Stylish rainwear for the whole family
April showers may bring May flowers - but you still want to stay dry if you're caught in one. And you can look good while you're at it, as "Early Show" style contributor Katrina Szish proved Friday.
She hosted a fashion show, with models wearing attractive rainwear for the entire family -- moms, dads, kids -- even pets!
Szish says rain gear doesn't have to be boring - a case of limited options, same-old same-old. "Your outfit doesn't have to mimic weather," she says, "And your rain gear can still boost your mood with colors, patterns, etc. -- and there are lots of new options." The models she used to demonstrate that; Maggie and Brady:
Maggie
Right on trend with this military-inspired, water resistant treated nylon jacket.
You don't have to sacrifice style.
Paired with great cross body nylon bag that comes with an umbrella... a convenient go-to rainy day bag that will protect its contents
Even your rain boots can still have an edge... studded rocker inspired boot is perfect for cool college student.
- Hurley Combat Winchester YC Slicker Jacket, $69, www.zappos.com
- Tyler Rodan Boeing Crossbody Bag, $55, www.zappos.com
- Hunter Black Festival 2010 Boots, $180, www.zappos.com
Brady
Brady just turned 4 years old
Rainy days don't get kids down as much as grownups... they love to splash in the puddles... so we're keeping it fun and pattered
Let kids be kids... they can get away with patterns and something cute
Almost like they're wearing a toy or getting to play dress-up a bit... so they'll look forward to wearing this
Love the lining... it's super soft terry cloth... almost like being wrapped in a towel inside jacket
- Hatley Kids Game Fish Raincoat $49, www.zappos.com
- Hatley Kids Robots Raincoat $49, www.zappos.com
- Western Chief Yellow/Red Kids Firechief Rainboots, $27, www.zappos.com
Raincoats, Szish says, don't need to be made our of plastic to keep you dry. "Today is all about nice, natural, breathable fabrics," she says, "and they don't have to be dull and dreary colors. They can still be bright and fun, like with Blair." The models: Blair and - Rocky - a pooch!
Blair
Bright cheery red color
Treated cotton so it still protects you from the elements but looks like a classic clean duffle coat
Complete with toggle closures
Boots are a contrasting color with little heel and fun bow detail
Umbrella is graphic pattern that adds to the whimsy of all the fun details
- Boden Poppy Red Rainyday Duffle, $148.00 $148, www.bodenusa.com
- Kate Spade Umbrella, $75, www.zappos.com
- Kate Spade Black and Red Shiny Randi Boots, $125, www.zappos.com
Rocky
No one wants a soggy doggy
Reversible coat for two color options if you want to coordinate with the dog in your life
Rockport Yellow and Red Reversible Raincoat, $55, www.trixieandpeanut.com
Rocky is a five-year-old hound mix. He is available for adoption through Animal Care & Control of NYC.
With all the new materials and styles - what about classics?!
Model: Jackie
Jackie
Classic trench coat is always an appropriate option
This season we are seeing a lot of re-interpretations of the trench... different colors or shapes
We've got the classics re-interpreted on Jackie
This is a modified trench inspired cape... Channeling Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O
Very classic and elegant
She also has my two favorite accessories both by Hunter... the maker of classic wellies... but they recently introduced these waterproof ballet flats and tote bags
Bottom line, the classic trench is always a safe go-to for men or women
- Zara Stone Studio Gaberdine Cape, $129, Zara stores nationwide
- Hunter Coral Short Original Rubber Tote, $175, www.bloomingdales.com
- Hunter Sand Turks Rubber Ballerina Flats, $95, www.bloomingdales.com
For men, are there other fashionable or classic options other than the trench?! "There are many casual, sporty, inspired looks for men today<" Szish says, "but also still sophisticated and not messy or sloppy."
Brant
Classic trench is always an options, but why not try something a bit more current?
Treated cotton... so it's water resistant but also breaths
- Lands' End Canvas True Navy Men's Rain Parka, $90, www.landsendcanvas.com
- Lands' End Canvas True Navy Nautical Button Shoulder Sweater, $30, www.landsendcanvas.com
- Lands' End Canvas Khaki Slim Fit Chinos, $40, www.landsendcanvas.com
- Hunter Bormio Rubber Combat Boot, $150, www.neimanmarcus.com
Amy
Amy is 6 years old
'60s-inspired floral raincoat
Even with all the April showers... we've still got the promise of May flowers on Amy's waterproof patterned jacket
- London Fog Flower Patent Raincoat, $60, www.macys.com
- Mini Boden Buttercup Daisy Dress, $44, www.bodenusa.com
- Tretorn Kids Pink and Navy Jolly Boots, $40, www.zappos.com