Beating those rainy day blues: What to wear on rainy days

Picture this: You’re sitting in your dorm or apartment about to leave for class, and it’s seems like a sunny day in Gainesville. Then, it comes out of nowhere; looming, grey clouds quickly approach and take over as Gainesville’s weather shows its bipolar tendencies yet again. The irregular fall weather can understandably be annoying, and it may be easy to simply throw on a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and flip-flops in your frustration. But don’t let the rainy weather get you down! We collegiettes can still be fashionable for class, even if Mother Nature insists on showering us with monsoon-like downpours. Here are some tips and ideas that are sure to make you stand out on those dreadful rainy days:

1. Try a Bright Jacket 
Nothing quite makes a statement like a bright colored or patterned raincoat or jacket. Whether it’s a busy floral pattern or a bold yellow one like the jacket pictured above, you’ll undoubtedly stand out among the sea of boring raincoats on campus. If you take this route, pair it with a subdued dress or dark leggings and rain boots. Here are some options for this type of outfit if you’re stuck and don’t know where to start looking: 
http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-supply-co-junior-s-anorak-rain-coat-pink-floral-print/-/A-14535708#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=rain+jacket 
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&ProductID=2075254470&VariantID= http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/coat/Women/Active-Outdoor/Ripstop-Windbreaker-with-Hood-115756514.aspx

2. Go for Patterned Leggings 
These chic and trendy variations of leggings are popping up in stores everywhere. They’re a funky, new way to make a bold statement but only if your outfit is executed the right way. Patterned leggings must be paired with a subtle top that doesn’t compete too much with the leggings. My personal favorite is wearing tribal print leggings with an oversized, solid-colored sweater or even a military green jacket like the one pictured above! Start your search for these items here: 
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25565730&parentid=W_APP_PANTS 
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_leggings&ProductID=2076046194&VariantID= 
http://www.tillys.com/tillys/variants.aspx?prod=222706531&ctlg=020_Girls&cid=1066&source=1&size=

3. It’s all about the boots 
The worst part about unpredictable rainy days is having soaking wet, muddy feet while walking around campus. This slippery mess can be easily avoided with some durable, yet stylish boots. This doesn’t strictly require the infamous Hunter brand rain boots, though they’re totally all the rage at the moment. There are cheaper alternatives to these at places like Target and Aldo. Combat boots are another fashionable option for avoiding those treacherous rain puddles in Turlington. Here are a few websites to browse for cute boots: 
http://usa.hunter-boot.com/product/original-tall-gloss-rain-boots 
http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-supply-co-khalea-trooper-boot-stone/-/A-14518763#prodSlot=large_1_1 
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/mid-boots/97532440-barbro/62&flagid=f13rain

4. Look for a Cute Head Wrap 
The next worst thing about rainy days, second to wet feet, is the unavoidable frizzy hair. Though Florida is already humid as it is, the rain truly brings out the afro in all of us. The best and most trendy way to hide those flyaways is with a chic head wrap. These look best when your hair is in a messy but put-together bun. Head wraps can be cheap at stores like Forever 21 or Pac Sun or expensive for the more detailed, intricate ones at stores like Urban Outfitters. Check out these websites for some affordable choices: 
http://www.tillys.com/tillys/variants.aspx?prod=202865300&ctlg=020_Girls&cid=1097&source=1&size= 
http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-hair-accessories-headbands-turbans/ 
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=hair-accessories-headwraps&ProductID=1040757801&VariantID=

Instead of dreading the day when your phone’s weather app shows a 60 percent chance of rain all afternoon, see it as an opportunity to express your fashion sense in new ways. These aforementioned style tips will surely allow you to make a fashion-forward statement when everyone else on campus has the rainy day blues.

• fashion
• rain boots
• Rainy Day
• Rainy Day Fashion
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• uf style