April Showers Bring May Flowers

As the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers! However, if you live in Illinois, May can bring a wide range of weather! When this meme came across one of my social media platforms, it caused me to laugh as it’s completely true! I’m sure you can relate depending on where you live!

In the past, I’ve never thought of rain gear as being stylish or fun but set my sights on finding some cute rain gear that I could actually get excited about wearing and maybe even have some fun! In my world, fashion is fun! However, my rain gear wasn’t very fun. I have some random umbrellas I keep in my car as my work causes me to travel most of days between all of our schools. Rain boots were never on my radar nor a rain hat. As you’re well aware, I’m not really a hat person. I don’t think I’ve owned rain boots since I was a young girl. Several rain type jackets hang in my closet all of which are black and go with anything. My mission became: find fun rain gear! Mission accomplished: found cute raincoat, umbrella, hat and boots!

Rain Coat

My goal was to find a rain coat that was more interesting and more fun than the current plain black ones hanging in my closet. I wanted the coat to match many things and set the tone for the rest of my rain gear essentials. Black and white check seemed like a neutral print that would match many things and yet had some interest. The coat came in a carrying pouch, which would be great to keep in your car, throw in a briefcase or pack in a suitcase! I typically check the ten day forecast when traveling and pack accordingly. This particular raincoat is super light weight and would even pack easily in a purse!

The raincoat is double breasted, with a tie waist although you could leave the tie off. I prefer a tie waist so I don’t look so boxy. The coat has pockets and a detachable hood. Both features that are important to me! The coat runs true to size. It comes in seven colors and patterns.

Rain Hat

Who remembers the old fashioned rain bonnets? I believe I wore these as a child and young girl. My mom had them in her purse. Do you remember that they came in a small plastic holder, which when folded neatly they fit inside. If you still have yours, it might be an antique! Do they still make these? Does anyone still wear them?

I am now able to answer my own questions! After writing this post, I not only found out you can still purchase these style rain hats but that my mom has one in the center compartment of her car! I thought I’d model it for you! It’s quit the fashion statement but hey in a pinch, it works! The polka dots actually match the umbrella I choose! This is clearly the more updated and modern version of the rain cap from back in the day!

Since I choose a black and white checked raincoat, I opted to go for red accents. Any other color will pop and add some interest. The rain hat I choose has several great features. The chin strap is detachable in case you prefer not to have a strap. The strap is also adjustable to fit your head. This feature is great for me as I have a really big head! It’s also typically really windy here and I could see the wind whipping this hat right off! The hat is collapsable and can easily be tucked into a purse, briefcase, computer bag, or suitcase! The hat is one size fits all.

Rain Boots

When ordering rain boots, I wasn’t really sure if I’d actually wear them. How practical would they be as I travel around my school district? Would I actually wear them when going out and about in the rain! I surprised myself with a definite YES to those questions. Although I haven’t been back to work yet, I was ecstatic to throw them on when it was raining and walk to my mailbox. I found myself having so much fun splashing in the puddles and the simple fact that I didn’t have to worry about them getting ruined if wet! They’re super simple to pull on and go. If at work, depending on my outfit for the day, I might actually wear them as opposed to bringing along a pair of shoes. I’m sure you’ve figured out that I couldn’t resist this pair with the cute bows! They are comfortable but a little squeaky when wet. The boots also come black with white bows.

Reversible Umbrella

As mentioned, I have several umbrellas I keep in my car in case I need them. None of them are very cute but do the trick provided I have them with me when it’s start raining! Several of them have seen better days and totally lack an element of cute! In keeping with my black, white and red theme, I opted for this Bagail Reversible Umbrella. The outside is black and underneath is red, black and white polka dots! Polka dots always evoke happiness for me. While I’m pattern mixing with the check and the polka dots, it all works together since it’s all the same colors.

I created a brief video to share all the unique features of this particular umbrella! Additionally it has a UPF of 50 and claims to be windproof, which would be amazing if true. I have yet to try it in high winds. However, I can tell that it is very well constructed!

(Note to self…no gum chewing while making videos…LOL!)

The reversible umbrella would also be much easier for getting in and out of the car as sometimes I feel as though I get stuck in the door while trying to close it and inevitably get wet! The umbrella comes in 43 different color and pattern combinations.

SHOP MY RAIN GEAR

a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B07T43RKWQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07T43RKWQ&linkCode=am2&tag=mywebsite60c7-20&linkId=de9d7dc608649fdc6e71a36c1ed8507d”>

Chicago Midlife Influencers

Here’s how some of my Chicago Midlife friends make a splash in their trendy rain wear!

How fun is Linda’s bucket hat and stylish boots?! A trench coat is a classic rain wear must have and can be worn several seasons! I love that she got out there in the rain for her pictures! If you’re not already following Linda, you’ll want to give her a follow on Instagram at: Lglamor

How cute is Michelle in her pink raincoat and fashion week New York umbrella! I just might need a pink trench coat in my closet! If you’re not already following Michelle, you’ll want to give her a follow on Instagram: overfiftyandblessed

Lisa was previously featured in a blog post, which you can read here: Meet Lisa of Evolving 50. I love the addition of a beautiful scarf to add some color to a classic trench coat! Lisa got her fun umbrella in Nancy, France last year. Hunter boots are always trendy and come in many colors! If you aren’t already following Lisa, you’ll want to give her a follow on Instagram: evolving.50

SHOP SIMILAR RAIN WEAR

This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.

Let’s Chat

Do you consider rain wear stylish and fun? If you hadn’t really thought about it like myself, I hope I’ve changed your mind! Leave us a comment! We always love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback!

Let’s Get Social

Let’s get social! Follow us on Instagram: (HERE) and Facebook (HERE) Subscribe to YouTube (HERE)