You'll be singing about this great rainwear!

Most of us don't feel like bursting into a rendition of "Singin' in the Rain" when the spring sky turns gray. Fortunately, though, this season is buzzing with colorful raincoats, accessories, shoes and umbrellas, creating wonderfully chic and fun looks that make bearing the elements a little bit easier.

THE STYLES

In the trenches
The trench coat has always been a leader in rainwear, but this season’s models are particularly winning. This oh-so-classic and ever popular style has a slimmer silhouette this spring and hits right around the knee or in a three-quarter length. Colors and patterns are yours for the choosing. Look for brights or pastels - pink, yellow, lavender, blue, green and orange -- as well as white or combinations of black and white. Patterns add pizzazz to any coat. The most popular are florals, polka dots, vintage Pucci or trendy paint splattered designs. Details on trenches have chic twists such as tweed, fringed trims or big buttons. For accessories, pull out all the stops with a floral or bright colored hat, umbrella or boots. Want a ladylike look? Go for loads of pearls (to wear outside a trench), an umbrella with a bamboo handle and a pretty, colorful patterned scarf tied around the neck.

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Luck be a lady
Spring is also about ladylike styles, which are fitted, knee length and A-line or classic cuts, such as three-quarter length car coats with detailing such as white trim on a khaki-colored coat or paired with soft pink, lavender or blue. Classic accessories include a bucket hat style and a structured solid-colored tote in a water resistant fabric.

The British (men) are coming
Men's styles reflect classic British tailoring, narrower in the shoulders and with slimmer silhouettes. Wider shoulders in trenches are gone and hemlines have risen to knee-length. Neutrals are always in, but men's coats are pushing color -- red, light blue -- as well as patterns like tartans, paisleys or stripes. Sporty guys can opt for driving jackets, falling just below the hip, with or without a belt.

Instant update
If you've already invested in a well-made classic raincoat, add a little punch with accessories in bright colors. An old-school khaki trench is instantly jazzed up with a bright hat or floral umbrella.

TIPS FOR STYLE AND FIT

The same rules you would apply to other items in your wardrobe also apply to rainwear and associated accessories. For example, if you don't look good in belted dresses, then rule out the belted trench. If you're in a job with a dress code or a position of power, forego the orange patent boots. To choose the perfect style and fit for you, here are some guidelines:

• When trying on a coat, consider which garments you will typically wear underneath it. If your area is colder during the rainy season, you may want to bring along a sweater or jacket to ensure you have enough room to move around comfortably. For warmer climates, stay away from non-breathable fabrics.
• Consider the type of weather you'll be facing, such as heavy or mild rain, and your lifestyle. For example, business people wearing suits in heavy rain can choose a knee-length coat for the best protection, while more casual lifestyles and lighter rain are better suited to shorter, sportier styles.

• Always keep a spare umbrella and a packable raincoat in your car or office.
• Let your wet raincoat air dry naturally on a coat hanger before putting away.
• For heavy-rain areas, check that seams are heat-sealed. This ensures the coat is waterproof, not just water-resistant. (Rubber or Goretex materials are waterproof if the seams are heat-sealed).
• Treat all of your shoes periodically with a water-repellent spray that is non-silicone based. Available at your local shoe cobbler or leather store, this treatment will greatly improve the chances of your shoes still looking good, should you happen to get caught in the rain.
• When leather shoes do get wet, let them air dry naturally away from any heat source. Once dry, leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility.
• Always read the care instructions - and follow them!
• If the coat is dry-cleanable, always do so before storing.

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering fashion for the past decade. You can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

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