Brian Maynor August 22, 2013

August 22, 2013
By Brian Maynor
August 22,
 2013


title=


To say the summer has been rainy would be an understatement, and it looks like the trend is going to continue as we move into fall making it important to know how to keep your outfit looking crisp and presentable when dashing through downpours. 

While most people tend to find ways to stay dry in the rain, it does not appear to have been a well thought out process.  Simply adding another layer may do the job and protect you from the elements, but at what cost to your outfit and style?  Here are my two inspiration outfits to demonstrate appropriate items professionals use to stay dry in the rain:

1.    The raincoat.  A classic piece that seems to have fallen out of favor and use.  Throwing on any jacket may work as a barrier to the rain, but the raincoat has some unique qualities that make it ideally suited for wet weather.  The two main ones are the treatment allowing water to roll off in beads and not penetrate the jacket and the length.  Longer jackets cover more of your outfit protecting it from splashing raindrops and puddles.

The days of the tan, black and grey raincoats are long gone.  Today you can find them in just about any color and pattern.  My only recommendation is to keep in mind how you will be using it.  If you life is more fun than formal go with a great color, but even formal coats can have a subtle pattern or detail to keep them fun and interesting.

2.    The umbrella.  A crucial and often mismatched tool.  Today umbrellas come in various shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, prints, and automation settings, which is great for casual purposes, but no so much for business ones.  I highly recommended a steel-framed; black canopy; curved wood handle umbrella for professional settings.

Professional umbrellas are large enough to cover and protect you without taking up half the sidewalk, because it is the arc that is important not the number of people you can cover at one time.  Arced canopies also withstand wind gusts better than flat ones and a steel frame reinforces that ability.  While they cost more than a disposable novelty umbrella they are well worth the investment and you can find great quality ones to fit any budget.  You will never be taken seriously carrying a Hello-Kitty or worn and tattered golf umbrella, even if it opens and closes with the push of a button.

3.    The hat.  Another traditional item that has become more of trend than a staple.  I am not talking about trucker hats or baseball caps here but rather the fedoras, trilbies and bowlers.  You typically see men of a certain generation sporting them, but they are multigenerational pieces.  Aside from offering protection from the elements hats provide an often-needed style element to an outfit. 

That said I do believe some people wear hats easier than others, like my friend Nick.  He is definitely a ‘hat person’ and can pull off just about any hat he chooses.  I, on the other hand, am not.  It is a challenge to find the right size and style to fit my face, but I am not one to back down from a challenge.  Are you?

4.    Leather goods.  If you have to be out and about in the rain you should always opt for leather shoes and bags.  They will hold up to the elements and can be wiped off easily.  Treated leather hold up better and longer than untreated leather but even untreated leather is better than cloth.  If you want to look ‘washed up’ wear cloth in the rain.

5.    Rain boots.  You don’t see them in my storyboards because we do not live in a pedestrian environment.  If you are in a major city where walking in the rain for blocks is not uncommon but necessary then rain boots are essential.  Here they are simply fashion.  Do us all a favor and save the rain boots for your children or the weekend.  Don’t wear them to work.

While the rain has many benefits it is not often seen as an opportunity when you are getting dressed in the morning, but now it can it.  Look forward to the next downpour as the chance to breakout or break-in your raincoat, hat and umbrella. 
 
Woman’s Rainy Day Outfit





Man’s Rainy Day Outfit





I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com