Gray days are aplenty on the beloved Portland State campus, and finding the silver lining in the pouring clouds is necessary. Fortunately, living in 2013 means we have options for statement-making water resistance that will make anyone want to take a study break for splashing in puddles. There are no rules for what is in and out for drizzly day fashion, which makes for an “anything goes” approach to making the rainy season one to look forward to.
The bottom line is simple: Stay dry. Hooded outerwear, sturdy umbrellas and functional footwear create the trifecta of a raindrop-ready wardrobe.
A reliable rain jacket is a necessity for drizzly campus life. Most everyone has found themselves soggy and discomforted during an unexpected downpour. That is easily preventable by thinking ahead. A sweater may have been a trend-conscious back-to-school steal, but it won’t look so stylish when it is soaking wet after an uncovered walk to the library. Ponchos, trenches and form-fitting athletic wear can all be statements that double as performance pieces. A hood, long sleeves and room to layer over other clothes are important factors to consider when shopping.
Black is always practical, but also notorious for accidental theft or exchange. Maybe consider a leafy green or a neutral plaid so you can stand out and blend in all at once. Feeling spunky? A bright pink or neon pattern could be just what you need to bring a little splash of color to
Cramer Hall.
The past few years have seen a revival of the galosh, and now more than ever rubber rain boots are mixing business with pleasure. Style, color and versatility for waterproof footwear are available for both males and females. For an understated classic, Hunter Original Wellies are unisex rain boots that paparazzi have confirmed to be worthy of gracing the feet of numerous celebrities. Galoshes are not mandatory footwear, and certainly are not meant for everyone.
Any style of shoe can get one to and fro, but not all are able to withstand wet sidewalk. Grooves in the soles and sturdy man-made rubber are smart choices, while mesh fabrics or shoes with holes are not ideal for keeping your socks safe from an H2O invasion.
A native may say that a true Oregonian doesn’t use an umbrella, but the fashion-conscious would argue that an umbrella is a fantastic way to put a shield of flair between the dumping clouds and a great outfit. Fashion designers seem to think so too. Animal prints, floral, and transparent plastics are holding their own against plain old umbrellas, and different lengths and widths are allowing for creativity in handle design. Someone with a more refined, sleek taste may prefer a long shaft with a classic hooked handle, while someone with a funky-fresh vibe may prefer a neon polka-dot umbrella. Either way, the options are seemingly endless for maintaining coordinated coverage. Compact umbrellas are best for backpackers, but large umbrellas provide more protection. Black and white is a hot color combination this season, and Forever 21 has a
low-cost houndstooth—a timeless print. Feeling like treating yourself? You can find the pictured red plaid Burberry compact umbrella at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Nothing reinforces a bad day like having a leak in your galoshes or a malfunctioning umbrella, and nobody really wants to use their rainy day funds on rainy day gear. Save some hassle by choosing quality the first time. Knowing how to identify quality when shopping for wet weather is crucial.
For rainproof jackets, the less porous the fabric, the better. Stray from leathers and suede especially. They are naturally porous and the quality can become compromised from too much moisture. “Water-resistant,” “waterproof,” and “performance” are good words to use to identify which fabrics are going to deflect the most drops. Columbia, Nike, Adidas, The North Face and REI are just a few stores around town that have active lifestyles in mind. The trend-conscious would be well-served at a major department store such as Nordstrom or Macy’s, where a blend of performance and fashionable options are all grouped together for convenient one-stop shopping. If you’re looking to find an umbrella that will last through the season, check to see what metal it is made of. Aluminum has the shortest lifespan, and an alternative of spring steel, nickel or brass could be worth the splurge.