Elegance in the Rain: Style Tips for Navigating Summer Showers
While summer often evokes thoughts of sun-drenched days and clear skies, it is equally marked by sudden downpours, fleeting showers, and atmospheric unpredictability. For the well-dressed individual, preparation is not merely practical, it is an extension of personal style. In this regard, the umbrella becomes more than a shield; it is an accessory of quiet authority and understated elegance.
At Bucklesbury, where refinement meets function, we believe the summer rain need not dampen one’s sartorial standards. Below, we present a considered guide to mastering style in the rain-soaked months ahead.
1. Choose the Right Umbrella
The umbrella is often an afterthought, hurriedly purchased and easily forgotten. Yet, in the modern gentleman’s or gentlewoman’s wardrobe, it holds the same importance as a pair of well-polished shoes or a tailored coat.
Canopy Size and Material: A compact canopy is often sufficient for summer rain, which tends to be brief but sudden. Bucklesbury umbrellas offer a perfect balance: ample coverage without unnecessary bulk. Look for quick-drying materials with a matte finish for a polished appearance even when wet.
Handle and Shaft: The handle should sit comfortably in the hand and speak to craftsmanship. A curved, wooden handle offers classic charm, while a straight or rubberised handle may suit a more contemporary look. Metal shafts add strength but should remain lightweight.
Colour and Pattern: Summer wardrobes lean toward lighter tones and breathable fabrics. Opt for a classic colour palette in your umbrella—navy, slate grey, forest green, or Bucklesbury’s signature orange—to complement summer tailoring without clashing. Patterns, if any, should be subtle and purposeful.
2. Fabrics that Withstand the Rain
Summer rain demands more from fabric than simply breathability—it must also resist clinging and wrinkling. Cotton-synthetic blends, high-twist wool, and technical outer layers offer resilience without sacrificing refinement.
Shirts and Trousers: Lightweight poplin shirts maintain structure even in humidity. For trousers, tropical wool provides an elegant drape and quick drying. Avoid linen on wet days, as its natural charm lies in wrinkles that rain can exaggerate.
Jackets: Consider an unlined, water-resistant blazer or trench. Waxed cotton offers heritage appeal, while modern waterproof membranes blend seamlessly into minimalist tailoring.
3. Footwear That Performs
Footwear in summer rain must strike a balance between protection and breathability. Leather remains timeless, but rubber soles offer welcome traction on wet pavements.
Loafers and Brogues: Choose pairs with a storm welt or rubberised sole. Avoid suede unless properly treated. Penny loafers in polished leather are versatile enough for both office and casual engagements.
Boots: A low-heeled ankle boot in smooth calf leather pairs well with everything from tailored trousers to midi dresses, offering practicality without compromising poise.
4. The Role of Accessories
The discerning dresser knows that accessories complete a look and in the rain, they are far from ornamental.
Umbrella Coordination: Coordinate your umbrella with your outerwear or footwear, not your shirt or tie. The goal is cohesion, not exactness.
Rain Hats and Scarves: A classic Panama hat treated for water resistance or a structured cotton bucket hat can shield hair without creating bulk. A silk-blend scarf adds a layer of comfort when temperatures dip post-shower.
Bags and Briefcases: Leather goods should be treated with a rain protectant. Bucklesbury’s Laptop Bags and Backpacks are designed with durability in mind, allowing the professional to move through the city unfazed.
Carrying an umbrella is as much about etiquette as it is about practicality. One should never block doorways while shaking off water. When collapsing a wet umbrella, do so discreetly and avoid placing it directly on furniture or polished floors. A small courtesy, but one that upholds a sense of civility even in soggy circumstances.
Rain, particularly in summer, is no reason to compromise on appearance. It is an opportunity perhaps even a quiet invitation to showcase elegance in adversity. With a thoughtfully chosen umbrella and garments that balance structure with adaptability, one moves not just through the storm, but above it.
Bucklesbury believes that beauty lies in the details, and that style is not seasonal it is perennial.
Let the rain fall. You’re prepared...