Rainy Day, Dream Away

We’ve been getting frequent combinations of ice, snow, and rain here in Washington, DC which makes staying fashionable rather difficult. When it’s this cold and wet outside, more often than not form takes a back seat to function. However, braving nasty weather is always easier when you have a great pair of boots to trudge around in and well, show off. I’ve gotten great use out of my Hunter boots for a few years now but I’ve found them to be heavier and clunkier than I would like. I'm not sure if it's because I have the earlier model but they’re also rather loose around my shins. So while they’ve dutifully done their job of keeping my feet and the lower half of my legs dry, I’ve never been particularly thrilled with them. Here are a few boots I’ve been eyeing to replace them:

From the master and pioneer of rainwear, Burberry never fails to deliver stylish and functional rain boots. I love the elegant, equestrian style and buckle detailing of the first two pairs, Belted Equestrian Rain Boots ($350) and Belted Equestrian Rain Boots ($375). I’m already picturing these with knee high socks, black wool tights, or over a pair or black ponte pants. The third pair, Stud Detail Belted Rain Boots ($425), would probably get less wear but they're fabulous because they redefine the idea of how rain boots “should” look. Burberry studding is always selectively placed and brings a certain edginess to their pieces without making it seem like something you would have found at Hot Topic.

While I’m not crazy about the plaque that says 'HILLFIGER' on the buckle detailing of these Tommy Hilfiger Coree Rain Boots ($79), they’re stylish and continue the trend of the riding boot style without the expensive price tag you’ll find with designer labels.

These boots come in five different color combinations including black, black/tan (pictured), black/blue, navy/hot pink, and navy/red. The majority of rain boots I’ve come across have been in solid colors so the two-tone combinations are a fun and welcome change.

Who says rain boots have to be flat? Kate Spade doesn’t seem to think so. While I appreciate the freedom of being able to skip around in flat shoes, I love heels so these reimagined Kate Spade New York Romi Rain Boots ($150) are right up my alley. They’re feminine and girly without looking like you stole your daughter or niece’s boots. They’re available in black as well, but this candy red will definitely brighten up any rainy day.