name. If you don't have one, buy it because it is also perfect for chilly days and will always be stylish. (I bought mine...a London Fog tan trench at a local thrift store for $5).

On a rainy afternoon shower, you cannot beat a handy dandy umbrella. I don't recommend spending a lot of money on an umbrella because wind can turn it inside out or worse, you could lose it.

 You can get a fold up kind that is lightweight and will fit in a bag or carry a golf umbrella which is huge and can protect more than one person walking.

Or fancy looking...or cute handled... or even a designer umbrella.

And just so you know, there are cute little rain jackets you can wear. (But it might make you too warm on a hot humid day).

The most important thing is to be a good Girl Scout and "be prepared"!

Don't wear shoes that could be ruined by rain (fabric or pony skin).

Don't wear dyed shoes (the color will run).

Don't wear long skirts or slacks because the hems will get soaked and sometimes give you a chill or get muddy.

   

And most important....don't wear a frown! It's just rain and it makes everything grow, the grass and trees get greener and it isn't anything you can do a thing about, anyway!

So until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz