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

Everlane The ReNew Anorak

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.

Anthropologie Watercolor Lilies Scarf

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.

Athleta Rincon Dress

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

Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Boots

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.

Free People Festival Raincoat

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.

Boden Pintuck Detail Midi Dress

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

Totes Bubble Umbrella

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.

Blondo Brielle Waterproof Shoes

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

Madewell Kickout Crop Jeans

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.

Allbirds Flyer Mizzles

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

Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote

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

Uniqlo UV Protection Printed Pocketable Parka

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

Rains Bucket Hat

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

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

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

Universal Standard Promenade Linen Jumpsuit

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.