Right as Rain | Waterproof Attire

Crop of "Golconda" by René Magritte (1953)

It’s raining; it’s pouring! Does your rain gear get people snoring? Manhattan on a cold and rainy gray day is unbearable. Who wants a generic black Duane Reade umbrella contributing to the gloom?

Sofrap Black Casquette | $95

If the sun refuses to shine, try brightening up the sidewalks with some untraditional waterproof accessories. Strategic pops of bold color in durable nylons and rubber convey a stylish and playful attitude that will make you feel like Gene Kelly in “Singin’ In the Rain.”

Rain or Shine is a one of kind umbrella specialty shop located on 45th Street, which boasts to be the only store of its kind in the world. The parasol superstore carries an amazing variety of shapes, finishes and sizes. Recognizable brands like Doppler, Sofrap and Pierre Vaux ensure unparalleled craftsmanship and exquisite detailing right down to the handle.

Folding Kiku | $40

Some personal favorites include the stunning Sofrap — Black Casquette, which is ingeniously constructed with a longer back providing more protection form crazy side winds. The umbrella’s artistic design is further accentuated with colorful piping in basic red, green, blue and yellow, contrasting against the black surface. The whimsical yet masculine Marimekko Folding Kiku in red borrows heavily from Japanese inspired block prints, reminiscent of shoguns and urban geishas. Rain or Shine’s unique designs will appeal to a wide range of individual styles and personalities–a perfect solution for those rainy day doldrums!

Tretorn: Bergart Leather | $150

Protecting your manicured coif and lamb’s wool sweater is only half the battle on the mission to stay dry. Dirty puddles equal wet socks that, when worn all day at the office, have a tendency go foul. Luckily, rubber galoshes and rain boots have evolved beyond the bright yellow booties, which are best saved for grades K-5. More age-appropriate footwear is fully functional in snow and rain, yet stylish enough to be worn indoors with a pair of jeans. Swedish company Tretorn is notorious for quality rubber-made products. Noteworthy, the Bergart Leather is a neutral outdoorsy boot perfect for braving the elements outside and in. The oiled leather, partially lined wool and neutral color ads understated yet masculine details. Tretorn is available online and at their local retail location at 150 Spring Street.

Hunter Festival Boot | $210

The better-known option (and classic hipster staple) is, hands down, English boot company Hunter. Though not exactly cutting edge in terms of design or originality Hunter has earned its king-like status in the all-weather boot category and is featured almost exclusively on the L train. The Original Lace is a mid-calf boot constructed in vulcanized rubber. The front lace detail and selection of fun colors make this boot stand out in a playful way. My absolute favorite has to be the Festival boot in black. This Limited Edition boot with upper metalwork details is rugged and sexy, subtly hinting at Tom of Finland drawings.

LaCrosse ZXT Knee Boot | $66.95

Another company worth mentioning is LaCrosse. Completely utilitarian fashion is sacked in favor of function, which makes these butch boots totally hot. The ZXT 16-inch knee boot isn’t going to let anything through with 100% waterproof construction and slip resistant soles; you can safely walk across those treacherous subway grates without even the slightest stumble.

It’s true that in everybody’s life a little rain must fall, but these wet days no longer need to ruin your week. Take to the streets with these fun accessories that will brighten up even the dreariest of days.

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