12 Ways Women in Paris, London, and NYC Dress for Rainy Summer Days

Throughout history, many songs have been written about summer, more specifically, rainstorms. Like them or not, showers have remained a source of inspiration for artists for centuries (while simultaneously being the foe of fashion people). Don’t get me wrong; I relish an afternoon rainstorm in the summertime. It gives us a respite from heatwaves and carte-blanche to bump rain-centric melodies (think: Natasha Bedingfield, “Unwritten”). However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s hard to discern what to wear when it’s raining, especially in the summertime. Sure, you can wear those more obvious items such as rain boots or trench coats, but beyond that? Well, that’s hard to tell.

Even for those who reside in cities where rainfall is expected—e.g., London, New York, Paris, and so on—it can take years to hone the skillset of selecting the perfect outfit when precipitation is in the forecast. But if you’re short on time, don’t fret. In the vein of making dressing for wet days a bit less wearisome, I did extensive image research to craft the ultimate guide. Ahead, you’ll find 12 summer rainy day outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations. If these stylish outfits don’t make you turn into the type of person who wants to sing in the rain, nothing will. 

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Trend Coat + White Mini Dress + Black Ballet Flats + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: What’s one of the easiest ways to make your summer staples more rain-ready? Make simple swaps. For example, while sandals are great in the summer, if it’s pouring outside, consider opting for a close-toed option (such as ballet flats or sneakers), as it will make your favorite white dress more pragmatic for the weather.

What You’ll Need: Trench Coat + T-Shirt + Slip Skirt + Flip-Flops + Woven Tote Bag

Styling Notes: If you can’t stand wearing closed-toe shoes in the summer, it’s understandable. The next easiest way to make any summer ensemble work for oncoming storms is to incorporate a trench coat into your look. Whether you pair it with a t-shirt and slip or a mini dress, this classic outerwear can make anything weather-proof.

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Button-Down Shirt + Slip Dress + Mules + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: When it’s far too humid outside to put on a trench coat, consider turning to another trusted staple: the slip dress. When rain showers are in the forecast, you can’t go wrong with keeping it simple by styling a slip with a button-down shirt and heeled mules. Just don’t forget to bring an umbrella!

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Pendant Necklace + Maxi Dress + Jelly Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If you live in a less humid climate, rainstorms can be a bit chillier—luckily, the outfit above is the perfect solution. Opting for a maxi dress with jelly sandals will ensure you’re comfortable no matter the outside climate.

What You’ll Need: Dainty Jewelry + White Babydoll Mini Dress + Rain Boots + Umbrella

Styling Notes: When it’s warm and wet outside, there are two things you don’t want to wear: tight dresses and open-toed shoes. Luckily, there’s a solution: recreate the outfit above. Pairing a breezy baby doll mini dress paired with rain boots will allow you to avoid the pitfalls of rainy days, while still looking pretty.

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Shoulder Bag + T-Shirt + Long Denim Shorts + Cowboy Boots

Styling Notes: If you find the idea of wearing rainboots during a rainstorm reductive, let me give you a “wild” alternative: cowboy boots. Sure, there are plenty of other types of boots you can wear in the rain, but these shoes feel particularly cool—especially when they’re styled with long denim shorts, a t-shirt, a shoulder bag, and shades.

What You’ll Need: Baseball Cap + Blazer + T-Shirt + Jeans + Sneakers + Handbag

Styling Notes: When it’s pouring outside, sometimes it’s best to pick an outfit that allows you to be a bit more covered up—enter the look above. Not only is it smart to wear some form of a hat, but opting for a blazer, jeans, and sneakers will ensure you don’t end up dripping wet.

What You’ll Need: Blouse + Capri Pants + Mules + Crescent Handbag + Umbrella

Styling Notes: While dressing pragmatically for the rain is important, it’s only natural to want to look cute, too. Luckily, you can do both (refer to the outfit above). Pairing a printed blouse with pedal pushers, mules, a shoulder bag, and an umbrella will make you want to dance in the rain because you feel so cute.

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Light Sweater + Tank + Silk Trousers + Thong Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Some rain showers make you want to dance, others make you want to snuggle up. If you’re leaning towards the latter, it’s worth embracing light layers with your ensemble (like above). Try styling a tank top and silk trousers with a light knit ontop for an outfit that’s both cozy and chic.

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Layered Jewelry + Sweater Vest + T-Shirt + Linen Shorts + Socks + Loafers + Mini Bag

Styling Notes: When it’s too hot to wear a full sweater, consider opting for one in sweater vest form. Not only will it strike the perfect balance between being light enough for warm weather but still cozy enough for a rainy day, but it will also pair perfectly with other staples (e.g., tank tops, linen shorts, and loafers).

What You’ll Need: Sunglasses + Tank + Waistcoat + Bangles + Slip Skirt + Socks + Sneakers

Styling Notes: Although layering in knitwear is a great way to make summer outfits a bit more rain-ready, when it’s far too humid, it’s worth swapping in other separates instead. Instead of wearing a sweater vest, opt for a waistcoat—it will allow you to layer without the materials being too heavy. Just be sure to style it with other comfortable items, such as a slip skirt and sneakers.

What You’ll Need: Headband + Cropped Trench Coat + Maxi Tank Dress + Fishnet Ballet Flats + Handbag

Styling Notes: Hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good grasp on what to wear when it’s raining outside during the summer. But I’ll leave you with one last reminder: when showers roll in, keep it simple. You won’t regret throwing a cropped trench over a maxi tank dress—it’s pragmatic, polished, and perfect for whatever the forecast has in store.