This week’s forecast called for rain, and plenty of it. This caused dread in me for two reasons. The first, the crowded bus stop outside my office that would be even more crowded with the addition of umbrellas, was out of my control. The second reason was that, as a short lady, even the slightest drizzle causes problems for my wardrobe. Thankfully, I’ve had time to develop a few rules for looking chic in dismal weather:

Rule 1: Dresses and Skirts!

The most obvious problem of a rainy day is that I can guarantee wearing pants will result in soaked fabric at least as high as my shins. So, I’ve stopped trying. When I see rain on the weather report, I reach for a skirt or a dress. It’s best to go with a machine-washable fabric, because you’ll still likely have to clean it immediately. My trusty Boden Libby dress is the go-to for inclement weather. I love it so much I have it in solid AND stripes. Here it is in action via #outfitselfie:

Dress: Boden | Scarf: Nordstrom [similar] | Boots: Fitzwell

The thick ponte knit is surprisingly warm, but has enough stretch that it’s totally comfortable. The sleeves are a very versatile elbow length, which makes them appropriate in every season. (And in DC, that is important, because it rains four seasons a year.)

Rule 2: Boots, Boots, Boots.

This should be no-brainer, but you need to get you some good weatherproof boots. These do NOT have to be rubber rain boots – I don’t own anything of the sort – but simply boots that can stand up to the rain without getting spots or warping. I don’t know about you, but my calves are slightly [read: considerably] thicker than the average boot circumference, so I’ve had quite a bit of trial and error in finding tall boots that won’t suffocate me at the knee. I’ve had success with two brands: Duo and Fitzwell. Duo, an incredible British company that lets you order your boots custom-fit (!), has gotten lots of love on this blog in the past. I will always continue to recommend them.

Fitzwell does not have the made-to-measure benefit, but they’ve got a great selection of extended-calf boots and they’re widely available on 6pm.com (Zappos.com’s outlet sibling). If I wore black, I’d snap up this gorgeous low-heel pair, and I own the Stella boots pictured below (and, actually, above!):

Stella boot | Fitzwell

While not explicitly listed as being water-resistant, the synthetic leather has proven to be a very good soldier in the battle against the rain. I pretty much exclusively wear these boots in precipitation.

Rule 3: A Great-Fitting, Great-Looking Raincoat

You’re going to have to wear it, so you might as well get one that makes you look fabulous. Here’s mine, shown in split-screen from another rainy day #outfitselfie:

Trench: Banana Republic [similar] | Dress: Boden [similar] | Boots: Franco Sarto

That trench was purchased using a Black Friday discount a few years back at Banana Republic, and it has served me well. I’m also a fan of the subtle flash of this flared trench currently for sale at BR and the bright colors of this Boden mackintosh. While it doesn’t come in petite sizes, I’m also completely drawn to the style of this peacoat trench sold at J. Crew.

Rule 4: Pop of Color

Whenever the sky is gray, I make a point of wearing bright, bold colors to remind myself what spring looks like. I wore this dress the other day when the forecast was rain and more rain, and it kept my spirits high (and there are those boots again!):

Dress: French Connection [similar] | Boots: Fitzwell

Bright colors don’t have to be the full look, though – you can bring it in using a scarf or jewelry, for example. I love the bright red pattern in this scarf from Madewell, and the pink and mint stones in this necklace from J. Crew would absolutely finish an outfit.

And, because this post calls for it: