Fashion Editors Sport Their Best Rainy Day Outfits at NYFW

After a particularly punishing winter, we’ve actually been looking forward to the gray, rainy days that give rise to May flowers. And those days seem to have arrived (way) early, at least in New York. Concerns about global warming aside, we’re not complaining. Cinematic downpours give us — and street stylers — an excuse to really lean in to the PVC trend. Break out our plaid-with-plastic-overlay Calvin Klein trenches. Get inventive with our umbrella styling. Don’t let a little rain dampen your sense of sartorial adventure. Click through the slideshow above for 35 clever rainy day outfit ideas, all spotted this past — rather drizzly — New York Fashion Week.

[ Next: Trend Alert: Into Each Fashion Girl’s Life Some Chic Rain Gear Must Fall ]

Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018

Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #1

When the weather's down in the dumps, trick your brain by wearing happy, pastel clothing. Top things off with an umbrella that shouts "spring" and a PVC overlay that's precipitation — but not admiring-eye — proof.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #2

Bundle up in bright, sunny outerwear, an Audrey Hepburn-esque floral headscarf and statement-belted suiting. Extra style points if you step out with a Burberry umbrella in the brand's iconic plaid.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #3

Match your umbrella — and your waterproof eyeliner — to your oh-so-ubiquitous striped puffer.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #4

Raf Simons is all about chic doomsday dressing. Pair the designer's signature plasticized plaid trench with another Spring 2018 runway hit: the bold bobby pin. (OK, so her pavement-skimming gridded trousers aren't the most practical, but at least her currently sold-out Staud Shirley bag will work as an umbrella holder once the sun comes out.)
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #5

Mark our words: everyone will be wearing bucket hats this spring. Chanel's PVC version, fresh off the brand's Spring 2018 runway, comes in particularly handy in the rain.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #6

Match your hosiery to you handbag, your midi dress to your water-repellent coat. As for shoes, try a neutral, low-heeled style in patent or treated suede (to avoid damage and slippage). Stay away from canvas and stilettos.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #7

Again, gross weather calls for really bright outfits. Think cobalt trenches circled with fire-engine red Marni belts, micro-pleated marigold maxis — say that five times fast — topped with Kelly green faux furs. Also, a little rain won't hurt your shoulder-dusting earrings or (leather or PVC) statement bags, so pile on the accessories as you would on a sunny day.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #8

Alternatively, you and your BFF can distract pretty much everyone from the inclement weather by #twinning in dandelion yellow. (And if your better half has the presence of mind to bring an umbrella — and the generosity to share it — all the better.)
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #9

We call this fraternal twinning. Those who want to maintain a modicum of individuality can pick a partner and coordinate outfit, outerwear and shoe colors (in this case sky blue, pink and silvery glitter, respectively) rather than straight-up matching. For the finishing touch, a graphic print bag or umbrella.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #10

Invest in a pair of weatherproof (patent red) knee-high boots that don't scream "rain gear." Team 'em with puddle-immune (khaki) Bermuda shorts and a nylon overcoat.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #11

Same principle: you can't go wrong with patent ankle boots and cropped wide-leg trousers. Bonus points if said bottoms have a cute pattern/unexpected seams.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #12

Another tried-and-true rainy day outfit formula? Classic denim, embellished combat boots and a colorful faux fur coat. For the latter, look to Copenhagen cool-girl label Saks Potts. (We're also obsessed with its limited-edition rain-friendly totes.)
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #13

Don't be afraid to rock plaid-on-plaid. Add some extra schoolgirl flair with a bold, paper lunch-bag shaped bag.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #14

Side-step puddles in fancy sneakers, cropped tuxedo trousers and statement (bell) sleeves.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #15

Is spandex rain-resistant? No matter. Pops of color FTW.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #16

Double up on sleek, tailored outerwear, making sure your inner layer is shiny and weatherproof; ground the look with chunky-soled, cobblestone-gripping hiking boots (left). Or stay dry in a cool, contrasting trench, totally superfluous (but, again, cool) sunnies, blood-red patent boots and a Trinity-approved leather button-down (right).
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #17

Your choice of outerwear makes your choice of shoes seem more intentional. This outfit says, "Rain? What rain? I wanted to wear sky-blue Hunter boots with this nervy, retro coat. What else would go with the wallpaper florals?"
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #18

Flout the rain in a buttery yellow slip dress and tomato-red cable-knit sweater. (For optimal coziness, find one that hits your knees.) While top handle bags were extremely popular among NYFW street-stylers, this white-tailed draped-across-the-chest option leaves hands free(-er) for umbrella-holding. Punchy and practical.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #19

What's a rainy day style roundup without a classic trench coat? Wear it with a matching midi dress and cross-shoulder bag, finish things off with slouchy knee-high boots. (Psst: white goes great with ivory.)
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #20

Alternatively, style a breezy, not-so-classic trench the way you would a slit-to-there dress.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #21

Actress Jessica Williams (formerly of The Daily Show, currently of 2 Dope Queens) got the memo about bright, cheery dresses and snuggly teddy jackets.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #22

To dress down a skirt suit, match your tights to your ankle booties and strap on a seatbelt-like waist belt (by Alyx, Heron Preston or Off-White).
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #23

Striped sweater plus striped umbrella equals total rain fashion win. Also, metal chain-link belts are "in" again, per Bella Hadid.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #24

Kanye West, Virgil Abloh and Demna Gvasalia recently gave camo print the high-fashion go-ahead. Wear it the model way: with white Chelsea boots and furry outerwear.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #25

Don't let the rain cramp your style. Wear a dress you usually reserve for special occasions with your finest sock booties, your most ornate micro-mini bag. Nod to the weather with a belted, deliberately askew patent trench and an umbrella that's as close to invisible as it gets.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #26

So what if the edges of her flares are soaked? She's killing the suit-sans-shirt look.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #27

Line your raw denim Canadian tux with a plain white turtleneck, a la Raf Simons. Shrug on a firefighter-chic anorak. Make sure your plastic-coated knee-high boots have ruched detailing, because fashion.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #28

When all you want to be wearing is PJs, slip on a roomy (but eye-catching) sweater. Opting for overalls over jeans will make the whole outfit more interesting, as will a giant tote bag and futuristic sneaks.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #29

Treat your umbrella as you would any other accessory — as an outfit-enhancer. If you're wearing mostly darks, go clear. If you're wearing mostly lights, go dark.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #30

...If you're wearing floral, go floral.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #31

This showgoer offset a menswear-inspired look — fringed loafers, khaki bottoms, tailored blazer, newsboy cap — with a cheeky cheetah print umbrella.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #32

We'll beat this dead horse just once more: striped teddy coat, striped umbrella. (And not that you needed any more reason to wear chunky-soled dad sneaks, but they also put about an inch of rubber between you and the water-streaked concrete.)
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #33

When your coat and calf area are all anyone's going to see, opt for outerwear with an architectural shape — and slip on some patterned (and/or sheer, if you're feeling trendy) socks.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #34

Play with texture. Pair a Niagara Falls-ready nylon hat with a furry coat, knit scarf and silky trousers.
Rain Style NYFW Fall 2018 #35

Here's how you weatherproof the head-to-toe red trend. Also, note how she matched her tote to her turtleneck and her lips to her baggy leather set.