It has been a very rainy spring here in Geneva. So let's talk about rain gear.
Rain coats can be very fun! I love mine - it’s soft sage color, and it is a perfect shape for me.
Love your rain gear yet? If not - see if some of the below will give you the inspiration to change that!
#1. Functionality = Outer material + Lining. If you find yourself researching about water column tests, water proof standards, laminates and coatings - you are a tech geek of rain gear! If you are not at that level - I suggest to go to a few outdoor clothing makers websites to do some research. If you are like me, you need your rain gear to keep you warm and cozy, or else there is no way to feel your best in the rain. So, please start with the functionality. If you
know what you need for functionality - let's move onto the form.
#2. Shape is the secret to feeling confident. Unfortunately, if you just look for 'rain coat' many options are not so flattering. Let's look at the usual cuts:
Sports Jackets: Often multi-layered, with zipper at the front, about hip length, zipped up side pockets, and many will feature a hood. These jackets are often square shaped and have an adjustable waist band, often made of breathable yet water-proof materials and sold in professional outdoor stores, ready for a long hike in wet weather! Works well for rectangular figure and very sporty people out there. If feeling and being sporty is your style, you may enjoy yourself the most in this very functional coat!
Ponchos: These can range from quick solutions to throw over made of water-proof laminate, to a quite sophisticated versions. Sophisticated ponchos will feature a belt, often have snaps for buttons, and are made of thicker material. Ponchos can be different lengths - short up until the waist or long mid-calf length. And ponchos are almost never lined. Works well for inverted triangle, slim rectangular, and can work for an hourglass figure - if belted, only. Key with a poncho to watch-out for the length - make sure it ends at the length where you’d like your figure accentuated. For most people it’s where you feature slim lines, such as just below the knee.
Trench coat: A very classic version! Always belted, plenty of pockets, can have a bit of an A-line to them. They can be lined with soft material, but usually not very water-proof (although they can be water resistant, meaning they can sustain short rain). Classic trench coats usually do not have a hood, but there are hooded versions out there. Those of you with a classic style will appreciate Trench coat. Trench coat can work for most figures except for inverted triangle (because of the accent on the shoulders). Also here- the length is key to put accent to where you want it! Knee-length works well for most people.
Princess cut coat - these have a soft top, often raglan sleeve, and feature more or less accented A-line. These coats come in many versions of material, they can be hooded or not. Often single material and can be lined lightly. Most will feature a belt or adjustable waist band. Most have side pockets yet some will have front pockets. There are fun versions that play with the length where they can be longer at the back. These coats suit well hourglass, inverted triangle and rectangular shape (if well-fitted at the top).
Cross-over styles- there MANY new cross-over styles of rain coats! Enjoy browsing options that go across the classic shapes, cuts and effortlessly connect different features! To not get distracted - write down key features you need in a rain coat based on the functionality you need, your fitugure shape and your style anchors. Now, if you found the shape you feel confident in - read on for the next two cues!
#3. Color!! I cannot speak enough about the importance of color, especially on rainy days. Yes, color is mood, it is confidence, it is fun and it is a message to the world. Be brave when selecting your rain coat color. Pick the brightest color on your pallet and you’ll never feel
bored in rain! Or pick the softest color on your pallet and you’ll always feel cozy! Add gloss that only works on a raincoat and you may even feel rebellious. After all, you are not planning on wearing this coat every day - so choose something special!
#4. Accessories for Rain. The most important accessory will be your rain boots. I absolutely love the color match between rain coat and rain boots. It can be complimentary contrast (blue and pink), diagonal contrast (turquoise and coral red), or a perfect match (I have soft sage colored coat and boots and I absolutely love that!). The other can be a hat! Remember Burberry jackets & hats? Very classic, very chick and very British! Or, a military look with over-knee boots and a captains cap?
Enjoy the rain, in style!
Commentaires