You won’t be an April fool in this rainwear

They say that April brings showers … and we say “bring it on”!

You will, too, when you see the dashing rainwear that’s in style right now.

They also say that April showers bring May flowers, and this season that’s certainly true fashion-wise.

You’ll see what we mean as we feature the latest in coats, hats and rain-related gear. It’s all right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.

Nordstrom.com Get trenched! From Perry Ellis.

Get trenched
The classic trench coat is one piece you must own this spring — for rainy days, sunny days and everything in between. It’s always a classic, but it’s hotter than hot right now. If you want to make the investment, you can’t go wrong with a beautifully tailored double-breasted trench in a neutral color such as beige, ivory or black. On the other hand, there are so many affordable trench coats available right now in gorgeous colors and patterns that it’s hard to resist going for the fashion punch of a new spring coat in your favorite color.

Trend Tip:
We love the spring trench coats in a multitude of colors from Perry Ellis (shown here, $118), from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, London Fog, Lacoste, Calvin Klein and more.

Macys.com Say it with flowers.

May flowers
You’ve got the April showers part down. Now it’s time for the second part of the red hot rainwear trend — flowers! A brightly colored floral-print coat is a cheery way to pop some style into your wardrobe (and, of course, keep you dry). Your print may be vintage-inspired in tones of pink, green, blue or lilac, or you may prefer eye-popping op-art prints in boldly contrasting colors. Like the trench coat, this style looks chic in a length that hovers around the knee.

Trend Tip:
You will find floral-print coats at all price points. Check out Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s for a huge selection; Nordstrom.com and Nine West also have some super styles.

Vivre.com Colorful twist on a classic.

City slickers
Each year, there’s always a new twist on the traditional slicker and classic mackintosh styles. This season, the rubberized or nylon neon yellow slicker has been updated in a short cape style, thanks to rainwear specialist Burberry. As for the mackintosh, it’s always a winner for all ages, whether worn in a neutral or trendy color (turquoise yellow, orange and green are hot right now). Plus, the rubberized cotton fabric and easy button-front style is a flattering choice for most body types.

Trend Tip:
We love the slickers you can find at Target and from Michael Kors. As for the mackintosh, you can find great floral examples at Saks Fifth Avenue and fun solids at Vivre.com, including pink or orange. Or check out interesting interpretations from DKNY Outerwear.

SaksFifthAvenue.com Cap it off. From Burberry.

Hats off
The bucket hat you wore as a child has come around again A case in point: the pink check Burberry bucket shown here was seen on a recent episode of “Desperate Housewives” (and is this week’s “gotta have it” celebrity-inspired trend). Get a hat to match your coat, of course, but you can also pick up a few more in fun prints to add a splash to your wardrobe. Brim up or brim down? You decide!

Trend Tip:
Major department stores often have their own labels, offering more affordable versions of a trend. You’ll find fun bucket hats in floral patterns from Charter Club at Macy’s. If you prefer a more classic look, companies like L.L. Bean and Lands’ End have been making all sorts of bucket hats and rain hats for years. And if you want your own customized creation, surf right on over to Lids.com, where celebs like Kirsten Dunst design and order their own one-of-a-kind creations (and you can too!).

target.com Floral footnote: From Target.

Boot up
Remember those incredibly unattractive “galoshes” your mother used to make you wear? They’ve gone by the wayside, thank goodness, but you can still jump in puddles to your heart’s content with a pair of trendy rain boots. These pull-on rubber protectors are a must-have for spring — the more outrageous the better! You'll find rain boots in every color and pattern, from chic designer versions to wild and whimsical patterns at great prices. Wear them to battle the elements on your way to work, or even all day with jeans if you want to go really casual.

Trend Tip:
At $19.99 a pair, there’s no excuse for not picking up these darling rose-printed rain boots from Target. (There are lots of patterns from which to choose). You’ll also find wonderful rain boots from Kiss My Feet and Tamara Henriques, oliveandbettes.com, Polo by Ralph Lauren and Burberry.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

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

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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