By Trendspotting

Put those rainy day blues on the shelf, kick those dingy Uggs to the curb and embrace the soupy days of spring. There won’t be any reason to stay indoors thanks to this season’s must-have rainy day apparel that will allow you to step out and dodge those drops in style. 

Forget ugly, chunky practical rain boots because this season rubber boots or “Wellingtons,” as they’re sometimes called, aren’t just for kids anymore. These boots were invented by Arthur Wellsley, First Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. The boots were an invention that kept feet warm and dry in the mud and rain of Belgium. The boots have come a long way from their original form. Designers such as Marc Jacobs are showing these trendy, yet practical trends in their new lines. Bright, colorful patterned boots can dress up any drab sweatshirt and jeans while shielding the rain. For those who prefer a more classic look, a checked boot from Burberry might be right up the alley. Tall pink floral paisley and leopard print boots with a pink rubber trim and sole, from Jeffery Campbell, are so cute and flashy you’ll want to wear them even without puddles. They are available at shoes.com for $55. Cheaper versions of this head turner can be found at Payless for less than $25. Wellieart.com offers a wide variety of footwear for puddle stomping so artsy it should be hanging on your wall.

After you have found the perfect boot, all you need to know now is how to wear it with style. Tuck your pants into the boots or cuff them just above the top of the boot for an ever-so-chic look, not to mention, it’ll keep your pants dry as a bone on those long walks to class.

Many girls on campus are embracing the practicality of this new trend.

“These boots are extremely fashionable, and are a great way to look cute in the rain,” Gina Rose Avveniri, a sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, said. “Who says you can’t look your best when it’s the worst outside.”

Not everyone agrees.

“I don’t like it when I see girls wearing those ugly plastic bright colored rain boots,” Jackie Daly, a sophomore psychology major said. “I really think they are unattractive.”

However, his season’s must have list doesn’t stop at boots. Gap has a multitude of vinyl rain proof items this season. They offer everything from a plaid rain jacket to all sorts of bags to keep out the April showers. You can be a match set in Gap’s vinyl rain jacket tote and mini hobo bag which come in white, black, yellow or pink. Don’t even think about putting on one of those hideous, clear plastic bonnets, the kind your Grandma wears, because Gap also has a vinyl crusher hat to protect that coif, available in pink, sage green, blue and black, for around $16.50.

For those who feel the boots may be a bit too dramatic, try Gap’s vinyl slides in all colors. Also, spice up your rainy day style with a cute umbrella which can turn the conventional sea of black from dismal to cheerful. There are many versions of this useful accessory, so you’ll have to shop around. There’s a huge difference between the $5 umbrella sold on the street corner and the $110 lightweight Burberry umbrella. Also, polka dots or Pucci print can brighten any day and will keep you sitting pretty and dry among the drown rats.

Rainy days bring fun fashion choices, just because it’s gloomy outside, doesn’t mean your attire has to be. So this season pay tribute to Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds and grab a stylish umbrella, slip on some adorable rubber boots and playful rain tote, and start singing in the rain.

The Gap offers a bright, plaid rain jacket that would make anyone look pretty, even in the rain. (Image courtesy gap.com)