Umbrellas, Raincoats & Boots - Oh My!
by Scott Miller
When it comes to rainy weather, it's best to be prepared. The three essential items to own for a rainy day include an umbrella, a quality pair of rain boots and a raincoat. Don't let these items scare you in terms of style because, in recent years, manufacturers have created these items more in terms of accessories than overbearing and clunky.
When it comes to an umbrella, you will have plenty of choices. If you need a regular umbrella, they are plentiful. If you need a compact design that is small enough to fit inside of your purse or coat pocket, you are in luck. Modern umbrellas are often smaller than a standard ruler and yet they expand to become full size when opened. Although you can find an umbrella in practically every color of the rainbow, you can never go wrong with classic black. Additionally, this will be easily matched with a raincoat and boots.
When shopping for a raincoat, you will need to decide what length you prefer. Just like any other coat, raincoats are available in either long or short designs. A quality fabric will repel the water as it rolls off in beads and never has the opportunity to reach your clothing. In order to keep your raincoat clean, you will want to choose one with easy care instructions for added convenience. A fabric that is both machine wash and dry will allow you to maintain the coats appearance while enjoying the convenience of repelling the rain.
If you are in the market for a pair of rain boots, you will find an array of styles and colors at almost any shoe store. What you ultimately choose will be determined by the best fit for your foot. When shopping for shoes, comfort is the most important aspect. Without it, you will never wear the shoe and will miss out on its benefits. When selecting rain boots, try them on with the type of socks that you most frequently wear. Rain is slippery and you will want to make sure that your new rain boots have a quality tread to help you remain upright when walking through the mud or other slippery surface. Before wearing your new boots outside, wear them for an hour or two inside of your home. This will give them some break-in time and will give you the opportunity to determine whether or not they will remain comfortable after continuous wear.
Because you cannot always go by sizes, it may be a good idea to try on several styles and sizes in order to find the best fit.
Just because it's raining outside doesn't mean that you have to compromise style. If you take the time to shop around and coordinate your color choices, you will be stepping out in style even if you are stepping out into the rain.
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