15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (2024)

What are you supposed to wear when it's pouring rain, but the middle of summer—aka hot and humid? To stay dry without weighing yourself down with gear, you'll want to ditch your heavy-duty galoshes and full-weight rain jacket for breezier pieces. We've got just what you need—from light-as-air scarves to Chelsea booties (waterproof, of course), these cute rainy day outfit ideas are practical too, making them the solution to your dreaded rainy summer day fashion conundrum.

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Everlane The ReNew Anorak

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (1)

This minimalist anorak is a serious big-girl coat (without the heaviness—or price tag). It's lightweight and mid-length for maximum coverage, and looks so sleek and professional. Bonus: It's made from 100% recycled materials—pulled from 14 plastic water bottles.

Price at time of publish: $128; everlane.com.

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Anthropologie Watercolor Lilies Scarf

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (2)

You never know when you'll need to shield your neck from wind and rain—even if it's 80 degrees with 80 percent humidity. Plus, it'll save you if the AC is blasting wherever you're headed, making it the perfect accessory for your cute rainy day outfits

Price at time of publish: $128; anthropologie.com.

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Athleta Rincon Dress

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (3)

When you're looking for good rainy day outfits, think quick-drying—and performance fabrics from your favorite atheleisure stores are often made to make moisture disappear. Top this cute dress with a jacket and you're good to go.

Price at time of publish: $98, athleta.com

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Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Boots

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (4)

Remember those tall, thick wellies you wore all winter? Replace them with short waterproof Chelsea boots or calf-high rain boots to free your legs while protecting your summer pedicure and strappy sandals (keep those in your bag!). Trust us, the shorter the boot, the less you'll hate walking around in summer rain.

Price at time of publish: From $33; amazon.com.

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Free People Festival Raincoat

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (5)

Who says rain gear has to be boring? Bring some sunshine to any dreary, steamy day with a super-lightweight, slightly translucent slicker all your friends will want to steal. Also available in blue.

Price at time of publish: $128; freepeople.com.

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Boden Pintuck Detail Midi Dress

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (6)

When it's too hot and sticky to even consider pants, a flowy dress or skirt is the right option. Stay as cool as possible with a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress made of lighter fabrics (cotton or linen) that doesn't fall too far below the knee. Throw a lightweight raincoat on over it and you'll be ready to go.

While this dress also comes in black or white, this bold gold hue adds a little sunshine to a dreary day.

Price at time of publish: $180; bodenusa.com

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Totes Bubble Umbrella

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (7)

This bubble umbrella's magic is manifold: 360-degree coverage from a large brim, plus easy visibility while you stay dry. It's also incredibly cute (and photogenic).

Price at time of publish: $29; totes.com.

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Blondo Brielle Waterproof Shoes

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (8)

If you're not a boot person (we get it, even ankle rain boots can be clunky), get yourself an adorable pair of waterproof flats you can easily commute in or wear all day running errands.

To buy: $99; zappos.com

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Madewell Kickout Crop Jeans

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (9)

A big summer rainy day don't: long hems. A pair of jeans cropped at or below the ankle will be a life-saver on wet days—if it's not too hot to wear long pants, that is.

Price at time of publish: $138; madewell.com.

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Allbirds Flyer Mizzles

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (10)

For muggy days when you're not sure if it's actually going to rain—and you don't feel like wearing rain boots for no reason—slip on these water-resistant sneakers instead. (Don't worry about the wool material—these sneakers are still remarkably cool.)

Price at time of publish: $154; allbirds.com

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Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (11)

A water-resistant bag is a must on rainy days—both to avoid damaging your bag and the contents inside it. This pretty blue tote is water resistant and roomy enough to hold all your goods.

Price at time of publish: $90; quince.com

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Uniqlo UV Protection Printed Pocketable Parka

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (12)

This pretty jacket protects you rain or shine, with a water-protectant coating and UV protection woven in.

Price at time of publish: $50: uniqlo.com

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Rains Bucket Hat

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (13)

Keep your hair and face under wraps with a cute bucket hat—Rains signature polyurethane fabric makes it waterproof.

Price at time of publish: $34, rains.com

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Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

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If you're traveling light on a rainy day, a smaller crossbody bag—especially one that's water resistant—should be your go-to. This one comes in a rainbow of colors, so you can pick one that perfectly tops off your cute rainy day outfit.

Price at time of publish: $20; uniqlo.com

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Universal Standard Promenade Linen Jumpsuit

15 Summer Rainy Day Outfit Ideas That'll Keep You Cool and Dry (15)

When you're looking for cute rainy day outfits, think simple one-piece ensembles that'll brighten your day. Universal Standard's flowy stretch linen jumpsuit will keep you cool on a sticky summer day.

Price at time of publish: $168; universalstandard.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabrics work best for rainy days?
If you want to stay dry and comfortable, look for water-resistant clothes, especially performance fabrics that can help wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfy. As far as natural fabrics, cotton and linen are very cooling, but can hold on to moisture a bit. Nylon isn't breathable, but it will help keep you dry, so it makes a great outer layer.
What is the best color to wear on a rainy day?
White may be a risky choice for a rainy day, as it can become see-through if wet. Black, dark gray, and navy can help hide dampness—but on a gray and dreary day, sometimes a pop of bright color is the best choice for cute rainy day outfits.
What strategies should I use to create the perfect summer rainy day outfit?
You'll definitely want to keep hemlines short—dragging wide legged pants or maxi skirts can easily get wet and be annoying to continue wearing.
Make sure the outfit keeps you undercover even if it gets wet. (No one wants to be in an impromptu wet t-shirt contest!)
Include a good water-resistant outer layer, that you can easily shed when the weather improves or you head indoors.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide information on the concepts used in this article.

Rainy Summer Day Outfits

When it's pouring rain during the summer, it can be challenging to find the right clothing that keeps you dry without making you feel weighed down. The article suggests several outfit ideas that are both cute and practical for rainy summer days. Here are some concepts related to the items mentioned in the article:

1. Lightweight Rain Jackets: Instead of heavy-duty rain jackets, opt for lightweight and mid-length options that provide maximum coverage without adding extra weight. An example mentioned in the article is the Everlane The ReNew Anorak, which is made from 100% recycled materials.

2. Scarves: To shield your neck from wind and rain, consider wearing a light-as-air scarf. It can also come in handy if you're in an air-conditioned environment. The article mentions the Anthropologie Watercolor Lilies Scarf as an option.

3. Quick-Drying Dresses: Look for dresses made from performance fabrics that are designed to make moisture disappear. These dresses dry quickly and keep you comfortable on rainy days. The Athleta Rincon Dress is recommended in the article.

4. Waterproof Chelsea Boots: Instead of tall, thick wellies, opt for shorter waterproof Chelsea boots or calf-high rain boots. They protect your legs while allowing you to wear summer sandals. The Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Boots are mentioned in the article.

5. Lightweight Raincoats: Make rain gear fun by choosing lightweight and slightly translucent raincoats. The Free People Festival Raincoat is suggested as a stylish option.

6. Flowy Dresses and Skirts: On hot and sticky days, choose flowy dresses or skirts made of lighter fabrics such as cotton or linen. Pair them with a lightweight raincoat for a cute and comfortable outfit. The article mentions the Boden Pintuck Detail Midi Dress.

7. Bubble Umbrellas: Stay dry with a cute and photogenic bubble umbrella that provides 360-degree coverage. The Totes Bubble Umbrella is recommended in the article.

8. Waterproof Flats: If you prefer flats over boots, consider getting a pair of waterproof flats that are suitable for commuting or running errands in the rain. The Blondo Brielle Waterproof Shoes are mentioned as a good option.

9. Cropped Jeans: Avoid long hems on wet days by wearing jeans cropped at or below the ankle. The Madewell Kickout Crop Jeans are suggested in the article.

10. Water-Resistant Sneakers: For uncertain weather conditions when rain is a possibility, slip on water-resistant sneakers instead of rain boots. The Allbirds Flyer Mizzles are mentioned as a comfortable option.

11. Water-Resistant Bags: Carry a water-resistant bag on rainy days to protect your belongings. The Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote is suggested in the article.

12. Water-Protectant Jackets: Invest in a jacket with a water-protectant coating that provides both rain and UV protection. The Uniqlo UV Protection Printed Pocketable Parka is mentioned as an example.

13. Waterproof Accessories: Accessories like a waterproof bucket hat, a mini shoulder bag, or a jumpsuit made of stretch linen can complete your rainy day outfit. The Rains Bucket Hat, Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, and Universal Standard Promenade Linen Jumpsuit are mentioned in the article.

Fabrics for Rainy Days

The article also briefly touches on the best fabrics for rainy days. Here are some concepts related to fabric choices:

1. Water-Resistant Clothes: Look for clothes made from water-resistant fabrics, especially performance fabrics that can wick away moisture and keep you comfortable. These fabrics are designed to repel water and dry quickly.

2. Cotton and Linen: Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are breathable and cooling, but they can absorb moisture and take longer to dry compared to synthetic fabrics.

3. Nylon: Nylon is not breathable but is water-resistant, making it a suitable choice for outer layers that protect you from rain.

Choosing Colors for Rainy Days

When it comes to choosing colors for rainy day outfits, the article suggests considering the following:

1. White: White clothing may become see-through when wet, so it might not be the best choice for a rainy day.

2. Dark Colors: Black, dark gray, and navy are good choices as they can help hide dampness.

3. Bright Colors: On a gray and dreary day, adding a pop of bright color to your outfit can help lift your mood and create a cheerful look.

Creating the Perfect Summer Rainy Day Outfit

To create the perfect summer rainy day outfit, the article suggests the following strategies:

1. Hemlines: Opt for shorter hemlines to avoid dragging wide-legged pants or maxi skirts that can easily get wet and become uncomfortable to wear.

2. Undercover Outfit: Choose an outfit that still looks good even if it gets wet. Consider wearing quick-drying fabrics and layering with a water-resistant outer layer that you can easily remove when the weather improves or when you go indoors.

These concepts should give you a better understanding of the ideas and recommendations mentioned in the article. Remember to check the article for more details and specific product recommendations.