Let it rain: come rain? Come shine. Don't let a little water dampen your energy, your mood or your appearance. Great raingear lifts the spirits and encourages an active life

Natural Health, March, 2004 by Elizabeth Barker

TO FIND JOY in the gray gloom of precipitation, look to the poets, "Let the rain kiss you," Langston Hughes suggests. "Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops." Dwellers of perpetually soggy cities like Seattle and New Orleans take Hughes' words to heart. "Our bodies are drip-dry," says Wendy Bumgardner, Portland, Ore.-based marathon coach and about.com walking columnist. "We're not going to melt in the rain."

Adopting that sprinkle-embracing spirit can enrich your physical and mental well-being. "When it's raining, one tends to stay inside and be less physically active," says Robert Thayer, Ph.D., professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach. "But if you dress adequately to go out in the rain, a brisk walk can very effectively raise your energy." Our splashy selection of jackets, boots and umbrellas will have you singing and dancing in drizzles and downpours alike.

take cover

To keep those raindrops from falling on your head, find shelter with a waterproof hat and broad umbrella. "A rain hat may be a better option on windier days, since you won't have to worry about your umbrella becoming inverted," says Bumgardner. If your favorite hat isn't waterproof, spray the surface with a water-repellant fabric treatment such as Scotchgard.

For a classic look, match a plaid umbrella with a traditional khaki raincoat and bucket-style hat. Raincoat by Jones New York, denim hat by Steve Madden, umbrella by Tropical Shade.

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liquid sunshine

Adding a burst of brightness to your wetwear performs a double duty: The vibrant colors contrast with the cloudy skies while helping to keep you safe. "Drivers won't expect you to be out walking in the rain, so you have to take extra precautions," says Bumgardner. "Wear bright or reflective clothing, and try to make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street."

Get eye-catching coverage witch a cheery mix of yellow, blue, red and green. Rain poncho by Stearns, top by Ideology, tights by Urban Outfitters, boots by Smith & Hawken, umbrella by S. Frankford Umbrella Co.

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high & dry

The right jacket can make all the difference between finding misery or merriment under stormy skies. Avoid getting soggy by covering up in outerwear that's labeled "waterproof," not just "water-resistant." Waterproof gear features a protective film both inside and outside the garment, safeguarding against that soaked-to-the-bone sensation.

Waterproof and wind-resistant, these hooded jackets are made with breathable fabric for maximum comfort. Moss Koven jacket by Cloudveil, khaki pants by Dockers, PreCip jacket by Marmot.

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happy feet

When splashing through puddles, keep your toes toasty and dry with rubber boots that seal out water. But first, pull on socks made of wicking fabric like ThermaStat or Thermalite. Reserve your snuggly cottons for post-walk lounging: Cotton socks hold rain and sweat next to your skin, making you more prone to blisters.

Even if it's raining cats and dogs, you can take your Dalmation for a drizzly stroll in Urban Outfitters' 100-percent-rubber rain boots, Calvin Klein top, Ideology pants, and breathable, mesh-lined deck jacket by Land's End. Umbrella by S. Frankford Umbrella Co.

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clear forecast

Staying smart in a shower requires inspiration, imagination and--most important--a broad, fail-proof umbrella. Carry one in a bubble style, made with a dome shape that completely shields your head and shoulders. A clear plastic canopy allows for better visibility and head-high sidewalk strutting.

With no distracting color or pattern, S. Frankford's bubble brolly keeps all eyes focused on Casch Copenhagen's luxurious ivory trench coat and Nine West's patent leather boots with traction soles. For an elegant flash of color, add a knit scarf by Echo.

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